Long lines outside Ottawa stores as non-essential retail opens in Step 1
Shoppers were greeted by long lines outside stores across Ottawa on Friday, as non-essential retailers opened their doors for in-person shopping for the first time in nine weeks.
"It's exciting, to be cooped up for so long and to finally be able to go out safely," said one shopper. "Everyone is very respectful, everyone is very nice."
Long lines were reported at stores across the city, with people looking to buy summer clothing and other items following the stay-at-home order. Some shoppers told CTV News Ottawa they spent over an hour waiting in line to shop.
"We expected it. We set our alarms this morning to be here on time," said one shopper. "I think we waited about an hour, hour and a half at the first store."
Another shopper said they were shopping, "just to feel normal, have the freedom."
Under Ontario's Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen plan, non-essential businesses are allowed to open at 15 per cent capacity. Essential retailers are allowed to open at 25 per cent capacity, including discount and big box stores.
At Tanger Outlets in Ottawa's west-end, dozens of people stood in line outside several stores, including Under Armour, Roots and Aerie.
At South Keys, there were long lines outside both the Winners and HomeSense Stores Friday morning.
Non-essential retailers have been closed since April 8, when Ontario imposed a stay-at-home order in a bid to limit the spread of COVID-19.
At Kunstadt Sports, employees were welcoming patrons back.
"We’ve had tons of people coming in looking for new rackets, getting them strung up, couple biked dropped off as well," said Erik Dinardo, manager of Kunstadt Sports. "We expect it will be even more tomorrow heading into the weekend as well."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
New analysis of Beethoven's hair reveals possible cause of mysterious ailments, scientists say
High levels of lead detected in authenticated locks of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair suggest that the composer had lead poisoning, which may have contributed to ailments he endured over the course of his life, including deafness, according to new research.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.