Somerset Street restaurants get more space to set up patios on weekends
Bars and restaurants have taken over a section of Somerset Street West this summer once again.
From Thursday to Sunday, the stretch of Somerset Street from Bank to O’Connor streets turns into a one-way street during the day. But by 5 p.m. and well into the night, the road is closed to all vehicles to provide more patio space.
"If it gives more room for patios and businesses are able to have more people than I think it’s great," said one Somerset Village resident.
The weekend street closure follows last year's successful trial run, the initiative to give businesses a boost is making a comeback.
"Last summer was the pilot project and it went really well. Adding Thursday is huge for small businesses," Matt Loudon, owner of Prohibition House and a main driver of the pilot project.
Somerset councillor Catherine McKenney hope to make it a permanent summertime fixture.
"I’ve received minimal amount of concern," McKenney said. "The BIA's are seeing the benefits of it."
"It’s not a big deal, there’s enough side streets in Ottawa to make your way around," said one motorist about the closed off road.
After a year of pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic, Somerset Village business owners are more than ready to continue the momentum.
"It feels great to be off the couch, back at work," said Mark Ghali, co-owner of Arlo. "We served about 200 guests alone. It was a buzz."
It’s a beehive of activity expected to last until September.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Debunking the 'anti-sunscreen' movement: Doctors say TikTok trend is dangerous
Dermatologists are sounding the alarm about misinformation from the anti-sunscreen movement, saying not wearing sunscreen can cause cancer and other problems.
Here's how new AI tech could change the iPhone
Generative AI, artificial intelligence that can provide thoughtful and thorough responses to questions and prompts, could potentially breathe new life into Apple’s iPhone lineup at a time when competitors are threatening to leave the company behind in the race to shape what could be a world-changing technology.
DEVELOPING Key witness lied on stand, Trump lawyer tells jurors during closing arguments in hush money trial
Donald Trump's landmark hush money trial turns on the testimony of a prosecution witness who told lies on the stand and cannot be trusted, a defence lawyer said Tuesday during closing arguments as he pressed jurors for an acquittal in the first criminal case against a former American president.
Ont. university says professor fired over 'unethical' sexual relationships with students
An associate professor at McMaster University has been fired after its board of governors found that he engaged in 'unethical, inappropriate and in some instances exploitative' sexual relationships with students.
Richard Dreyfuss' comments about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity lead venue to apologize
The actor Richard Dreyfuss showed up in a dress at a 'Jaws'-themed event in Massachusetts, where the blockbuster 1975 movie he starred in was shot, and then proceeded to make demeaning remarks about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity.
WATCH Airline pilot treated to stunning northern lights show during U.S.-Portugal flight
An airline pilot got quite a show on May 11 while flying from San Francisco to Lisbon when a solar storm caused stunning auroras.
MPs to vote on motion to oust House Speaker Greg Fergus over allegations of partisanship
Members of Parliament will be voting Tuesday on a Conservative-led motion to oust House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus, amid renewed concern over his 'alleged lack of impartiality.'
Why young people keep getting caught in debt traps and how to break the cycle
Canadians are feeling the squeeze between incomes that haven't kept up with the cost of living, housing crises in markets across the country and rising interest rates brought in to control inflation. Experts share some tips for managing debt and spending.
Tornado touches down west of the Island of Montreal
Emergency services in the town of Rigaud, Que. are investigating after a tornado touched down shortly after 5:30 p.m. Monday.