Truck convoy costs Ottawa’s busiest mall millions in lost revenue
The Retail Council of Canada estimates the seven-day closure of the Rideau Centre could cost the downtown Ottawa mall $19.7 million in lost revenue.
The CF Rideau Centre will remain closed until at least Feb. 6 as the "Freedom Convoy" protest continues in downtown Ottawa.
Michelle Wasylyshen with the Retail Council of Canada says retailers understand why the mall is closing, "Everybody wants employees and customers to be safe."
"We understand why they have chosen to close down. Everyone has the same goal which is the protection of employees and customers," Wasylyshen says.
"Retailers and store owners are working towards the same goal – it is concerning for everyone- retailers just want to get back to serving their customers.”
According to the council, CF Rideau Centre is the fourth busiest shopping centre in Canada, with 28.1 million annual visitors.
"COVID by its very nature is unprecedented, retailers are grappling with a lot right now, whether it is labour shortages, supply chain shortages, and all of that is unprecedented by its very nature. So, this is just one more thing to add to the mix, so this is very concerning for sure," Wasylyshen says,
The Rideau Centre has been closed since Saturday, after it was packed with maskless protesters during the first day of the truck convoy and protest in downtown Ottawa.
"CF Rideau Centre will be closed from February 2-6, 2022. Please continue to check our website for more information regarding changes to our operations," the mall says on its website.
In a statement, Cadillac Fairview says, "Out of an abundance of caution as the events in downtown Ottawa continue to progress and based on direction from Ottawa Police Services and the City of Ottawa, CF Rideau Centre will remain closed to the public for the remainder of the week. The shopping centre expects to be closed from Wednesday, February 2 to Sunday, February 6, pending any new guidance from Ottawa Police Services and the City of Ottawa."
Employees say closing the mall was the right call. Julia Adjogble is a part-time employee at Farm Boy.
"It is for my safety. If I were to work today or Friday, I would not feel safe," Adjogble said.
She says she does worry about when her next paycheque will come.
"I rely on that money for my future… it's for school. It will have an impact on my savings because I rely on that. And I genuinely like going to work, so it will be a change for me."
The pharmacy at Shoppers Drug Mart in the Rideau Centre will remain open for those looking to fill prescriptions.
In a statement to CTV News, Loblaw Public Relations, the parent company says, "While the Rideau Centre remains closed, the Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy continues to serve its patients by filling prescriptions and providing vaccinations, as well as providing access to our pharmacists who are trusted health care providers for the local community."
The closure is also having a major impact on neighbouring areas like the Byward Market, who rely on foot traffic from the mall.
"The Rideau Centre isn’t just about business for us, it is also our link to the transit system, the trains and the buses through the downtown core," Kalin McCluskey, Executive Director at the ByWard Market BIA, says.
McCluskey says BIAs that are affected by the convoy have come together and are communicating with city officials and police.
"We are hoping that this can be resolved as quickly and efficiently as possible. We want no loss to safety and security – absolutely not. But our businesses need to get to work, people rely on their wages, rely on their services- we need disruptions to come to an end."
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.
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.
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.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
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.
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.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.