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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.