17 June 2016Mayor urges residents to come downtown and support local business_ (press release) _ ** Ottawa ** – Mayor Jim Watson and Rideau-Vanier Ward Councillor Mathieu Fleury invited residents to come to the downtown and support the many local businesses that are open and eager to serve.https://twitter.com/JimWatsonOttawa/status/743868566051622912“Downtown is open for business. I encourage residents to come down to support our local businesses and the people who work there,” said Mayor Watson. “It’s really easy – the forecast is for amazing weather, and with Father’s Day on Sunday, we invite you to enjoy a meal or get some shopping done in a local establishment.” “The owners and employees at the shops and businesses on Rideau Street and in the ByWard Market truly are our neighbours and our friends,” said Councillor Fleury. “While they’re open as usual, they’re facing a challenging time and a visit from those of us across the rest of the city would go a long way to helping. I’d also like to thank the local BIAs for championing their merchants and members. Together we can help this community make a swift recovery from the recent road collapse.” To encourage residents to return to the core, the City will provide two hours of free parking in Lot 4 and Lot 5, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 19 and Sunday, June 26. Lot 4 (Byward Market) is at 70 Clarence Street east of Byward Market Square and Lot 5 is at 141 Clarence Street, east of Dalhousie Street. You can also park at City Hall (110 Laurier Avenue West) on Saturdays and Sundays for just $2 during the day (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) or at night (6 p.m. to 6 a.m.). There will also be free OC Transpo special bus service running downtown from the Park and Rides at Eagleson, Fallowfield and Trim on both Sunday, June 19 and Sunday, June 26. Buses will leave from Park and Ride lots every hour on the hour. Route and schedule details will be available on octranspo.com later today, and Transit customers can use the OC Transpo Travel Planner to plan their route Para Transpo trips booked to and from Rideau Street, the Byward Market, or the Rideau Centre during this period will be free. City work crews are repairing last week’s road collapse on Rideau Street. Some detours remain in place , there are several convenient alternative routes to get you into and around the area. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians should visit ottawa.ca for maps and more detailed information as you prepare to head to the area to enjoy food, sightseeing, shopping and entertainment in vibrant downtown Ottawa. For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-9656 ). You can also connect with us through Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .