t's springtime in Old Ottawa South and things are not at all the same. On every street corner, there is a City of Ottawa guy in a safety jacket talking into a cellphone, and scores of mothers shuttling school kids across roadways. Some streets have never been busier and the scarcity of parking spots has us sharpening up our guerrilla parking techniques.
People are seen shaking their fists at cars going over the speed limits and OC Transpo drivers are likely going on stress leave. So many fun things to be observed if you can stand to be outside in the dust.
Here at Framed!, Brad is threatening to move out to the Britannia Yacht Club for the duration rather than do deliveries. However, there is an upside to all of this messiness.
As well as the difficulties, there are new relationships being made all over as business support networks grow. Residents are showing us their loyalty by walking up to the stores to say hello and shop local. And everywhere you look someone is trying to find the humorous side of this misadventure.
We are actively seeking creative solutions to help get us all through construction. Anyone out there interested in a "partners in parking" program? We'd like to match up a nearby neighbour to a business to maximize parking opportunities during the day. Basically, a match would mean that a business owner could use your parking spot during the week in the daytime. We think a win-win can be negotiated here, so if you are interested in this idea, please call me (Heather Cairns) at Framed!. I will look for a business to match you up with that is close to your house. The arrangement will be made between you and the particular business...just remember that they are cash poor so you may be looking at an exchange of service commitment. I can be reached at 730-0037, or via e-mail at framed@intranet.ca.
As well, we have just finished updating our OOSBA business directory and map. Thanks soooo much to local hero volunteer Peter Wells for helping. This will also serve to update the OSCA web site and copies will be available throughout the 'hood. Talk to you soon; meanwhile, be constructive...shop local!
-Heather Cairns for the
Old Ottawa South Business Association