On Thursday, March 26, the City of Ottawa, in partnership with the Economic Partners Taskforce, launched the first phase of an online promotional campaign to help local businesses during these difficult times.
The campaign encourages residents to support their favourite small businesses by taking immediate and concrete steps now:o Buy from local businesses online
o Purchase gift cards from local businesses to use later
o Order delivery or takeout from area restaurants
o Send local businesses messages of support on social media
These actions will help local shops, restaurants and services by providing them with critical income during this challenging period.
The campaign includes targeted ads that will reach residents on several online platforms over the coming weeks and direct them to ottawa.ca/buylocal. There, residents will find links to sites listing businesses serving customers virtually or providing takeout and meal delivery.
The City also launched a web page on ottawa.ca to provide businesses with access to essential information and support programs. The page will have links to provincial and federal assistance programs, as well as details on measures offered by the City to help businesses in the coming weeks and months. This includes the property tax deferral and other relief measures that Council approved at its meeting on March 25.