By Nadia Stuewer and Kelly Butler
The last two pandemic years were long for Lowertown residents, but it was a particular challenge for our small business owners and service organizations in our community. For two years, they have been forced to abruptly and repeatedly adjust their approach in the face of uncertain times. We set out to listen to and report on some of these to share with our readers.
Planet Coffee
France Desfossés, co-owner of Planet Coffee, says that their initial reaction to the pandemic was fear. There was fear for the health of their customers, staff and the entire community; fear of not knowing how to navigate their business in this new world; and fear for their staff, who depend on them for income. Their thinking changed as events unfolded, becoming ever more adaptable to an ever-changing landscape. France commented that “entrepreneurs are by nature hopeful people. They are constantly planning for an unknown future. This has never been more obvious and necessary than now.”
In order to adapt to the lockdowns, France and her partner opened an online shop to continue to serve their customers while they stayed home. Opened for take out only when it felt safe to do so, they bounced back and forth with all the openings and closings. They are now open to full capacity, knowing more than ever that everything could change in an instant.
The biggest effect of the pandemic on the owners and staff of Planet Coffee has been exhaustion. Moving in a direction that is constantly changing has been disheartening. The cycles of opening and closing meant hiring and laying off staff and even more creativity in the guesswork involved in ordering and inventory control. They attempted to keep their customers as informed as possible, but inconsistencies in business hours are never good for building a strong customer base.
However, one positive effect on their business was the relationships they found the time to build on or establish. They connected with customers on a one-on-one basis and now collaborate with some new local businesses for an online grocery.
They are looking forward to the warmer weather which will allow people the freedom to sit outside, and to hearing and seeing people enjoy themselves in their café, lightening the mood and creating the positive vibe we are all in desperate need of. They also look forward to consistent shifts for their staff. .
LCRC
The Lowertown Community Resource Centre (LCRC) offers a range of individual and community services to Lowertown residents of all ages. Their programs include food and housing help, support for babies and their parents, emergency support and services for adults, and community activities. Executive Director Matt Beutel stated that as an organization focused on helping the residents of Lowertown, the LCRC’s approach at the beginning of the pandemic was “somewhat similar to other crises or challenges: what does the community need? How can we help?” Priorities included keeping their food bank operational and maintaining a connection with their clients and partners across their programs to identify and respond to needs.
The LCRC’s initial assessment was that they had to be ready and flexible for whatever was to come. According to Matt, “The team was unbelievably willing to roll up their sleeves and stay at their posts.” Mindful that staff catching COVID would compromise their ability to help residents in need, they adopted stricter practices and policies than required.
The effect of two years of cycles of varying restrictions has been the hardest part of the pandemic for the LCRC and its clients. Clients have felt the ground constantly shifting beneath their feet. The various upheavals affected home and family life as well as work for LCRC staff, especially those who maintained in-person contact with clients.
In the months ahead, the LCRC is looking forward to holding activities and events in person. The community, and especially the youth, need it. According to Matt, “those of us who work in this sector crave live interaction and connections with others.”
Frou Frou
Pat Phythian, owner of “Frou Frou by Pat” , initially thought that the pandemic lockdown would last two or three weeks, and planned to use that time to catch up on some things. After three weeks she realized that the situation was serious and would be around for some time, so she learned how to advertise her clothing on Facebook and Instagram. Preferring to build relationships with her clients, she did not offer online shopping. During the lockdowns, clients phoned her with orders, and she would deliver them personally. Sometimes she would fill a bag with clothing and allow customers to try them on at home and return what did not fit. Her online presence expanded her clientele across the country. However, the repeated restrictions were difficult and resulted in lost income.
In addition to two years of the pandemic, the three-week illegal occupation of downtown Ottawa posed another blow to local businesses. Pat notes that “The truckers were worse than COVID.” It was more difficult to apply for funding and grants after the occupation ended than it was for COVID funding. Furthermore, the truckers “brought hate. The air was just filled with it.”
Pat’s optimism shines through her personality. She always tries to find the upside to a situation and found three positives to come out of the pandemic. The pandemic brought the businesses of the Byward Market together, with mutual assistance offered and given. This closeness continues to this day. Pat loves the feeling of community. Another good outcome of the pandemic was that she learned to use social media and create an online presence, something that she will continue. Finally, she feels that there is an increased support of local business after two years of restrictions and lockdowns.
With summer approaching, Pat is most looking forward to tourists and more customers, as well as the sunshine and warm weather. On this year’s unseasonably warm St. Patrick’s Day, she enjoyed people watching and hearing laughter. “This is healing,” she concludes.
Das Lokal
Harriet Clunie, executive chef at Das Lokal says the pandemic has been an exhausting roller coaster that:
No one wanted to be on and no one could get off.” The uncertainty about the changing rules was very stressful. As soon as people adapted to new regulations they would change, and it became a game of trying to predict what would happen next and thinking of multiple solutions for each possibility.
The last set of restrictions that began in January were the hardest on everybody, not just the staff of Das Lokal, but “across the board.” Everybody was exhausted and fed up, and they were an even bigger financial strain on businesses and clients alike.
Das Lokal was not directly affected by the “Freedom Convoy,” but business was dead when indoor dining re-opened in late January because the entrance to the Byward Market was closed. This was devastating because the return of clients was sorely needed. It was demoralizing for the staff. The restaurant closed entirely on the last weekend of the illegal occupation because some staff could not get to work.
Another difficulty in the January restrictions was that the federal and provincial governments have been slower than usual in paying out financial support for businesses negatively affected by the restrictions. As of March 26, the restaurant had not yet received a rent subsidy for January or February, and a grant from the province had also not arrived. The loss in business due to the convoy made it impossible to pay some bills. Harriet is thankful that the majority of her suppliers have been understanding.
On a positive note, Harriet and the staff of Das Lokal are looking forward to a busy summer, noting that people are feeling a pent-up need to get out. While she doesn’t believe that the pandemic is over, she feels that “the worst has passed.” In the summer, there will be fewer cases, people can be outside and the issue of ventilation does not need to be immediately addressed. “People are happy and excited to come see us, and we’re excited for them to come.” Harriet is also looking forward to filming the second season of her television show Scrap Cooking (https://scrapcookingtv.com/).
Kaz kitchen + grogery
Owner Amin Kazemiahari of local gem Kaz kitchen +grocery had to rethink how this specialty groceteria and gourmet take out could adjust. As an essential service providing homemade meals to go, fresh produce and groceries, he did not endure shutdowns but his frontline workers experienced some stressful times. According to Amin: “Lowertown community is the main reason why we are still open and in business. We are hoping to be able to keep doing what has been done until now and hopefully add more to the services we can provide to our community.”
C’est Bon
Stefanie Siska, co-owner of C’est Bon’s Cooking Classes, Walking Food Tours and Culinary Events, ) was candid when commenting on her expectations from the very first lockdown:
From the beginning, we both [she and co-owner and chef Georges Laurier] had a feeling that this would not be the short-lived inconvenience that everyone was thinking it would be. Quite honestly, a sense of panic came over us. How do you get a train full of passengers (i.e. people signed up for our experiences) to the station when it has come to a screeching halt and the bridge in front of it is washed out?
Their initial assessment that the impact of the pandemic would last for a long time was correct. The effect of the ensuing open-close cycles was like “trying to build a foundation on quicksand.” Even to this day, they are not confident they have seen the end of it. As Stefanie stated:
The amount of debt we’ve had to take on in order to keep our cashflow going means that any plans to scale up our business over the next five years are in limbo. Ask us in two years when we and other small businesses like ours have to start repaying the deferred loans. The business landscape in the neighbourhood might look very different then.
The hospitality industry was one of the most severely impacted by COVID, and it still faces an uncertain future with staff shortages, broken supply chains and major financial burdens. Planning was one of the most difficult aspects for small businesses during the unpredictability of recurring lockdown restrictions. Some feel that the effects of the pandemic are yet to come so are trying not to forecast too far in advance. Nonetheless, Stefanie Siska remains positive:
…we are also very resilient and have learned many things during this pandemic. Adapting is the only way to survive. I look forward to the return of international travel, to bring our tours back to their pre-pandemic levels. I also look forward to the day that we don’t have to reschedule a class!