The new import bans on certain Canadian goods previously announced by US President Donald came into effect on Tuesday. The affected goods include, among others, alcohol, dairy byproducts and motorcycles – another escalation step in the trade war between the US and Canada following the fallout in recent trade talks in August. When asked about next steps, Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Tuesday that there were no additional plans to further escalate the situation, although it would not be completely ruled out. The question posed to Carney also came out of awareness of the upcoming US midterm elections and possible impacts on trade based on the results in November.
As part of an ongoing restructuring process company-wide, Starbucks has had to close several of its stores across North America, with the latest incorporating Ottawa. Two locations in the city were selected for immediate closure: one in Centretown and the other in New Edinburgh. The total number of Ottawa closures has now reached 11, following the previous round of reductions that took place last year. The coffee company has been attempting to turn around its sales figures and this has included the closure of “underperforming” locations, with the latest round of closures amounting to around 250 locations across the continent.
Work began on the disassembly of ByWard Square in the Market area earlier this week following the expiry of the pilot project’s timeline. The initiative of having the square host events and concerts for 12 weeks during the summer aimed at boosting foot traffic around the streets of the ByWard Market, despite closing off vehicle traffic to the square and reducing street parking nearby. However, the unexpected turn in Ottawa weather, along with artist cancellations among other factors, hampered the ability for the space to deliver as promised. The ByWard Market District Authority, the area’s governing body, has not yet released a conclusion on the results of the pilot project and has not ruled out future opportunities for similar establishments.
