Written by According to a study of 11,000 small businesses across Canada conducted by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, 60% of small businesses have reported a significant drop in sales, with over a third reporting a reduction in sales of over 75%. Nearly a third of the businesses surveyed said they will not survive as is if this continues beyond one month.
In these difficult times if you have the means to support local, independently-owned businesses, please do. Many small businesses in our neighbourhood and beyond have adapted to the situation and continue to serve customers in a way that minimizes contact. Restaurants and breweries have turned to no-contact take out (curbside pick-up) or delivery platforms, and makers have turned to online sales where possible. If you plan to treat yourself to dinner, or shop online, please consider supporting businesses in our community. Here are a few we’ve seen in the area:
Hometown Sports Grill – 1525 Bank Street
Hometown Sports Grill is offering both take out and delivery (via Skip the Dishes). If you choose take out, they are offering 50% off pizza and 30% off all other food items*. You can also order alcohol to go if you choose take out. Click here to view their website, and call in to place your order for pick-up.
Maverick’s Donut Co. – 1500 Bank Street
Maverick’s, which you may have had at Heron Park Community Association’s monthly meetings, is offering take out and delivery (via Uber Eats). Call ahead to place your order and please adhere to their restrictions on how many people can enter the small shop at any given time.
Pelican Grill – 1500 Bank Street
In the same mall, Pelican Grill is offering take out with curbside pick-up. Beyond their prepared menu items, you can also order take-and-bake prepared foods (like mac and cheese or pies), and fresh or frozen seafood. If you’d like to delay your visit they are also selling gift certificates online. Order your meal or gift certificate on their website.
Overflow Brewing Co. – 2477 Kaladar Avenue
Your friendly neighbourhood brewery is shipping across Ontario, and facilitating curbside pick-up for us locals. You can view their brews on their website, but it seems best to call to place your pick-up order.
Kaladar Market – 2455 Kaladar Avenue
You can order your groceries, including fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, and canned foods, through Kaladar Market for delivery or pick-up. Order on their website before 5:00 pm for next-day delivery*.
Sweet Basil – 1585 Bank Street
Sweet Basil, a Thai restaurant near the intersection of Bank and Heron, is offering pick-up and delivery through Skip the Dishes. As per their Facebook, you can also email your order, which can include alcohol if you choose take out.
Eleven Bees – local artisan
One of our entrepreneurial neighbours had this to say about her homemade products: “I am an Artisan and create all natural beeswax based soap, beard balm and shaving lather in my cottage business Eleven Bees. I use only Essential Oils in my products but also specialize in an unscented Chaga soap that has worked for many people with psoriasis, eczema or severe dry skin. I have not launched my online shop yet but you can check out my Facebook and Instagram pages. Please email me at elevenbees@mail.com if you have questions or post on my FBsite – I will porch drop samples for anyone that may want to try the soaps – thank you for the opportunity to let my new neighbourhood know what is available locally.”
*Any promotions listed are subject to change. Please inquire directly with the business.
That is just a small glimpse of the businesses trying to keep afloat. You can also browse this website for a variety of businesses throughout Ottawa who are offering online sales, take out/delivery, or gift card sales. Take care of yourselves and your neighbours!
Author: Sara Dunbrook
Sara has lived in Heron Park on and off since 2009, when she moved into the neighbourhood in her second year at Carleton University. She has lived in four different homes in Heron Park. Sara works in the tourism industry and enjoys playing sports in her free time.
Heron Park 