Rideau Street: Seeking solutions to troubles in downtown Ottawa [Video]

Rideau Street was once the heart of the capital’s shopping district. For decades, people came from all over the region to shop, but with changing habits and the recent revolution in online shopping, many no longer head downtown to find that special item.

Those that still frequent specialty shops like Steve’s Music have been finding the experience more and more challenging as the makeup of the neighbourhood has changed. This trend is now forcing Steve’s Music to relocate in the new year, leaving behind their location of 42 years. The store’s manager, Dan Sauve, says the past 15 years have been difficult with massive construction projects limiting access, the pandemic, the growing homelessness problem and an epidemic of street drugs and related mental health problems taking over the streets, crowding out residents and businesses alike.

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