More than 100 small businesses petition Ottawa’s Mayor for support

An open letter to municipal politicians says these businesses want increased access to funding, rent control measures, training on de-escalation and naloxone use and more.

Published Mar 21, 2024  •  Last updated Mar 21, 2024  •  4 minute read

Adrienne Row-Smith from the Grove and Jo Masterson of Little Jo Berry’s Bakery, pose for a photo in Ottawa March 21, 2024. These small business owners have written a letter to the mayor with more than 100 signatories, calling for improved municipal support for small businesses, including funding and rent control measures. Photo by Tony Caldwell /POSTMEDIA

More than 100 small businesses and entrepreneurs have called on Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and city councillors for funding, rent control and other measures while they struggle with rising inflation and rents.

“There is a fundamental failure on the part of the City of Ottawa to provide small businesses with the necessary opportunities, supports, and grants that are observed in other cities,” says an open letter from the businesses to municipal politicians. “The challenges we face, including rising inflation and uncontrolled rent hikes, are threatening the existence of many valuable businesses.”

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