Ottawa Race Weekend offers major boost to local economy

Hotels and restaurants in the capital say Ottawa Race Weekend is providing an influx of business. CTV’s Natalie van Rooy reports.

Businesses in Ottawa are gearing up as thousands of visitors descend upon the capital for the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend.

The event brings thousands to the Ottawa-Gatineau area each year, providing an approximately $14-million boost to the local economy.

At the Grand Pizzeria and Bar in the ByWard Market, the rush is on to get ready for the crowds.

“It’s been a couple of weeks now,” said Sasha Larocque-Bezeau, general manager at the Grand Pizzeria.

“We have all staff ready to go as well as all of our seasonal workers as well.”

Ottawa Race Weekend organizers estimate that the races will bring in close to 40,000 out of town visitors to the capital.

“It’s very significant in terms of the total revenue it brings to the tourism industry over the summer. As we know, it’s tens of thousands of people that are in Ottawa, sleeping in our hotels, eating in our restaurants, shopping in our local businesses,” Jérôme Miousse, director of public affairs at Ottawa Tourism, told CTV News Ottawa.

Organizers say the event is the biggest multi-day race in Canada and restaurants right across the city are stocked and ready to feed the crowds.

“Come grab a huge plate of pasta to carb up before the race,” said Larocque-Bezeau. “Hopefully it’s going to be a great weekend, and the weather is going to be on our side this year.”

Whether you’re running, supporting a participant, or just in the city to take in the ambiance of the excitement, there’s no question that the crowds will be here and Ottawa will be ready for the action.

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