Ottawa Insight

North America’s fashion industry was one of the first to suffer during the recession. But Ottawa’s fashion scene has remained unscathed and should continue to do well.

The economy continues to strike Ottawans with layoffs, spinning non-government supported industries into a predicament about their futures.

Local sports stores stay afloat in an unhealthy economy by offering service that chains can’t match.

Despite the recession hitting most Ottawa businesses, the golf industry seemed to be thriving. The biggest problem in 2009 for both private and public courses was not the economic downturn, but the weather. Heading into 2010, courses in Ottawa feel that as long as the weather is clear, their financial picture will do the same.

With the recession technically over, some small Ottawa businesses are doing pretty well thanks to a little neighbourly love.

Ottawa’s Little Italy community was hit hard in the past year due to ongoing construction on Preston Street, not to mention the economic recession. Now that the street has re-opened, business owners are thrilled to see a rise in traffic.

Ottawa’s housing industry has weathered through the recession and continues to do well. Local real estate experts say it’s one of Canada’s most stable markets.

After faring well during the recession, office vacancy rates in downtown Ottawa have remained low. This could lead companies to look outside of the city’s core for office space.