By Miriana Dundek
Business owners in the heart of Ottawa’s Asian community say they are confident the area will continue to attract residents and visitors as it nears a full recovery from the economic impacts of this year’s SARS outbreak.
Marilla Lo, executive director of the Somerset Heights Business Improvement Association, says business has improved from the downturn experienced when the SARS epidemic struck other cities and threatened communities.
“Back then, the streets were so quiet,” she says.
“There were no tourists, no visitors. Business dropped about 60 per cent in the village. People generally avoided the area because they were really scared. Today, they are getting out, eating and doing some shopping.”
Business owners agree Somerset Heights’ economy is now relatively stable, after it faced losses in the first quarter of the year when the SARS scare made people more reluctant to frequent the area.
Peter So, owner of So Good Restaurant, says his business suffered a 10 per cent drop in February because of concerns over SARS.
“People were reluctant to eat here. Some would ask if I knew of anyone that got SARS. I would tell them ‘no,’ but they were worried,” he says.
So says his business is now doing very well.
When the SARS epidemic hit, Dennis Kam, the manager of JBC Travel, noticed fewer tourists on the village streets but says people continue to be attracted to the community.
“Most people come for the food and authentic stuff. Most of the village’s business picked up and now, the local Asian community’s economy is pretty healthy altogether,” says Kam.
In the midst of the SARS economic slump, new businesses opened up with a growing sense of optimism.
“Some businesses opened at the worst times but survived and are still doing very well,” says Kam.
“They didn’t choose to postpone or delay their openings. They remained optimistic. They knew SARS would be temporary and held a very good view about the future.”
Restaurant owner Peter Yeung says he did not let the aftermath of SARS affect his decision to open Sushi 88 in May.
“Surrounding business dropped and some of that can be traced back to the impact from SARS.
“But you can’t live indoors and let things frighten you to the point that you can’t enjoy your life,” says Yeung.
Today, Yeung says, the restaurant is gaining local clientele and starting to build a strong customer base. He says he feels devoted to supporting the Somerset Heights community.
“I want to establish a successful business and I want to leave a mark in Chinatown,” he says.
Just across the street, Sharon Qiao is the sales manager at Sun Po Enterprise, a specialty bag store that opened its doors in June.
Qiao says despite the discrimination the community dealt with, she felt it was important to continue with the store’s opening.
“A lot of people were scared of the Chinese community,” she says.
“People had a different attitude toward us and spoke to us like we were solely responsible for SARS. It was the first time I experienced discrimination of any sort in Canada.”
Still, a part of her Chinese heritage helped her maintain a positive outlook.
“In the Chinese culture we have what is called ‘thick face.’ You put on a face that tells people you don’t care what they think of you. You are happy doing what you do for others. So, you keep on doing it,” she explains.
The business hopes to gain more customers and talk to other businesses about carrying their products. “For a new small business we are running very well,” says Qiao.
With the end of past troubles in close sight, Lo says owners and customers have pulled together to rejuvenate the community’s business economy.
“Things are certainly improving. I don’t see full recovery in the near future as being a problem.”