Two more restaurants in Ottawa and Gatineau have announced plans to close their doors this month. The moves come after 99 VIP Seafood Restaurant on Rideau Street in Ottawa closed after less than a year in business. A notice from the bailiff service shows the restaurant’s lease was terminated by the landlord, Colonnade BridgePort, for failing to pay $83,301.16 in “defaults and arrears” plus $1,800 in fees. The owner of Tosca Ristorante on O’Connor Street confirms to CTV News Ottawa the restaurant will close in April. The owner said it has been a challenge to bounce back since the COVID-19 pandemic, adding a number of other issues are driving customers away, including less foot traffic in the downtown core and aggressive ticketing by Bylaw Services officers. The Italian restaurant describes the establishment as “where elegance meets charm, sophistication meets comfort, and tradition meets contemporary.” La Squadra on Montcalm Street in Gatineau has also announced it is closing. “This decision was not easy,” management said in a statement. “It was forced upon us by economic realities, despite all the passion, effort, and energy invested over the years. We leave with immense gratitude for this adventure, the encounters, and the memories that will stay with us forever.” La Squadra said the restaurant was “Fine dining. Italian inspired.” With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Stefan Keyes and William Eltherington
