At the council on Wednesday, we will present a package of support measures to help our businesses most affected by the occupation.

This is what Jim Watson, Mayor of the Canadian capital Ottawa, said in a message to the Municipal Advisory Council where he said, "My office is working with stakeholders in our business community, alongside Councillors Doucette, Chantier, and Harder as co-chairs of the Economic Partners Task Force, on a package of measures to support our businesses most affected by the occupation caused by the protests."

Adding, "For this purpose, we will present a number of proposals at the council on Wednesday to provide relief and assistance, as well as help attract customers back to businesses and restaurants in the downtown area.

These proposals include:

A targeted program to defer property tax for eligible retail and restaurant businesses in affected areas (Harder / King).

Funding to assist the most affected business area improvement programs and marketing of their destinations, to be overseen by city councilors (Chantier / Fleury).

Support for the Ottawa Music Industry Alliance to provide local musical performances in the affected neighborhoods (Doucette / Leiper).

An expansion of the fare-free transit service which will include all routes that bring customers to and from the affected areas, including Line 1, overseen by city councilors (Hubley / McKenney).

Free parking for one month on the street and in city garages in affected areas, overseen by councilors (Tierney / Gower)

In conclusion, I would like to thank all council members for their support of these measures to help our small businesses thrive after this crisis.

I would also like to thank our staff in Economic Development and Finance for their work and due diligence to ensure this assistance reaches those who need it most.

Sincerely, Jim Watson, Mayor