The Westgate mall is closing its doors.
Friday is the final day for the aging shopping centre on Carling Avenue, and it will be torn down in November, according to Coun. Riley Brockington.
The adjoining Shoppers Drug Mart will remain and a grocery store will be built next door sometime in 2026, he said.
Residential high-rise towers are expected to be constructed on the site.
Westgate first opened its doors in 1955, and as local author Andrew King states, its anchor was the Freiman’s department store, a local chain that was purchased by Hudson’s Bay in 1972.
In addition to Westgate and its landmark location on Rideau Centre, there was also a Freiman’s at the St. Laurent Shopping Centre, and discount versions elsewhere in the city.
WestGate was home to the first-ever Rockin’ Johnny’s restaurant, a 50’s style diner chain that had several locations across the city. With Westgate’s closure, the chain’s only other location is in Kanata.
