(Photo: An unidentified woman changes a diaper while parked on the side of the Queensway, en route to Tanger Outlets on opening day. Photo via @PaulaMcCooey on Twitter.)
Traffic jams were the big story coming out of today’s grand opening of Kanata’s Tanger Outlets shopping complex. Cars were backed up on the Queensway all the way to Bayshore at one point this morning.
See also:
- Tanger review: “Is there anything we Canadians won’t do for some good shopping?”
- Tanger review: “Much fanfare and ensuing chaos”
Here’s a sampling of tweets, photos and comments about opening day. Did you attend the opening? Tell us what you thought in the comments below, or email feedback@stittsvillecentral.ca
Traffic at Palladium exit on 417 going to Tanger Outlets in #ottawa #ottnews @ottawasuncom pic.twitter.com/hu4aRZALc2
— Dani-Elle Dubé (@danidmedia) October 17, 2014
Hwy 417 w/b traffic slow as Tanger Outlets mall opens. Here's traffic camera pic @ 417 & Kanata Dr. #ottnews #cbcott pic.twitter.com/jppoykooad
— CBC Ottawa (@CBCOttawa) October 17, 2014
Woman changes baby on highway, heading to Tanger opening in Ottawa @TangerOutlets @OttawaCitizen #parkinglot pic.twitter.com/aObHJVMOBR
— Paula McCooey (@PaulaMcCooey) October 17, 2014
Finishing touches at Tanger Outlets in Kanata. Some stores still need signs, workers milling around @OttawaMorning pic.twitter.com/PVTqZSZWfT
— Jeanne Armstrong (@JeanneCBC) October 17, 2014
Why am I sitting at my desk working like a sucker,when I could be sitting in Outlet Mall gridlock waiting to save money on a purse? #IsaidIt
— Laura C (@laursica) October 17, 2014
https://twitter.com/James_J_Gordon/status/523120281888366594
@rymkrs My question is how many of those heading to the outlet mall are those who complain that Kanata's too far away for hockey. 😉
— Alex Klages (@alexklages) October 17, 2014
https://twitter.com/KerioChic1/status/523130081523552256
Absolutely nutty at Tanger outlet in Kanata for the grand opening today. pic.twitter.com/L2avnXOyX0
— Lucy Scholey (@LucyScholey) October 17, 2014
The traffic was so busy that OC Transpo buses were detoured around the route, and police started directing traffic to park at Canadian Tire Centre. Shuttle buses were available to take shoppers across the bridge to the outlets. (There are no sidewalks on the Huntmar overpass, making for a dangerous situation.)
Parking lot 1000 spaces full @TangerOutlets Ottawa. Police send cars to CT Centre w/ shuttle to the mall. @ctvottawa pic.twitter.com/lWdEpL4NCX
— Natalie Pierosara (@NPierosara) October 17, 2014
After an hour in the car, police officer not letting traffic turn right into Tanger. Sending people back toward Canadian Tire Centre.
— Janet Wilson (@JanetDWilson) October 17, 2014
https://twitter.com/OCTranspoLive/status/523122560117272577
Pedestrian traffic is closed over 417 at Huntmar. Tanger Outlets providing shuttles back & forth to CTC lot-pls use shuttles Stay off bridge
— S/Sgt. Pete McKenna (@OfficerMcKenna) October 17, 2014
Huntmar bridge is very narrow,not designed for pedestrians & dangerous as it gets darker-Safer for Tanger shoppers 2 use shuttles not walk
— S/Sgt. Pete McKenna (@OfficerMcKenna) October 17, 2014
Overflow parking offered at CTC for today and Sunday NOT Saturday game day for Tanger mall-Patience key for shoppers & hockey fans tomorow
— S/Sgt. Pete McKenna (@OfficerMcKenna) October 17, 2014
#Ottawa Why not divert cars? Oh, right. MT @OCTranspoAlerts: 96A is not serving Tanger Outlet due to congestion. Buses diverting…
— 🌈 Papa Andy ✨🚲 (@pedalpapa) October 17, 2014
Prediction: Driving out to the #Sens game on Saturday is going to be pure hell thanks to the opening of the #Tanger outlet mall.
— ✌️ (@Ottawa_Al) October 17, 2014
The man of the hour: Steve Tanger of @TangerOutlets thrilled by turnout in #Ottawa. Sorry about traffic woes pic.twitter.com/QuQBBjMBGi
— Janet Wilson (@JanetDWilson) October 17, 2014
@ShadQadri I hope you are aware of the traffic woes at huntmar and maple Grove due to tanger outlets. We need action. Not only sens games.
— Bob (@bobmeister101) October 17, 2014
https://twitter.com/StuMillsCBC/status/523152015606575104
Watson "frustrated" with 417 traffic to Tanger today. Wants to get transport minister on the horn re hwy work.
— Jon Willing (@JonathanWilling) October 17, 2014
Watson said he's worried about Sens traffic tomorrow night with Tanger mall now open and 417 work continuing.
— Michael Woods (@michaelrwoods) October 17, 2014
https://twitter.com/alistairsteele/status/523183278246072320
https://twitter.com/chiassontb/status/523211984578572288
#parkinglot is now trending in #Ottawa http://t.co/PGkukxpwuz
— Trendsmap Ottawa (@TrendsOttawa) October 17, 2014
Besides traffic and parking issues, there were complaints about bathrooms and about a lack of deals.
A real mess. Overflowing toilets cause some stores to close as sewage/odour seeps into retail space. #Tanger pic.twitter.com/xt9R2KUVtU
— Janet Wilson (@JanetDWilson) October 17, 2014
https://twitter.com/rymkrs/status/523161721566142464
https://twitter.com/BrandieKrystal/status/523169655041839104
Final word to Nick Bachusky…
With the Tanger outlet mall now open,I remind you to please think of shopping local and #supportlocal. Support our creative entrepreneurs!
— Nick Bachusky (@Bachusky) October 17, 2014