Business experts say protest puts Ottawa on the map in the wrong way

Economic experts in Ottawasay theyfearthe city's international reputation is taking a dive as a protestblockingthe city'sstreets approaches its fourth weekend.

They're calling on the Canadiangovernment and law enforcement to act quickly to shut down the protest.

"It's long overdue," said Sueling Ching, the Ottawa Board of Trade's president.

Chingsays not only have local businesses and residents borne the brunt of the disruptive impact, butthe city's reputationcould take a lasting hit in ways that aren't immediately clear.

"The longer this goes on, the more it has the ability to impact the long-term viability of these businesses, and inhibit our ability to attract customers like visitors and [businesses]," said Ching.

The protest has caused disruption in residents' daily life, through noise pollution, the closure of businessesand instances of far-right symbols.

"The world is watching," says Ching, whosaid the board is fielding calls from media all over the world.

Global reputation questioned

Canada has long been seen by many as a country of order and stability, according to University of Ottawa professor Patrick Leblond.

The public and international affairs expert says Canada isfrequently marketed as a low-risk country for business, but the protest may tarnish that image for investors abroad and damage future investment beyond the immediateimpacts to trade fromthe Ambassador Bridge blockades.

"They're waiting to see how the situation will be resolved," said Leblond.

Both within and beyond the country, Leblond says people are reckoning with the fact there arefar-right elements appearing as part of the protest.

"What we're finding out is we're not that different from other places in the world."

Ottawa Tourism says city losing out

Businesses were looking forward toJan. 31,when public health restrictions started to lift, but Ottawa Tourism says many couldn't reopen their doors.

Jantine Van Kregten, spokesperson for the organization, says the city is also losing out on business from people who would've otherwise chosen to visit the city's attractions.

"This prolongs the serious economic hardships of our member businesses, even beyond the downtown core, and the recovery we are all working toward," she said in an email statement to CBC News.

"It is impossible to think that Ottawa's reputation as a safe, welcoming, inclusive destination is not being negatively affected by the illegal occupation of our streets."