Walmart has announced plans to open a two-storey Supercentre in the former Hudson's Bay location at Place d'Orléans shopping centre in Ottawa. The retailer will occupy the space vacated by Hudson's Bay, which closed its doors at the mall earlier this year as part of a broader restructuring by the department store chain.
New Store Details
The new Walmart Supercentre will span approximately 150,000 square feet across two levels, offering a full grocery section, general merchandise, and a pharmacy. The company says the store will create about 300 full-time and part-time jobs for the community. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with an opening targeted for late 2027.
Impact on Place d'Orléans
The arrival of Walmart is expected to boost foot traffic at Place d'Orléans, which has been seeking to fill the anchor tenant void left by Hudson's Bay. Mall management said the new store will complement existing retailers and attract more shoppers to the east-end Ottawa mall. The city's planning department has approved the necessary permits for the conversion.
Community Response
Local residents have expressed mixed reactions, with some welcoming the convenience and job creation, while others worry about increased traffic and competition for smaller businesses. Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said the development is a positive sign for the local economy, noting that it brings a major retailer to an underutilized space.
