Ottawa’s Westgate Barber Shop to close as Westgate Mall shuts down for redevelopment. Longtime barber Ramon Carballude reflects on nearly 60 years of service.
Legacy Business Faces Final Cut
One of Ottawa’s longest-running barbershops will close this Thursday, marking the end of an era ahead of Westgate Mall’s scheduled demolition. Westgate Barber Shop, a staple of Carling Avenue since the late 1960s, is shutting down after decades of serving generations of clients under the shears of veteran barber Ramon Carballude.
Barbering Since 1968
Carballude, now 85, arrived in Canada from Galicia, Spain, in 1965. After passing his barber licensing exams in 1968, he began working at the Westgate Barber Shop, where he built a loyal clientele over the years. Some even flew in from as far as British Columbia for a haircut.
“It’s been my whole life,” Carballude said. “The people have always been kind, and we tried to treat them the same.”
Demolition Set for October
Westgate Mall, at the corner of Merivale Road and Carling Avenue, will officially close on October 31. The redevelopment project, led by RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust, will replace the aging shopping centre with a modern complex featuring residential towers and a new grocery store. All businesses except Shoppers Drug Mart must vacate by the deadline.
Relocation and New Beginnings
While the original shop will close, Carballude won’t be hanging up his clippers. He plans to continue cutting hair at a new location just a kilometre west, run by his longtime staff. The new business, aptly named The New Westgate Barber Shop, will aim to preserve the service and spirit of the original.
Juan Vo, a co-owner and barber of 27 years at Westgate, admits the move comes with uncertainty. “We’ll miss this place deeply,” he said. “But we’re ready to start a new chapter.”
Revitalization for a Growing City
According to RioCan, the Westgate Mall redevelopment is part of a broader revitalization effort aligned with Ottawa’s urban intensification strategy. River Ward Councillor Riley Brockington noted that the city must accommodate 400,000 more residents over the next 30 years, and locations like Carling Avenue are key to building up rather than out.
Still, Brockington acknowledged the emotional weight of the closure. “There’s always a balance between preserving community history and planning for future growth,” he said.
A Community Fixture Says Goodbye
As Ottawa evolves, cherished institutions like Westgate Barber Shop remind residents of the stories embedded in everyday places. For Carballude, it’s not just the end of a lease — it’s a farewell to a lifetime of memories, conversations, and friendships forged one haircut at a time.
For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.
