I’ve noticed since moving to Ottawa two weeks ago is that almost all of the big-box stores I’ve been in – i.e., many of them – feature entry doors on the left and exits on the right as you’re facing the store. In Montreal, and in most other places I’ve been, in general you go in to a store on the right and leave by the left. In other words, when you leave, that exit is on the right as well from that perspective. If this were the case in one or two stores I would assume that it’s just a quirk of that particular building or location that the designer had to flip the layout. In Ottawa, though, it seems to be the norm. I wonder what accounts for the difference?
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Carl says
Well, y’know, Montreal is weird like that. I hear they speak French there too.
blork says
I attribute it to the anglophile/monarchistic mentality in old-time Ottawa. I’ll bet folks there secretely wish they could drive on the left too!
jonz says
If it makes you feel any better I’m often going for the wrong door in Montreal. I’m gradually getting used to the reversal but it is a Montreal thing. I’m still on a case by case basis; the places I go often I know but I pause at new ones. I know when I get it down I’ll consider it endearing. Right now it’s a reminder of how short a time I’ve lived here!