Though recognized as part of Canada’s capital region in 1969, HULL remains distinctly separate and predominantly francophone. For years, it served mainly as Ottawa’s nightlife spot, as its bars closed two hours later than those of its Ontario neighbour – a disparity that has ended with both cities now closing shop at 2am. The shift has resul-ted, unfortunately, in the decline of Place Aubry – the pretty pedestrian-only square where the greatest concentration of bars was found. Still, the opening of a casino in 1996 has given Ottawa bureaucrats and tourists another late-night playground.