Council approves revitalization plan for the ByWard Market

On Wednesday, Council approved a revitalization framework and coordinated redevelopment program for the ByWard Market. This responds to a long-standing Council direction and advances the implementation of the Council-approved ByWard Market Public Realm Plan.

I heard from many of you throughout the ward about what you wanted in this plan. When you have a public jewel like the ByWard Market that is treasured by so many across our city, you are going to hear different points of view, be it from local residents and businesses to international visitors. One consistent theme I heard across all viewpoints is that people welcome capital infrastructure development in the Market; they want a flexible balance between pedestrianization and access to parking; and they know that capital infrastructure investments alone will not improve the visitor experience unless we tackle the homelessness, substance-abuse and safety concerns in the area.

I brought forward a number of amendments that I feel strengthen the plan and that address the needs of the community that calls the ByWard Market home.

These items will be included in the detailed plan when city staff report back next year.

Briefly, my amendments address the following:

1. I asked for the governance of the ByWard Market to provide monthly updates to me so that I can keep you informed about what is going on.
2. Implementing an extended-hours daycare to support shift workers outside of the typical 9 – 5 schedule.
3. To distribute social services throughout the city.
4. To prioritise pedestrianization through the use of retractable bollards.
5. To expand the public washrooms in the market and ensure 24 / 7 access.
6. To create a one-stop-shop website, similar to the website for Lansdowne, about everything ByWard, where people can learn about events, parking, construction, road closures, etc.
7. I also directed staff to direct community benefits back into the ByWard Market and Lowertown, since the area generates so much revenue for the rest of the city.

The ByWard is often the first place visitors experience when they come to Ottawa. It is our historic market, our front door, and a defining part of our capital city.

The ByWard Market is not a problem to manage. It’s an asset to invest in. And it’s time we start treating it that way.