ByWard Market deserves a lot more support than this

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As a former city councillor for Rideau-Vanier, I have both experienced and thought hard about the fate of the ByWard Market district. Much as the current mayor recently launched his “Fairness for Ottawa” campaign, I think a “Fairness for the Market” campaign is overdue.

Fair in what way? The City of Ottawa and its government partners, such as the National Capital Commission, have focused their investment strategies on LeBreton Flats (for instance, an Ottawa Senators arena, the new central library, and residential development) and on Lansdowne Park (a sports facility renewal and residential units). Millions of dollars have been either discussed or committed (as much as $500 million for Lansdowne, for example, and $170 million+ for the central library alone at LeBreton).

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However, the ByWard area has not received anywhere near the same level of public funding.

Currently, there is a sharp imbalance in public investment between these three core projects, with the ByWard District seeing limited support beyond heritage protection and some minor public realm improvements. To create a vibrant and connected core, we must address this imbalance and ensure that the ByWard District receives the necessary investments to thrive.

Historic core of our capital

ByWard is where Ottawa’s story began. Nestled next to the parliamentary precinct, this historic neighbourhood is the core of our capital. True, it faces numerous challenges, from mental health and addictions issues, to housing, to being on the edge of an interprovincial truck route. Despite such hurdles, the ByWard District holds immense potential to become a vibrant, welcoming space for all.

The city’s ownership in the area is limited to roads, sidewalks, the ByWard building, and an aging parking structure. The NCC, as the largest landlord, has a crucial role to play, but for now I’ll focus on the city.

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A “public realm” plan for the ByWard area was approved by council in 2020, so where’s the money — or at least part of it? We wouldn’t need much to at least get started.

For instance, as per that public realm study, improved lighting, benches, washrooms and trees can make the district inviting and accessible. These enhancements would not only improve the esthetic appeal but also ensure that the area is safer for residents and visitors alike.

Family-friendly amenities are crucial. Play structures, public art installations, a dog park and performance spaces can create a lively atmosphere. Market spaces that can easily transform for different events would keep the district dynamic and exciting. Additionally, the investments in the public realm would be timely for organizing mobility solutions, such as transit, parking and bike parking, to ensure the area is accessible to everyone and supports a variety of needs and interests.

People value beauty and places where they can relax and socialize. By investing in the public realm, we can create beautiful, welcoming and animated spaces that encourage people to spend time in the district. This includes pedestrian-friendly streets, vibrant public areas, and spaces designed for social interaction.

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Easily closing streets during festivals and events can create a safe and enjoyable environment. Ensuring that these spaces are well-maintained and animated with activities would make the ByWard District a destination for both locals from across the city and visitors to the capital.

There’s investment needed for this, and it doesn’t directly address other themes, of course, such as the larger homeless population or after-hours problems; we’re not going to solve every issue all at once. But it would begin to make the area one that everyone wants to visit.

LeBreton and Lansdowne, along with ByWard, form a trifecta: These neighbourhoods should not be in competition but rather should complement each other. “Fairness for the Market” would take us a ways toward the goal.

Mathieu Fleury is a former Ottawa city councillor.

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