ByWard Market: How the City is reimagining Ottawa's original economic engine

Feature story Decades before Ottawa became Canada’s capital, and before it was even called Ottawa, there was the ByWard Market.   Established in 1827 by Colonel John By as a market and gathering place for Rideau Canal workers, the Market quickly became the bustling heart of a new city, a place of trade and community from the very beginning.  As we approach its bicentennial in 2027, the Market’s status as a cornerstone of the city’s identity and a vital economic engine is undeniable.  Like many downtown areas across North America, the ByWard Market has faced recent challenges, particularly concerning economic vibrancy, safety concerns, and complex social challenges.  The City of Ottawa is actively responding with a comprehensive revitalization plan aimed at ensuring the Market remains a welcoming, dynamic, and safe hub, driving prosperity for the next 200 years.  Revitalizing the Market is a collective long-term project, with positive signs already emerging. There were 22 million visits to the Market in 2024 – a 19 per cent increase over 2023. And the trend continues at the nearby Rideau Street commercial district, which recorded 48 million visitors last year – a 42 per cent jump over 2023.  The City of Ottawa is committed to building on this foundation, investing in the Market's economic future through a range of initiatives in 2025 and beyond.  Reimagining the Market’s public spaces  Ottawa City Council unanimously approved the ByWard Market Public Realm Plan that will guide a shared investment to enhance the Market's appeal and functionality for businesses, residents and visitors. The plan proposes flexible promenades and a vibrant civic square designed to transform the Market into an even more inviting destination.  The City has already secured provincial funding for the first phase of this project, which will bring significant improvements to public spaces on William Street, next to the historic market building.  A targeted economic development strategy  The Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan prioritizes the revitalization of the downtown and the ByWard Market through actions specifically designed to increase economic activity and long-term growth in this key district.  These supports include prioritizing improvements to public space, securing funding for revitalization projects, and coordinating the upcoming 200th anniversaries of Bytown in 2026 and the ByWard Market in 2027.  Enhanced emergency supports  A specialized Ottawa Paramedic Service team dedicated to the ByWard Market helps those in need, contributing to a significant improvement in the care provided to residents and visitors to the ByWard Market.  Ottawa Police are also addressing public safety in the ByWard Market through an updated community-oriented strategy. This approach is supported by the new Neighbourhood Operations Centre on Rideau Street, which acts as a shared space for police and community partners serving the area.   These efforts contributed to a 17.9 per cent reduction in emergency calls in 2024 in high-priority areas, including the ByWard Market.  Strengthening social supports  We are stepping up our outreach efforts in the Market to more quickly help individuals in need to connect them to a range of critical health and social services and supports, including resources for basic needs, housing, employment, and ongoing social support networks.  Empowering the ByWard Market District Authority (BMDA)  The City provides $800,000 in annual operating funding to the BMDA, bolstering its role in maintaining and enhancing the Market’s public spaces, running events that draw visitors, collaborating with business, and supporting community interests. The BMDA also works with the City on initiatives to improve the district, such as upgrading loading zones and signage.  Higher maintenance and cleanliness standards  The City and BMDA are collaborating to deliver noticeably higher maintenance and cleanliness and perform faster repairs throughout the Market, such as enhanced street cleaning and beautification efforts. These operational improvements create a more attractive environment for businesses and customers.  Strengthening the Market’s nightlife economy  A safe and well-managed nightlife remains a crucial part of the ByWard Market’s economic identity. The City’s Nightlife Economy Action Plan, led by the Nightlife Commissioner, focuses on supporting businesses, streamlining permits, and promoting events, ensuring this sector contributes positively to the Market's economic health.  200 years and beyond  As Ottawa looks towards the ByWard Market’s  200th birthday and beyond, the City is committed to ensuring it can thrive as both a cherished landmark and a dynamic economic engine for generations to come.  The BMDA has a list of upcoming events and activities in the ByWard Market.  For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.