Council approves projects to enhance the downtown and ByWard Market experience

Council today approved projects to help revitalize and enhance the downtown and ByWard Market. The funding to support these initiatives will be reallocated from the William Street pedestrian and streetscape project, funded by the Ontario-Ottawa Agreement. That project has been deferred beyond the timelines set out in the agreement, so the City is proposing to fund other priority initiatives that will make a positive impact in the downtown and ByWard Market.

The projects focus on two priority areas: improving safety and making the area more vibrant to attract residents and visitors.

To improve safety and security, staff have proposed funding for:

• Rideau Station and Rideau Street corridor improvements
• Rideau–Sussex underpass improvements
• Security staffing support for organizations serving complex clients through de-escalation, incident prevention and coordination with outreach and emergency response partners
• Mental health supports and substance use services in the ByWard Market
• Ottawa Public Health’s Needle and Drug Equipment Collection Program
• Unsheltered homelessness outreach and connections to safe spaces

For vibrancy to attract residents and visitors, staff have proposed:

• “Best of ByWard” four-season placemaking initiative to transform underutilized plazas and portions of ByWard Market Square into flexible public gathering spaces that support year-round activity
• District-wide navigation, access and parking strategy to improve navigation and mobility
• Brand and place identity plan to strengthen the identity of the ByWard Market
• Historic Market Building illumination exhibition in winter months
• Metcalfe Plaza project to encourage new and diverse cultural and placemaking activities throughout the year
• Savour ByWard Market farm-to-table experience, a signature culinary experience showcasing local farmers, artisan producers and regional food and beverage offerings
• ByWard Under the Lights: Celebrating 200 Years, a two-day night market celebrating the spirit, diversity and traditions of the ByWard Market through food vendors, artisans and immersive programming

The reallocation approved today is subject to provincial approval in accordance with the Ontario-Ottawa Agreement.

Council approved a plan to continue organics processing beyond 2030, ensuring residents continue to receive reliable Green Bin service. The City will launch a request for proposals to secure a short-term contract of five years, with the option to extend for another five, once the current contract expires in 2030. 

The new contract will let bidders process organic waste using either aerobic composting, which uses oxygen to break down materials into compost, or anaerobic digestion, which breaks down waste without oxygen to produce renewable gas. Both keep food waste out of landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Council approved a new pilot rebate stream under the City’s Rain Ready Ottawa program to help residents and multi-residential housing providers better manage rainwater and reduce flooding risks.

The new stream would support low‑rise, multi‑unit buildings, including condominiums, co‑operatives, rental properties and non-profit affordable housing. It would help these property owners complete larger, shared projects that manage stormwater on their properties. This would help prevent localized flooding, reduce icy conditions in winter and protect shared spaces, such as parking areas and walkways.

The City will offer rebates of up to $30,000 per property, with up to $40,000 for non-profit affordable housing providers, helping to offset the cost of larger shared projects. The new rebate stream would be funded within the program’s existing budget.

• Agenda