City celebrates launch of ByWard Square placemaking initiative

At an event tonight, the City joined the ByWard Market District Authority in celebrating the official launch of ByWard Square – a new, open-air gathering space in the heart of the ByWard Market. 

Designed to bring people together, ByWard Square is a seasonal placemaking initiative that introduces new gathering spaces, pop-ups, programming, seating, and family-friendly experiences to create a more vibrant, welcoming district.

It features a wide range of enhancements, including:

• New seating and gathering areas, including additional shaded areas
• Family-friendly and interactive installations
• Community programming and cultural activations
• A licensed area featuring locally brewed beer from partners such as Lowertown Brewery and Beyond the Pale
• Rotating food and vendor pop-ups

ByWard Square is a key early milestone of the ByWard Market Public Realm Plan, the City’s long-term plan to improve the visitor experience by bringing more vibrant public spaces to the ByWard Market. The project aligns with Council's commitment to explore temporary, innovative, pedestrian-friendly uses of public spaces in the ByWard Market.

To celebrate Ottawa’s 200th anniversary, visitors can also experience the “O” – an immersive public art installation in the heart of the ByWard Market throughout July. The “O” features large-scale video and original artwork by local artist Jimmy Baptiste that celebrates the people, places, and connections that make Ottawa what it is today.

The program is being delivered through collaboration between the City of Ottawa, the ByWard Market District Authority, Aire commune, Belleville Placemaking, Ottawa Tourism, and Immersive International as well as local businesses, vendors, and community partners.

Visitors can enjoy ByWard Square throughout the summer, with the initiative continuing until September 28, 2026.

To learn more about summer programming for ByWard Square, visit the ByWard Market District Authority’s website.

Quotes

“The ByWard Market is one of Ottawa’s most historic and beloved neighbourhoods. For generations, it has been a place where residents and visitors gather, support local businesses, and enjoy local culture. As we celebrate Ottawa’s 200th anniversary and look ahead to the ByWard Market’s bicentennial next year, ByWard Square is bringing new energy to this iconic destination. This is another step in our work to create a more vibrant, welcoming downtown and ensure the ByWard Market remains a place where people want to gather and connect. I encourage everyone to come visit and experience it for themselves.”

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe

"Great neighbourhoods are built around great public spaces. ByWard Square gives families a place to linger, neighbours a place to connect, and visitors another reason to discover everything the ByWard Market has to offer. After years of planning and advocacy, it's wonderful to finally see this space come to life."

Councillor Stephanie Plante, Rideau-Vanier Ward

“ByWard Square is doing exactly what it was designed to do. We are already seeing strong foot traffic, visitors spending time in the space, and positive feedback from the community. This is exactly the kind of people-focused public space we wanted to create: a place that invites residents, visitors and tourists to gather, explore, connect, and experience the atmosphere that makes the ByWard Market District so unique.”

Victoria Williston, Executive Director, ByWard Market District Authority