“It was necessary and it’s a good thing,” says Pat Nicastro, owner of La Bottega Nicastro. “Visitors like to see them. They’re friendly. If there’s an issue, they’re close by, and that’s what the businesses want to see.”

The Ottawa Police Service says these efforts are part of a broader, zero-tolerance approach to crime and disorder in the ByWard Market and Rideau Street areas. One night earlier this month, officers seized a firearm, broke up a fight, conducted business inspections and handled multiple medical calls as part of weekend safety initiatives running throughout the summer.

Still, residents and community advocates stress that enforcement alone isn’t enough, as many note the appearance of a growing number of vulnerable people in the area.

“We’ve been promoting the fact that if you help the homeless or the vulnerable population first, you help everyone,” said Sylvie Bigras, president of the Lowertown Community Association.

“They need short-term housing outside of the city core with support services. So, whatever we do here in downtown, Lowertown, the ByWard Market, we need to help deliver social services better.”

The ByWard Market District Authority (BMDA) echoed those sentiments in its first annual report to city council in late June.

While hailing the return of pre-pandemic foot traffic, with over 22 million visits this past year, the BMDA emphasized the importance of long-term renewal and social resilience in a complex urban environment, adding the area “feels safer” thanks to added patrols and beautification efforts.

BMDA executive director Zachary Dayler noted that increased incident reporting is also helping to paint a clearer picture of the issues businesses and residents face.

The city has backed revitalization efforts with $21 million in funding, including $10 million toward the redesign of William Street ahead of the Market’s 200th anniversary in 2027.

For now, police continue heightened patrols through the peak summer season, helping maintain a more secure environment for the millions of residents and tourists who visit each year. With incident reporting on the rise and community partnerships deepening, many remain hopeful the vibrancy of the ByWard Market will not just survive, but thrive.

“Increased police presence has helped,” says Nicastro. “There’s people down here, lots of tourists, things are good.”

Even Canning, who remains wary, admits she’s noticed a difference.

“Yeah, I believe it’s cleaned it up a bit,” she says. “But I’m still nervous.”

Read the full article here.

We look at some new numbers that suggest the future looks good for the ByWard Market.

The City of Ottawa is casting a wide net to gather public input on a major renewal project in the ByWard Market as the historic downtown district prepares to celebrate its 200th year.

A series of public consultations on the William Street and ByWard Market Square redesign begins Tuesday afternoon in Barrhaven, where residents will be asked for their feedback on certain aspects of the city's $129-million plan to "reimagine the ByWard Market and strengthen its role as a premier destination within the nation's capital for many years to come.

City council approved the larger plan in 2021. It's now seeking feedback on proposed designs for the streets and public spaces surrounding the central ByWard Market Building.

The project scope includes one block of William Street and ByWard Market Square between York and George streets, including the George Street West Plaza.

In addition to the "transformation of William Street as a pedestrian street," the renewal project includes "opportunities for commercial uses and animation," as well as road resurfacing, new lighting including an overhead catenary system, and new parking provisions.

Rideau-Vanier Coun. Stéphanie Plante, who represents the area, said some of the upgrades are simple, but long overdue.

"Believe it or not, we don't have basic things out here in the ByWard Market like [electrical] plugs. The ByWard Market was built 200 years ago. No one could have foreseen that everybody needs a charger these days."

Read the full article here.

The ByWard Market District Authority (BMDA) will be running a "night ambassador" program this year, one it says will improve safety in the downtown Ottawa hotspot and enhance visitors' experiences. 

Starting June 27, four ambassadors will be on standby to help visitors find safe rides home and to intervene and de-escalate when they see potential conflicts arise.

They'll also be able to provide people with first aid, phone chargers and water.

"It's a safety program and also a well-being and caring program," said nightlife commissioner Mathieu Grondin. "I want people who may have had bad experiences here to come back and know that there's going to be people watching their backs for them."

The pilot program is funded with $35,000 from Ottawa's nightlife office and run by the BMDA.

The night ambassadors will be in the market on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. The project will run until early November, according to a city press release.

Read the full article here.

ByWard Market businesses will meet with Ottawa’s nightlife commissioner next week to ask questions and express concerns about the new night ambassador program that is slated to start later this month. 

Last week, the City of Ottawa and ByWard Market District Authority (BMDA) announced $35,000 in funding from the city to support teams of “night ambassadors,” whose role is to improve safety in the ByWard Market on Friday and Saturday nights from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., starting June 27 until Oct. 31. 

According to the BMDA’s job posting for the role, the responsibilities of the night ambassadors include passing out water, snacks and phone chargers; helping vulnerable and intoxicated people; aiding in minor emergencies; and de-escalating disruptive and unsafe situations.

Alex Sirois, managing partner of Ottawa Venues, the company that operates Lowertown Brewery and Sky Lounge on York Street, said the Market already feels safer and this initiative will continue that trend. 

“Anything that makes people feel more at ease as they’re leaving or arriving is going to be helpful,” he said. “As a whole, I think it helps the Market and helps people feel super-safe down here. The Market is getting busier and it’s feeling safer. 

“We’re seeing a lot of changes that are positively affecting the Market and we’re very happy about it. We’re hoping to keep moving along and moving forward with all the positive changes.”

Read the full article here.

Despite restaurants leaving the ByWard Market due to negative perceptions, some new business owners are opening up shop and are hopeful for business.

Yuvraj Chhabra, owner of Chuck’s Roadhouse says people should come visit and give them a try.

“Feeling is good. Good reviews so far,” said Chhabra. “I’ve been in this business for the last four years. I’ve been running a couple of restaurants, but I’m always positive, so I hope it goes well.”

The restaurants are captivating Chuck’s Roadhouse fans that are glad to have a convenient location.

“We’ve been to Chuck’s out in the west end, and this is the first time in here. It’s brand new and beautiful. Really impressed by the whole ambiance of the place. We love it,” said Denis Hyland, who’s attending Chuck’s Roadhouse in ByWard for the first time.

“The price is fabulous, the beer is an awesome price, the food is good. We just heard about this one opening, so we thought we’d give it a go,” says Jane Dwyer, attending Chuck’s Roadhouse in ByWard for the first time.

Chuck’s Roadhouse opened on Tuesday in the former Dunn’s famous deli location after more than 15 years in the ByWard Market.

The ByWard authority say it’s a push to help revitalize the city.

“I think what you’re seeing is it’s the turnover of businesses. It’s the turnover of concepts and ideas from the entrepreneurial community. ByWard has always been the home of entrepreneurial spirit here in Ottawa. It’s exciting to see these new concepts emerge,” said Zachary Dayler, the executive director of the ByWard Market District Authority.

Dayler says despite the negative comments it’s all about perception and the best way to get through that is for people to come down to the market to see the changes for themselves.

“It’s inviting for people to come down and experience something new. It’s an invitation. Maybe you haven’t been down to the Byward Market in a few years - come on down and see what’s changed. See the new offerings,” said Dayler.

Read the full article here.

Craig’s Cookies will celebrate Canada’s birthday with the opening of its first location in Ottawa.

The Toronto-based cookie company announced its location on George Street in the ByWard Market on July 1.

“A fitting celebration of Canadian pride, community, and cookies,” Craig’s Cookies said in a media release.

Craig’s Cookies has locations in Toronto, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Collingwood, Niagara Falls, Burlington, Hamilton, London, Windsor and St. John’s.

According to Craig’s Cookies Instagram account, the company is hiring bakers for its Ottawa store.

Craig’s Cookies is moving into the former location of Quelque Chose Pâtisserie, the store specializing in macarons. The store closed in April after almost eight years in the ByWard Market.

Last year, Crumbl Cookies opened its first location in Ottawa at College Square.

Read the full article here.

Revitalizing Public Space in the ByWard Market

You've made memories here. Now be part of what comes next!

___________________________________________________________________________________________

William Street and ByWard Market Square street renewal project

The City of Ottawa is seeking your input on the upcoming redesign of William Street and ByWard Market Square, which will begin to reimagine the ByWard Market and strengthen its role as a premier destination within the nation’s capital for many years to come.

Project location: William Street and ByWard Market Square (between George and York Streets).

Timeline:

• In 2025, detailed design will be undertaken for William Street and ByWard Market Square.

• In 2026, construction of William Street will take place.

• In 2027, the ByWard Market celebrates the 200th anniversary of its founding.

Design:

The redesigned public spaces within the ByWard Market will prioritize the visitor experience by creating a destination that is welcoming, safe, comfortable and walkable.

• William Street is one of the most visited areas of the ByWard Market and, once completed, will be an important corridor between Rideau and Clarence Streets that will draw visitors into the heart of the Market. The street will be designed with the goal of enhancing the visitor experience in the Market core, as a promenade with space for street activations, street trees, extended outdoor commercial areas and infrastructure to support events. Loading and deliveries will be allowed at certain times of the day with controlled access.

• ByWard Market Square will be reinforced as the heart of the outdoor public market and will be activated with space for seating, street trees, street activations and outdoor commercial areas. Infrastructure will be provided to program the space as an “outdoor living room”. It will be redesigned as a bi-directional street, with parallel parking provided on one side, that can be closed to motor vehicle traffic seasonally and for larger events. Most motor vehicle parking will continue to be offered outside of the Market core on adjacent streets and lots.

• Safety, security, and accessibility: Accessibility will be carefully considered so that visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy the ByWard Market. The safety and security of visitors will be considered in the design of the public spaces to ensure that visitors feel safe and comfortable at all times of the day and night, including through the use of design principles such as the provision of clear sight lines, good lighting, and “eyes on the street”. Spaces that can be programmed and use flexibly will provide opportunities to support different kinds of activities and events that will draw residents and visitors to the heart of the ByWard Market and provide activation.

• Businesses and vendors: The newly redesigned spaces will provide greater support to local businesses and will be designed with flexibility in mind. Businesses will be able to extend into the public realm with retail stands, outdoor patios and more. Infrastructure such as water and electricity will be provided to support enhanced outdoor market vending and accommodate the needs of different types of vendors. New market stalls will be provided that can be customized according to vendors’ needs. These improvements will help to attract and retain new vendors to the ByWard Market and enable expanded offerings by current vendors.

Preliminary design concepts:

The City of Ottawa is seeking feedback on the proposed street redesigns based on the preliminary design concepts below. The preliminary designs have been developed in accordance with the directions of the ByWard Market Public Realm Plan(External link), which was approved by City Council in January 2021. Your feedback is important to understand what should be considered in the new designs.

Design concepts to be provided by consultant.

In-person public engagement booths

Visit us at:

• Minto Recreation Complex(External link) (3500 Cambrian Road) - June 17, 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm

• François Dupuis Recreation Centre(External link) (2263 Portobello Boulevard) - June 18, 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm

• Richcraft Recreation Complex-Kanata(External link) (4101 Innovation Drive) - June 20, 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm

• ByWard Market(External link) (55 ByWard Market Square) inside or outside depending on weather:

  1. June 19, 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm

  2. June 21, 11 am to 3 pm

• Manotick Community Centre and Mike O’Neil Arena(External link) (5572 Doctor Leach Drive) - June 23, 4 pm to 8 pm

Online public engagement session

Attend our online public engagement session June 24, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Register in advance by filling out the registration form(External link).

Online survey

Complete the online survey from June 16 to July 16.

Mexican traditions were celebrated in the heart of the nation’s capital with live music, dance, cultural food tasting, art exhibition and folkloric art marking Cinco de Mayo.

“I have been here for 20 years and I feel my country has so much culture and beauty that I want to share with the people” said Rocio Gil, a dancer at the festival.  

“Every time that I dance, it feels that I am over there [in Mexico] and I feel that all my Mexican people are with me.”

Full of vibrant decorations, colour and culture, there was a lively atmosphere and plenty of fun things for the whole family. Long lines were seen with many hoping to try tacos and Mexican food from local vendors.

“I actually really like it because we see the different colours also in the dresses, in the dancing and all that and even the food. It’s totally different from what we’re used to in our own culture here in Canada,” said Natasha Girard, who was attending with her family.

“We have looked at the dancing and it’s really impressive. The different groups of ages who do the dancing, how they move and how they’re synchronized.”

Read the full article here.

The “Sens Lot” has been packed with hockey fans, and, according to Alex Sirois, spirits are high and the ByWard Market has been busy as the Ottawa Senators continue their first playoff run since 2017.

Read the full article here.

Should Byward be a farmer’s market? A hobby network? A place for tourists? Locals?

Zachary Dayler of the ByWard Market District Authority (BMDA) said there are many competing opinions on the building’s function.

He said the BMDA is focused on adding value for tenants and attracting residents to the area. “How can we promote the value of being in a public space?”

There’s an “incredible opportunity” for the city to upgrade the building’s infrastructure, Dyler added point to its power system and roof, but the challenge in defining the ByWard Market building’s public space in the context of other Ottawa marquee destinations, like Lansdowne Park and LaBreton Flats.

Read the full article here.

A spokesperson for Craig’s Cookies confirms to CTV News Ottawa that the Toronto cookie company will open a location in the ByWard Market this summer. Craig’s Cookies was founded by Craig Pike in 2013 and offers several flavours daily.

“Why Ottawa, why now? As a Canadian small business expanding to the Nation’s Capital felt like the perfect next step for this fast-growing cookie empire,” Craig’s Cookies said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa. “The ByWard Market, with its rich history, high foot traffic, and reputation as Ottawa’s top tourist destination, offers the ideal setting for Craig’s first corporate store outside Toronto and Newfoundland.”

Craig’s Cookies has locations in Toronto, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Collingwood, Niagara Falls, Burlington, Hamilton, London, Windsor and St. John’s.

“Known for its inclusive culture and nostalgic cookie flavours, Craig’s Cookies was drawn to Ottawa’s youthful energy, diverse population, and vibrant culinary scene. Surrounded by landmarks like Parliament Hill, the National Gallery, and Major’s Hill Park, the new store will be perfectly placed to become a must-visit sweet stop for tourists and locals alike,” Craig’s Cookies said.

Craig’s Cookies only said its first Ottawa store will open this summer.

Macaron store closes in ByWard Market

Quelque Chose Pâtisserie, the store specializing in macarons on George Street, closed its doors for good on Sunday, saying it was time “after almost eight wonderful years in the heart of the market.”

“We’ll miss the neighbourhood dearly—it’s been full of sweet memories, amazing customers, and lots of macarons,” Quelque Chose Pâtisserie said in a social media post. “But this change is part of something bigger: it’s the right move to keep growing, dreaming, and making space for what’s next.”

There are still locations on Richmond Road in Westboro and in Vanier.

Read the full article here.

This transformative moment marks a pivotal milestone as STACKT starts the expansion beyond its Toronto flagship, launching STACKTˣ across Canada - including Ottawa, as a small business accelerator platform that’s reshaping the future of commerce and empowering Canadian small businesses.

STACKTˣ empowers entrepreneurs by tackling key challenges like access to retail space and professional networks. Through monthly storefront grants, exclusive networking events, partner perks, and educational resources, the platform equips businesses with the tools they need to thrive. With over 11,000 entrepreneurs on the horizon, STACKTˣ is fueling innovation that strengthens the Canadian economy. Since its inception, the platform has awarded 30 small business grants, helping diverse businesses take their first step into physical retail and amplifying its impact across Canada.

Read the full article here.

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.   

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Fairouz Cafe on Clarence Street is to close in mid-April so that its owners can open three new food-and-drink businesses in the National Capital Commission-owned space.

“We’re trying to embrace a new style, a hybrid hospitality space,” co-owner Tony Garcia says.

His Middle Eastern restaurant is to have its last service on April 12. Garcia hopes that just a few weeks later in the Fairouz space he will be able to open a steakhouse called Sussex & Co. and a cocktail bar called Little Sussex. A third brand, a burger business called Burger Bar, is to open later this year, according to his plan.

The cocktail bar will be in the front of Fairouz’s space, while the steakhouse will be in the rear and include the rear patio. The side patio will become the burger business, Garcia says.

“We’ve survived through trucker things and the pandemic, we have wonderful regulars,” Garcia says. “But there comes a time when you make a decision. The world is changing.” The idea behind the hybrid business is to attract more customers with three concepts and price points.

Read the full article here.

I was inside the Irving Rivers (“We Corner the Market”) store in the ByWard Market the other day when two customers, independent of one another, came in and bought T-shirts that read “ELBOWS UP,” the latest in political fashionwear.

“Anything we can do to fight those tariffs — those illegal tariffs, I might add — is a great thing,” said Kevin Foran, one of the customers. “To rally the country. The city. The world.”

Listening to Foran, I couldn’t help but think, “Maybe Gerry is on to something.”

Gerry is a friend and former colleague who recently sent me a note suggesting that the ByWard Market, via incentives to young Canadian entrepreneurs with Canadian goods to sell, should become the Ground Zero of the Elbows Up movement, the go-to destination where residents and visitors alike could stock up on all manner of Canadiana.

It’s a brilliant idea. For one, it might help counter some of the recent losses of ByWard retailers. For another, it would give the Market a strong, unique identity. For a third, it would create a geographical centre for our burgeoning patriotism.

It would be popular with both locals and tourists and build on the Market’s position as a go-to destination.

Read the full article here.

In the ByWard Market a wave of change is taking over, as long-standing businesses shut their doors and new opportunities step in to fill the gaps.

While it’s no secret the area has faced challenges—from crime and homelessness to parking issues—many are waiting to see what the future holds for this historic neighbourhood.

Justyna Borowska, who’s run her deli, Wedel Touch of Europe, in the market for five years has witnessed the changes firsthand.

“I took over in the middle of the pandemic—crazy time—but hey, I survived, so that’s something good,” she said.

Across the street businesses like The Cupcake Lounge and Blue Cactus have recently closed, but fresh opportunities are quickly filling their place.

Grey’s Social Eatery is set to open this week, Beyond the Pale ByWard Taproom has taken over The Courtyard, and Philthy Philly’s is moving into Saslove’s.

Dunn’s will soon become Chuck’s Roadhouse, and the old Chapters building? It’s being transformed into a live music venue by Live Nation.

“Every time I’ve been there it’s been really busy,” said Danny Kotsopoulous, CEO of Philthy Philly’s.

“We do have a unique product. It’s a Philly cheesesteak and we serve poutine. We have 18 different varieties of poutine that customers love, so I thought we would do very well there.”

While Philthy Philly’s prepares to open this summer, Beyond the Pale is also setting its sights on warmer weather, gearing up for its first patio season.

“We think the market is one of the most special places in the city,” said co-founder Rob McIsaac.

“We’ve been building up steam over the last couple of months and getting more people coming out.”

Borowska is optimistic about the influx of new businesses and hopeful for what the changes mean for the area.

“It’s very exciting for us because it will bring in new customers and showcase the ByWard Market. We need more exposure, we need the new businesses,” she said.

The City of Ottawa will soon have a dedicated ‘Irish Village’ in the ByWard Market.

Coun. Tim Tierney used St. Patrick’s Day to announce plans to officially dedicate the “Irish Village” in the popular tourist area ahead of the 200th anniversary of Bytown and the 200th anniversary of the ByWard Market.

“I will be bringing forward a motion to March 27 Public Works and Infrastructure Committee directing staff to install commemorative sign blades at Clarence and Parent and review how we can commemorate other founding cultures throughout Lowertown and Market,” Tierney said on X.

Read the full article here.