Vendors feel shut out of first project in ByWard Market transformation
Jon Willing, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: March 29, 2016 | Last Updated: March 29, 2016 7:48 PM EDT
The city’s first project in the ByWard Market transformation would happen outside the main entrance of the central market building, relocating outdoor vendors who currently enjoy a prime location.
“We are not happy about it happening,” Jacinto Anguaya said. “They are not incorporating us in the George Street vision.”
Anguaya, a member of the ByWard Market Standholders Association board, and other vendors learned more about the city’s vision Tuesday during a meeting with staff and Rideau-Vanier Coun. Mathieu Fleury.
The city wants to transform George Street at the building entrance to make it a gateway into the market. The future Rideau LRT station will be connected to the market by the existing walkway where the Scotiabank once stood. The first thing transit riders walking into the market will see is the George Street plaza. At city hall, the Confederation Line’s opening in 2018 informs most new infrastructure projects.
The exterior entrance to the market building traditionally has vendor stalls, but the city no longer wants vendors selling crafts or food in the outdoor plaza. Instead, the city is going for an “inviting gathering space” that opens up the facade of the market building. The area could be used year-round for various activities.
The city is still trying to determine exactly what that George Street plaza would look like. It’s trying to decide if it should have a historic feel with pieces such as log tables and other nostalgic items, or if it should have a more contemporary vibe (think illuminated crate seats and a mist fountain).
There isn’t a lot of money to play with. Council has earmarked $500,000 this term to improve the market, but Fleury hopes the city can get more money from other levels of government.
The city’s ultimate and very long-term vision for the market would cost $83 million. The major project would be the demolition of the city-owned parking garage and the construction of an underground parking garage with a new building on top.
First, the city wants to tackle the George Street plaza.
Vendors who rent stalls rave about that location, especially in the winter. The sun beats down on the plaza, making it more comfortable for hawkers and shoppers.
Anguaya said vendors want the city to redesign the area with vendors in mind. “I don’t think we’re asking for anything unreasonable.”
“I understand why they have concerns,” Fleury said, vowing to work with the vendors as the market renewal rolls out.
If approved by council, construction will start in September and end in spring 2017. The square could be closed over the winter. The pressure will be on the city to finish improvements by July 1, 2017, Canada’s 150th birthday.
City staff plan to ask council later this spring for permission to create a not-for-profit corporation to operate the ByWard and Parkdale markets. The corporation is expected to take full control of market operations in late 2017.
A U.S.-based consultant hired by the city, Project for Public Spaces, has recommended the market focus more on food and less on bars.
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