Ottawa's Byward Market

[phil235]

Glad to see some balance in the reporting on issues in the Market. Sure there are issues, but it remains the biggest draw and most unique area this city has. It's also been super busy any time I've been there in the past year.

The doom and gloom narrative is self-perpetuating. It's time for Sutcliffe to put his money where his mouth is. Get people excited about the Market again.

[J.OT13]

Adam: At last, the ByWard Market renewal will soon be underway
'We could be in a position to have shovels in the ground for these projects in 2025.'

Author of the article:Mohammed Adam
Published Feb 01, 2024

It has been three years since city council laid out a blueprint to transform the ByWard Market. But if you thought the rejuvenation of the historic commercial and entertainment district had been forgotten, the city has news for you.

Work should begin next year on the first part of the $129-million ByWard Market Public Realm Plan on four priority areas identified by the city: William Street streetscaping; Market Square streetscaping; York Street; and the parking garage on Clarence Street. Amanda Mullins, manager of the ByWard Market public realm office, says the city has provided $2.6 million to begin a detailed design of the streetscaping, to set the stage for construction next year.

“The important piece in terms of confirmed funding and what will be delivered in 2024, is detailed design. And we could be in a position to have shovels in the ground for these projects in 2025, subject to coordination with the ByWard Market District Authority on the impact on businesses,” Mullins said in an interview.

Which means the market will become a construction zone in the near future, and local businesses and patrons alike will have to adapt. But the fact that the plan is moving ahead comes as great news for businesses who see it as key to the market’s future and have been anxious about its implementation. “It’s a project to rejuvenate ByWard Market aesthetically and physically, and we want the plan to happen,” said David Mangano, co-owner of the GRAND Pizzeria & Bar.

The $129-million plan, approved by council in January 2021, is an ambitious makeover that stretches from George Street at Sussex Drive to St. Patrick Street, all the way to Dalhousie Street. It includes two gateways at Rideau Street and Sussex, and Sussex at St. Patrick/Murray streets. Other parts include the remaking of William Street; the reinvention of ByWard Market Square; a complete overhaul of George and York into mainly pedestrian streets; creation of a public plaza on York; the greening of the streets; and redeveloping the city parking garage into a public place. In essence, parking spots would be turned into new public spaces and squares, limiting the number of cars in the market.

All this will take 15 years to complete, according to Mullins. But the first phase council now wants to undertake will take five years. Notably, George Street, one of the market’s main thoroughfares, will not be part of the first phase of the project.

While action on the plan is an important development, funding hasn’t been locked in yet. When council approved the original plan three years ago, federal and provincial governments were seen as key sources of money. Partnerships with the private sector were also mooted. Apparently, that still remains the goal.

Even if the city doesn’t need to raise $129 million immediately, it needs substantially more than the $2.6 million it has provided so far for the priority projects it plans to complete over the next five years. For now, the city couldn’t or wouldn’t say how much the first part of the project will cost. But after the design work is done, a lot more money will be required before construction begins. Mullins says the city will be working with the ByWard Market District Authority to “review all funding streams, including those with senior levels of government” for the priority projects.

The scope of the city’s ambition for ByWard Market is breathtaking, especially going by the concept drawings accompanying the plan. But saying is one thing, doing is another. There is an awful lot of money to raise, but the fact that the city is talking about shovels in the ground next year would suggest confidence in getting some funding.

If the city can pull it off, the ByWard Market will become an even more iconic commercial, entertainment and tourist hub to grace the capital. Let’s hope the first part of the plan is completed in time for the ByWard Market’s 200-year anniversary in 2027.

Mohammed Adam is an Ottawa journalist and commentator. Reach him at [email protected]

https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/adam-a...al&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1706820644

[YOWetal]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Adam: At last, the ByWard Market renewal will soon be underway
'We could be in a position to have shovels in the ground for these projects in 2025.'

It has been three years since city council laid out a blueprint to transform the ByWard Market. But if you thought the rejuvenation of the historic commercial and entertainment district had been forgotten, the city has news for you.

Work should begin next year on the first part of the $129-million ByWard Market Public Realm Plan on four priority areas identified by the city: William Street streetscaping; Market Square streetscaping; York Street; and the parking garage on Clarence Street. Amanda Mullins, manager of the ByWard Market public realm office, says the city has provided $2.6 million to begin a detailed design of the streetscaping, to set the stage for construction next year.


The $129-million plan, approved by council in January 2021, is an ambitious makeover that stretches from George Street at Sussex Drive to St. Patrick Street, all the way to Dalhousie Street. It includes two gateways at Rideau Street and Sussex, and Sussex at St. Patrick/Murray streets. Other parts include the remaking of William Street; the reinvention of ByWard Market Square; a complete overhaul of George and York into mainly pedestrian streets; creation of a public plaza on York; the greening of the streets; and redeveloping the city parking garage into a public place. In essence, parking spots would be turned into new public spaces and squares, limiting the number of cars in the market.

All this will take 15 years to complete, according to Mullins. But the first phase council now wants to undertake will take five years. Notably, George Street, one of the market’s main thoroughfares, will not be part of the first phase of the project.

While action on the plan is an important development, funding hasn’t been locked in yet. When council approved the original plan three years ago, federal and provincial governments were seen as key sources of money. Partnerships with the private sector were also mooted. Apparently, that still remains the goal.

Even if the city doesn’t need to raise $129 million immediately, it needs substantially more than the $2.6 million it has provided so far for the priority projects it plans to complete over the next five years. For now, the city couldn’t or wouldn’t say how much the first part of the project will cost. But after the design work is done, a lot more money will be required before construction begins. Mullins says the city will be working with the ByWard Market District Authority to “review all funding streams, including those with senior levels of government” for the priority projects.

The scope of the city’s ambition for ByWard Market is breathtaking, especially going by the concept drawings accompanying the plan. But saying is one thing, doing is another. There is an awful lot of money to raise, but the fact that the city is talking about shovels in the ground next year would suggest confidence in getting some funding.

If the city can pull it off, the ByWard Market will become an even more iconic commercial, entertainment and tourist hub to grace the capital. Let’s hope the first part of the plan is completed in time for the ByWard Market’s 200-year anniversary in 2027.

This is a terrible waste of money. The problem in the Byward market is a traffic sewer and lack of policing. Closing Clarence street packs the street on a warm summer evening. William street is the same. I sometimes feel like I am the most pro-car person in this thread and this seems obvious to even me.

Sure there are investments needed but locking in the current arrangement is crazy. Eliminating the parking garage will just make more clamour for on street parking.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by YOWetal

This is a terrible waste of money. The problem in the Byward market is a traffic sewer and lack of policing. Closing Clarence street packs the street on a warm summer evening. William street is the same. I sometimes feel like I am the most pro-car person in this thread and this seems obvious to even me.

Sure there are investments needed but locking in the current arrangement is crazy. Eliminating the parking garage will just make more clamour for on street parking.

The Market is pretty miserable right now with so much surface parking. It does need a refresh and reduction in car traffic. That also has to come with the permeant closure of Alexandra to cars, the Kettle Island Bridge and the tram loop.

The City did mention they would try to find a private partner to replace the parking garage and move those spots to the edge of the Market somewhere, but I doubt they've made any progress on that.

I do wonder how full the Rideau Centre parking is most days. Maybe the City could subsidize spaces (which would be far cheaper than maintaining the current parking garage).

[Lakeofthewood]

Somehow I had never actually seen the plan before, even though it was finished over two years ago.

What a disappointment this plan is, but also so "Ottawa" at the same time. It is definitely an improvement, but could be so much better. On-street parking on most streets, no true pedestrian streets other than William. This was an easy opportunity to push the envelope for once, and we predictably did not.

[YOWetal]

Originally Posted by Lakeofthewood

Somehow I had never actually seen the plan before, even though it was finished over two years ago.

What a disappointment this plan is, but also so "Ottawa" at the same time. It is definitely an improvement, but could be so much better. On-street parking on most streets, no true pedestrian streets other than William. This was an easy opportunity to push the envelope for once, and we predictably did not.

Yes. I strongly believe the market has to be pedestrianized but if we insist on maintaining on street parking spending millions to pretend make it better for pedestrians is a waste of money. Getting rid of the parking garage will make it worse as more cars chase those precious free spots and circle endlessly. To me though it's the through traffic that is more of a problem. Meanwhile it actually causes traffic problems as there are so many people crossing George St at busy times this backs up into Dalhousie and blocking access to Nicholas. Even if you love cars allowing them in the market doesn't make sense. There is a Sparks Street phobia that is really not relevant here. I think the anti-car crowd should focus on the Byward Market and not things like QED though I admit even having a priority might not help.

[Lakeofthewood]

Originally Posted by YOWetal

Yes. I strongly believe the market has to be pedestrianized but if we insist on maintaining on street parking spending millions to pretend make it better for pedestrians is a waste of money. Getting rid of the parking garage will make it worse as more cars chase those precious free spots and circle endlessly. To me though it's the through traffic that is more of a problem. Meanwhile it actually causes traffic problems as there are so many people crossing George St at busy times this backs up into Dalhousie and blocking access to Nicholas. Even if you love cars allowing them in the market doesn't make sense. There is a Sparks Street phobia that is really not relevant here. I think the anti-car crowd should focus on the Byward Market and not things like QED though I admit even having a priority might not help.

Yeah I just don't get the argument for having so many continuous streets through the heart of the market. St. Patrick, Murray and Rideau provide all the east-west traffic you need, so maybeeeee you can say having one more localized street through the middle like York is needed. But then get rid of Clarence and George.

Same for north-south. You've got MacKenzie, Sussex and King Edward already. You should only need one of Byward Market Square, Dalhousie and Cumberland (likely Dalhousie). If you want to keep them open north of Murray be my guest, but no need for them right in the heart.

[zzptichka]

ByWard market vendors refuse to give up those parking spots. Obviously they are delusional if they think they can survive catering to the shoppers from the suburbs like they did 50 years ago. To become successful again, they need to serve the tourists and local population from the Rideau Walled City. And that requires heavy pedestrianization.

Originally Posted by YOWetal

I think the anti-car crowd should focus on the Byward Market and not things like QED though I admit even having a priority might not help.

Toon Dreessen has been pretty vocal about the failure of this plan. His firm even did some kind of their own version: https://www.architectsdca.com/news/the-b...pinion-piece-by-architect-toon-dreessen/

[J.OT13]

Re-posting the concept plan. I would close everything between Sussex and Dalhousie, Rideau and Murray.

[Badyouken]

Agreed.

Hopefully the pedestrianization of Old Montreal this year will provide inspiration and show that it is possible...

[YOWetal]

Originally Posted by zzptichka

ByWard market vendors refuse to give up those parking spots. Obviously they are delusional if they think they can survive catering to the shoppers from the suburbs like they did 50 years ago. To become successful again, they need to serve the tourists and local population from the Rideau Walled City. And that requires heavy pedestrianization.




Toon Dreessen has been pretty vocal about the failure of this plan. His firm even did some kind of their own version: https://www.architectsdca.com/news/the-b...pinion-piece-by-architect-toon-dreessen/

We could actually add parking spots by closing off York and Dalhousie to through traffic. With the parking garages and existing lots its hard to totally close them anyway but at least if you can walk from the LRT to Clarence without crossing a street it would be a big improvement and add 6 parking spots at the end of each dead end you create to placate them.

Originally Posted by Badyouken

Agreed.

Hopefully the pedestrianization of Old Montreal this year will provide inspiration and show that it is possible...

I doubt anything that happens there will be seen as in any way a relevant precedent. And in fairness the situations are completely different.

[Ottawacurious]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Re-posting the concept plan. I would close everything between Sussex and Dalhousie, Rideau and Murray.

Are you still able to access the parking garages?

[Badyouken]

Originally Posted by YOWetal

I doubt anything that happens there will be seen as in any way a relevant precedent. And in fairness the situations are completely different.

I have doubts too, and yes they are not the same at all - but inspiration still matters for something. I would hope... sigh.

[YOWetal]

Originally Posted by Badyouken

I have doubts too, and yes they are not the same at all - but inspiration still matters for something. I would hope... sigh.

The Distillery District is a better analogue. Is inconveniently located, started from scratch and is a smashing success.

[bartlebooth]

Originally Posted by YOWetal

Yes. I strongly believe the market has to be pedestrianized but if we insist on maintaining on street parking spending millions to pretend make it better for pedestrians is a waste of money. Getting rid of the parking garage will make it worse as more cars chase those precious free spots and circle endlessly. To me though it's the through traffic that is more of a problem. Meanwhile it actually causes traffic problems as there are so many people crossing George St at busy times this backs up into Dalhousie and blocking access to Nicholas. Even if you love cars allowing them in the market doesn't make sense. There is a Sparks Street phobia that is really not relevant here. I think the anti-car crowd should focus on the Byward Market and not things like QED though I admit even having a priority might not help.

There is no "anti-car" crowd in this city (outside of maybe 3 people online). Ottawa is so incredibly car dependent/addicted, this Byward plan is great evidence of that. The renewal of Elgin is another great example. We couldn't let go of like 12 parking spots on one of the busiest streets in the city (in terms of foot traffic). I agree that through traffic is a major problem in the market but there is no chance we'll see that change. At least not in the medium term with Mark "war on cars" Sutcliffe running the show.

[YOWetal]

Originally Posted by bartlebooth

There is no "anti-car" crowd in this city (outside of maybe 3 people online). Ottawa is so incredibly car dependent/addicted, this Byward plan is great evidence of that. The renewal of Elgin is another great example. We couldn't let go of like 12 parking spots on one of the busiest streets in the city (in terms of foot traffic). I agree that through traffic is a major problem in the market but there is no chance we'll see that change. At least not in the medium term with Mark "war on cars" Sutcliffe running the show.

There is a substantial car free population in the city some even voluntarily. We are absolutely choking the capacity of many streets. Elgin being a prime example along with Main street. I don't think suburban voters care about parking on Elgin they are more chaffed that yet another route from the 417 to downtown is being choked out. It's the powerful BIAs that fight for every spot. I think they are also one of the biggest holdups to progress in the Byward market too. I doubt again that suburban voters care if they can drive through George St. I assume most residents even if they drive themselves would prefer less vehicular access as well.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by Ottawacurious

Are you still able to access the parking garages?

This would assume removing the two parking garages. I wouldn't necessarily oppose a few short/narrow car accessible roads to reach the parking garages that won't or can't be removed (Clarence condo near Sussex, CTV surface parking, York garage George entrance).

City could adopt parking spaces for public use in one or a few of the following: Rideau Centre, Chateau Laurier expansion, Claridge project George and Dalhousie, Notre-Dame Cathedral parking redevelopment...

Another option would be a partnership with one of the CBD office tower owners. Maybe have the parking come with a transit pass to access to ByWard Market that day.

[rocketphish]

Originally Posted by zzptichka

Toon Dreessen has been pretty vocal about the failure of this plan. His firm even did some kind of their own version: https://www.architectsdca.com/news/the-b...pinion-piece-by-architect-toon-dreessen/

Just remember that it was Toon Dreessen who brought us this dog's breakfast on the edge of the Market, with it's beautiful form, and wonderful and friendly street interaction

https://www.architectsdca.com/portfolio/360-lofts/

[originalmuffins]

I mean looking at what Toon is saying, he's not wrong. And he's pretty much saying what most of us are saying, remove the cars entirely - focus on pedestrians and tourists. And have a bold plan, not one that half attempts it.

[YOWetal]

Originally Posted by originalmuffins

I mean looking at what Toon is saying, he's not wrong. And he's pretty much saying what most of us are saying, remove the cars entirely - focus on pedestrians and tourists. And have a bold plan, not one that half attempts it.

This is so obvious it's almost not worth a discussion. Are restaurant owners really clamouring for street parking? I get a few businesses like the fish market benefit from convenient parking and benefit not at all from tourists but surely a city can think of the bigger picture and not just whoever had $250 donations to city councillors.

Originally Posted by rocketphish

Just remember that it was Toon Dreessen who brought us this dog's breakfast on the edge of the Market, with it's beautiful form, and wonderful and friendly street interaction

https://www.architectsdca.com/portfolio/360-lofts/

That's not fair. It's one of the worst streets in the city. There is zero chance for street interaction though Canabis legalized has opened retail in those dark corners of the city.