Ottawa's Byward Market

[lrt's friend]

Do we really want height in the market, creating wind tunnels and shadowing the many patios? We better be careful when placing tall buildings on LeBreton flats as well if we want a bar and patio district there

[J.OT13]

The 200th is in 2026. Can't imagine much of the master plan done by then. No way can we replace the parking garage in such a short time frame.

ByWard Market area could get new leadership and a new tax

Current management corporation and ByWard Market BIA would be dissolved

Nicole Williams, CBC
May 26, 2023

The creation of an entity to manage Ottawa's ByWard Market and a possible area-specific tax are part of the latest strategy to revitalize one of the city's foremost tourist attractions, according to a city presentation leaked to Radio-Canada.

The City of Ottawa's planning, real estate and economic development department has come up with several recommendations they will present to the finance committee on June 6.

Those include dissolving the ByWard Market BIA and the existing arm's-length municipal corporation overseeing the area, Ottawa Markets, in favour of creating a new municipal corporation called the ByWard Market District Authority (BMDA).

The recommendations would require approval from committee members, then from city council at a later meeting.

Ottawa Markets took over the management of the ByWard and Parkdale markets in 2018. The corporation focused primarily on the promotion of local produce, goods and services that "meet the needs of local and city-wide residents and tourists alike," according to its website.

However, the latest recommendations from city staff would see the corporation's board members resign and a whole new governance structure approved under the leadership of three new board members.

Many of the details of the agreement between the BDMA and the city are still to be worked out by department general manager Don Herweyer, but the presentation said staff envision the new authority to be "the custodian of the vision, economic prosperity, and vibrancy" of the market.

Its mandate would include maintaining the area, "enhancing the resident and visitor experience," and supporting property and business interests in the ByWard and Parkdale markets.

Staff suggest the corporation be in place by the end of 2023 and receive $200,000 to cover transition costs.

"It's a great decision," said Marc Chénier, the general director of a business and French advocacy group in the National Capital Region.

"[It's] what's necessary to be able to centralize the decision-making process."

Special levy for ByWard area

The exploration of a "special area levy" is one of the more notable recommendations in the report, meant to help fund the new governance structure.

The city has applied a special tax for property owners in specific parts of the city before.

Homeowners in Kanata North have voted in the past to pay extra on their property bills for treatments that reduce the mosquito population, while others have paid for local facilities such as the Jim Tubman Chevrolet Rink in Elmvale Acres.

The cost for property taxpayers and businesses isn't known yet. Still, the idea has vendor Jonathan McAdam worrying about less revenue. Vendor Darwin Radke said he realizes taxes are part of running a business.

Then there's the long-discussed reconfiguration of the historical market district.

City council approved a new $129 million plan in 2021 that would revitalize areas such as William Street and the ByWard Market Square, create a plaza on York Street and redevelop the city parking garage at 70 Clarence St.

Staff's update next month is also expected to touch on those projects.

A one-time $100,000 payment of capital funding would also go to enhancing the Parkdale Market in celebration of its 100th anniversary next year, according to the presentation.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ot...tion-report-recommendation-tax-1.6854326

[OTSkyline]

I have very little faith about improvements.

Why was a Master Plan presented or approved back in 2021 and yet we've seen nothing yet? Improving the pedestrian experience, signage/washrooms, a new market building... Why is it taking years to get anything done in this city?

And then we wonder why tourism is down. We don't properly maintain our assets and do very little to improve/develop anything new.

[phil235]

Originally Posted by OTSkyline

I have very little faith about improvements.

Why was a Master Plan presented or approved back in 2021 and yet we've seen nothing yet? Improving the pedestrian experience, signage/washrooms, a new market building... Why is it taking years to get anything done in this city?

And then we wonder why tourism is down. We don't properly maintain our assets and do very little to improve/develop anything new.

Study, consult, propose, consult, study, propose again, consult, find out there the construction budget has gone way up during the 7 years of consultation, give up. Clearly a path to innovative changes in the urban environment.

Just try some stuff. Now. Yes some people will be upset, but they are largely the same people who will be upset about anything you do. If it doesn't work, change it. It will still be faster and cheaper than the 17 rounds of consultation.

[J.OT13]

Whatever happened to the stand alone bathrooms that were approved like 2 years ago?

[YOWetal]

Originally Posted by phil235

Study, consult, propose, consult, study, propose again, consult, find out there the construction budget has gone way up during the 7 years of consultation, give up. Clearly a path to innovative changes in the urban environment.

Just try some stuff. Now. Yes some people will be upset, but they are largely the same people who will be upset about anything you do. If it doesn't work, change it. It will still be faster and cheaper than the 17 rounds of consultation.

Try something is really good general advice in Ottawa. For the Byward market it is almost essential. It's in real trouble and can't wait for the normal Otttawa pace. I guess a warm dry summer might on it's own shovel enough money into the market to slow the decline as revenge tourism heats up. But a decline is really underway and needs to be stopped.

[rocketphish]

Make ByWard Market safer and more diverse, businesses tell city
Business owners lament issues that give people 'less and less reason to go'

Elyse Skura · CBC News
Posted: Jun 06, 2023 5:06 PM EDT | Last Updated: 16 minutes ago



Business and property owners in the ByWard Market are urging the City of Ottawa to work quickly to address the issues of safety and a business "monoculture" that's keeping people away, as it overhauls the management structure for the area.

City staff outlined the latest revitalization effort to members of the finance and corporate services committee on Tuesday: the creation of the ByWard Market District Authority.

The new "unifying voice" will merge the business improvement area with Ottawa Markets, said staff, and comes at a time when stakeholders are willing to "take bold steps" to address issues and ensure there's a good mix of businesses that will attract people during the day and night.

"That's what I think this model provides," said Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. "If we can get everybody working together, we can start to turn the ByWard Market back into what it's always been in our community, which is a real destination attraction, a great place to visit, a great place to live, a great place to own a business."

The ByWard Market is Ottawa's number one tourist destination outside of the Parliament Hill precinct and a significant economic driver, but people who live and work there say the neighbourhood has been experiencing a decline.

"Shoplifting and aggressive panhandling and having vagrants sleeping on the sidewalk is destroying the daytime activity. Nighttime security is also an issue," said Brian Lahey, a partner with the Properties Group, who spoke on behalf of other landowners.

"Gangs and shootings must stop."

One by one, delegates from business and community organizations identified safety concerns as their top priority.

Lahey told councillors the city needs to include the private sectors in its new plans, citing the closure of Clarence Street to help pandemic-stricken restaurants as a "lovely idea" with "terrible" execution.

Stephen Beckta, owner of a number of restaurants in the city, said addressing these issues will require an "all of the above" solution.

"I don't believe putting more police on the streets is going to make people feel more safe," he said. "But I do know that a greater police presence, especially in a community policing model, is going to help people feel more safe."

Sutcliffe, who called for an increased police presence in the region during last fall's municipal election campaign, agreed with the idea of a holistic approach that includes support for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues.

Court Curry, a manager in the city's planning, real estate and economic development department, pointed to the "12 boots on the ground" as part of the community engagement team.

He said the new governing body will help this team go "even further" to take care of residents.

Beckta said there was another big issue to address: the "monoculture."

The restaurateur told councillors people need a reason to go to the market besides the bars.

"I started working in the ByWard Market when I was 13 years old and the diversity of interest that brought people down there was extraordinary," he said. "Over time it's just created this little funnel where there's less and less reason to go there."

The key, said Curry, is resetting the balance by improving diversity.

"It's by speaking with one voice, by having an authority that can extend its outreach on a national level, that it's able to recruit the best of Canada in terms of retail and down to the local farmer-creator dynamic to do business down in the market."

The new arm's-length organization will also govern the Parkdale Market in Coun. Jeff Leiper's ward. He drew on delegates' desires to see the return of daily, seasonal food markets.

"Many young farmers are not looking to participate in a public market seven days a week," said Curry, who noted the growth of smaller markets throughout the city and the entry of major corporations providing fresh food and plants.

The new organization's governance structure is a concern for business and property owners, who expressed they don't see how they can bring their "knowledge and experience to the table."

"We do not see an appropriate place in the proposed structure where that knowledge can be inserted," said Sarah Jennings, who presented alongside Lahey.

Curry addressed those worries by saying one member of the 12-person board will lead an advisory committee of business and property owners, representing their interests.

People who live in the area will also be consulted, staff said, particularly when it comes to a proposed "special area levy" that is being explored as a way to help fund improvements.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/byward-market-safety-diversity-1.6867381

[Davis137]

There are a great many things about the Byward Market that aren't well-regarded by people that aren't university or college students.

Here are some of the not-so favorable things most people likely agree with:

1. Freedom of movement in and out of the market by car has always been a chore. Whether because of the never-ending construction or special events that cause full-blown street closures or lane reductions, or the number of one-way streets, with a lot of them prohibiting making left or right turns is also frustrating to navigate (especially to tourists/visitors).

2. Parking keeps getting more and more expensive, with seemingly little-to-no investment into improvements or updates to the facility/lots. An example of this would be when you consider how many of the lots still insist on using oldschool pay stations that only allow credit card or cash payments (Debit is definitely proffered by most people, and I would count myself as one of them). Not everyone wants to use their credit cards for everything.

3. The mom-n'-pop restaurants or businesses keep being forced out by chains, most of which have pretty generic menus, mediocre at best service staff, and ridiculous food and beverage prices (Coors Light, Keiths, Budweiser, etc are NOT premium labels, and shouldn't be priced as such, sorry...not sorry). Most of them don't offer anything to your dining or entertainment experience that justify the prices either, and lets be real, they were already high before the Pandemic to begin with.

There were some other things I was thinking of, but can't recall them at the moment...

[J.OT13]

Best way to handle the ever changing car access is to just remove car access altogether. Make a few of the east-west streets accessible to cars, but close off all the north-south streets.

City still hasn't figured out how to replace the parking once the parking structure is demolished. We've heard talks of Notre-Dame Cathedral, but that's about it. Don't know ho busy the Rideau Centre parking is, but that could be a solution; work with them to provide discounts for people who frequented the Market (validation, but providing a discount instead of free).

Can't say I've noticed many (if any) chain restaurants in the Market. Other than Hard Rock and Real Sports, both gone now, I can't recall many others (Dunn's, the Keg, Zack's and Beaver Tails are technically chains, but both originated in the Market).

[Harley613]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Best way to handle the ever changing car access is to just remove car access altogether. Make a few of the east-west streets accessible to cars, but close off all the north-south streets.

City still hasn't figured out how to replace the parking once the parking structure is demolished. We've heard talks of Notre-Dame Cathedral, but that's about it. Don't know ho busy the Rideau Centre parking is, but that could be a solution; work with them to provide discounts for people who frequented the Market (validation, but providing a discount instead of free).

Can't say I've noticed many (if any) chain restaurants in the Market. Other than Hard Rock and Real Sports, both gone now, I can't recall many others (Dunn's, the Keg, Zack's and Beaver Tails are technically chains, but both originated in the Market).

Interesting. I hadn't thought of the exodus of chain restaurants. Canary in the coalmine?

[OTSkyline]

I don't think we should necessarily be doing anything to make vehicle access or parking easier. We're trying to promote a true urban, vibrant, pedestrian area... this would hold us back.

I've never had too much of an issue with parking. Either underground at the Rideau Centre, or either paid or free side streets around the market (Sandy Hill, Lowertown or even the CBD) - all a very short walk away. If people can't stomach parking 5 blocks away and walking then not much will convince them to visit the market.

What I find is missing in the market is animation and more of a variety of businesses. There isn't much retail shopping (although this might change gradually with places like Pantagonia opening stand alone boutiques). I find 90% of the businesses are all restaurants, so unless you're going for lunch or dinner, there isn't much to do. And there should be live music, buskers, pop-up movie nights and all those kinds of activities every weekend. It's very rare... There's the odd busker once in a while (if they can get approved and signoff and permit from the City of course ).

[acottawa]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Best way to handle the ever changing car access is to just remove car access altogether. Make a few of the east-west streets accessible to cars, but close off all the north-south streets.

City still hasn't figured out how to replace the parking once the parking structure is demolished. We've heard talks of Notre-Dame Cathedral, but that's about it. Don't know ho busy the Rideau Centre parking is, but that could be a solution; work with them to provide discounts for people who frequented the Market (validation, but providing a discount instead of free).

Can't say I've noticed many (if any) chain restaurants in the Market. Other than Hard Rock and Real Sports, both gone now, I can't recall many others (Dunn's, the Keg, Zack's and Beaver Tails are technically chains, but both originated in the Market).

I have never heard of a parking shortage in the market area. The five level Dalhousie/Clarence garage is never full. The Rideau Centre is never full anymore (maybe years ago it would fill up on Boxing Day).

I get concerns about pricing, particularly given the cheaper or free parking in centretown and the west side.

[Harley613]

Originally Posted by acottawa

I have never heard of a parking shortage in the market area. The five level Dalhousie/Clarence garage is never full. The Rideau Centre is never full anymore (maybe years ago it would fill up on Boxing Day).

I get concerns about pricing, particularly given the cheaper or free parking in centretown and the west side.

If they do decide to cover the loss of the municipal garage with the lot behind the Notre Dame Basilica, I hope it is built underground as part of a new mixed used development. The last thing I would like to see is a five story garage behind the Basilica.

[YOWetal]

Originally Posted by Harley613

If they do decide to cover the loss of the municipal garage with the lot behind the Notre Dame Basilica, I hope it is built underground as part of a new mixed used development. The last thing I would like to see is a five story garage behind the Basilica.

That'd be ideal but if the choice is trading locations for an above ground garage I'll take a trade behind the church with revenue going to them. Keeps the church open it's the back anyway along a busy road. As AC says the problem is not parking. Minus a few days a year there is lots of paid parking. It's free parking people are circling around trying to find. They'll fill the street in front of the shelter on Friday night literally every weekend at least one car will get damaged or at least covered in some kind of excrement rather than pay $3 an hour in the lot.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by OTSkyline

I don't think we should necessarily be doing anything to make vehicle access or parking easier. We're trying to promote a true urban, vibrant, pedestrian area... this would hold us back.

I've never had too much of an issue with parking. Either underground at the Rideau Centre, or either paid or free side streets around the market (Sandy Hill, Lowertown or even the CBD) - all a very short walk away. If people can't stomach parking 5 blocks away and walking then not much will convince them to visit the market.

What I find is missing in the market is animation and more of a variety of businesses. There isn't much retail shopping (although this might change gradually with places like Pantagonia opening stand alone boutiques). I find 90% of the businesses are all restaurants, so unless you're going for lunch or dinner, there isn't much to do. And there should be live music, buskers, pop-up movie nights and all those kinds of activities every weekend. It's very rare... There's the odd busker once in a while (if they can get approved and signoff and permit from the City of course ).

Originally Posted by acottawa

I have never heard of a parking shortage in the market area. The five level Dalhousie/Clarence garage is never full. The Rideau Centre is never full anymore (maybe years ago it would fill up on Boxing Day).

I get concerns about pricing, particularly given the cheaper or free parking in centretown and the west side.

I agree, we should not make driving easier, but removing some of that unpredictability could be beneficial to all involved.

I think the City needs to do a better job of promoting other parking options, like the Rideau Centre and the Clarence/Dalhousie garage ( I know about it, but never think of using is).

On buskers, it was way better when anyone could take out a guitar and play. It offered a more authentic urban experience compared to the "professionals" setting up and doing their acts surrounded by people.

Originally Posted by Harley613

If they do decide to cover the loss of the municipal garage with the lot behind the Notre Dame Basilica, I hope it is built underground as part of a new mixed used development. The last thing I would like to see is a five story garage behind the Basilica.

Originally Posted by YOWetal

That'd be ideal but if the choice is trading locations for an above ground garage I'll take a trade behind the church with revenue going to them. Keeps the church open it's the back anyway along a busy road. As AC says the problem is not parking. Minus a few days a year there is lots of paid parking. It's free parking people are circling around trying to find. They'll fill the street in front of the shelter on Friday night literally every weekend at least one car will get damaged or at least covered in some kind of excrement rather than pay $3 an hour in the lot.

I think that's the idea. My concern is that up there is a quieter residential area. Having public parking will increase traffic (may not be that bad, but concerns will be raised) and maybe attract the panhandles. Agreed with YOW though, it would be a good opportunity to generate some revenue for the Bassilica.

[Mille Sabords]

By the way, does anyone know when the City will be making Clarence pedestrian for the summer? We're already in June, seems like high time to get to it...

[Ottawacurious]

For me, some of the better restaurants were in the market. Similar, some of the best atmosphere was there too. Now there are a lot of really great restaurants elsewhere that are more convenient to get out to...and places with as good atmosphere. Similar, there are a ton more even more local farmer stands closer to where I live. Why go anymore?

[lrt's friend]

The view from the burbs is that Byward Market is too dangerous, too difficult to get to, the market is dead (from a family who used to have a stall) and has little to offer, which applies to downtown in general.

The Confederation Line has not helped. Its coverage is much smaller than the former Transitways and this will continue to be the case for years to come even after Phase 2. I remember going to La Machine in 2017 and there was a direct bus to downtown (until 1 am) and that is now gone and the service was further cut. So much for rail making downtown access easier. It hasn't. Only for the 5% who live near a station, which may grow to 10% for Phase 2.

[OTSkyline]

"Nobody goes there anymore, it's too crowded"

[phil235]

Originally Posted by lrt's friend

The view from the burbs is that Byward Market is too dangerous, too difficult to get to, the market is dead (from a family who used to have a stall) and has little to offer, which applies to downtown in general.

I'd be a bit careful generalizing, as there are a couple of obvious demographics that do not subscribe to that view - young people and francophones, who frequent the Market in large numbers.

The view from the burbs that you describe is not unique to Ottawa - I probably heard it more in Toronto than I do here - which basically amounts to "I never need to go downtown because everything I need I can get at (insert name of generic big box mall here)". Hopefully we are not accepting of that, as the Market has by far the best street life in Ottawa, the best patio scene, the best cultural attractions and it's the heart of our tourist industry. We should spend more time building it up than repeating tired (and frankly boring) stereotypes. Without downtown and the Market, Ottawa is basically Mississauga.