What will change first in the ByWard Market in the massive revitalization
Posted Feb 23, 2026 01:52:45 PM.
Last Updated Feb 23, 2026 01:55:29 PM.
The City of Ottawa is prioritizing its once-bustling downtown gathering place in a new revitalization effort.
The ByWard Market Public Realm Plan launched last week and identifies areas the municipality wants to refurbish in the historical district. The massive revitalization undertaking has seven different projects within the overall plan.
It’s an effort council has promised, as in the last several years, the ByWard Market has suffered from increased violence and a lack of people in a post-pandemic world.
“The priority projects were selected because they will reimagine public space and benefit the entire ByWard Market neighbourhood,” the city notes on its website. “These projects will also allow for a diversity of uses, provide opportunities for scalable programming of public space, and will help increase foot traffic during all times of day and week.”
There are three projects that are expected to be the first part of the overall plan changing the ByWard Market.
The first will see construction this year on William Street, between George and York streets, for the renewal of the road.
A detailed design of the area was in public engagement as of last year. It shows the street will have high-quality lighting, multi-use vendor stalls, more spaces for small businesses to expand patios and better seating and accessibility.
Additional construction will also improve the electricity and water supply to help the businesses.
William Street will become an extension of the George Street Plaza, helping welcome visitors to the area.
ByWard Market Square also has a detailed design plan in front of public engagement as of last year.
It’s expected to be turned into a two-way road with on-street parking. It will be able to close seasonally to vehicles, helping the outdoor markets. The goal of the design is to focus on the outdoor events and activities in a walkable environment.
Several other projects are in the planning stages, including the rehabilitation of the historic market building, the construction of the ByWard Market Square, the redevelopment of the 70 Clarence St. parking garage and the creation of the York Street Plaza.
