ByWard Market businesses are being treated as an afterthought by the city, which is pushing ahead with a street closure for construction around Canada Day and a new Arts, Culture and Entertainment District that merchants say lacks substance, according to Ottawa Citizen columnist Bruce Deachman.
Street closure for construction sparks frustration
For two-and-a-half weeks around Canada Day, much of ByWard Market Square will be closed off for construction, affecting businesses like Canada in a Basket, owned by Maxine Hill. The closure raises questions about why the city could not wait until after the busy tourist period.
ACE District: branding over blueprint?
The new ACE District, created in partnership with the Ottawa Art Gallery and backed by a $600,000 budget, has so far delivered colourful murals on pavement and parking garage walls, and a six-week SoundScape Festival installation under Plaza Bridge. The city says it will deliver eight to 10 commissioned works, but merchants feel the initiative is more about marketing than meaningful support.
ByWard Square pilot project adds to tensions
The latest friction involves ByWard Square, a pilot project that will close the block from George to York streets to vehicles, replacing them with pop-up vendors, outdoor seating, and a licensed area for locally brewed beer. The project is set to open July 9 and run for three months. Some merchants worry about lost parking spaces, while others question the need for more outdoor food and beverage options. Some support the concept but want construction postponed until fall, with the space opening next year for the Market's 200th anniversary.
