ByWard Market: You made memories here. Now be part of what comes next.

Share your thoughts on the upcoming redesign of William Street and ByWard Market Square Residents are invited to share their thoughts on the upcoming redesign of William Street and ByWard Market Square from June 16 to July 16. As the City continues to invest in the ByWard Market we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine the area and ensure its long-term success. What is being proposed? ByWard Market’s public spaces are being redesigned to create high-quality public space that invites everyone to experience the magic of the ByWard Market. The new design will feature:

• Attractive amenities like interactive illumination, a lush tree canopy, and captivating art installations.
• More seasonal events, outdoor markets, and patios.
• A focus on safety, comfort, and walkability to prioritize the visitor experience.

Design concept: William is pedestrianized (Photo Credit: ByWard Market Public Realm Plan, p. 35).  William street – one of the most visited areas of the ByWard Market, will become an important corridor to draw visitors into the heart of the Market. There will be space for street activations, trees, outdoor commercial areas and infrastructure to support events. This street will be permanently closed to motor vehicle traffic, extending the pedestrian connection from Rideau Street into the ByWard Market core and providing direct access to Rideau Station. ByWard Market Square – To support this area as the hub of activity in the district, it will be redesigned as a two-way street with parallel parking on one side. The design will allow for it to be closed to motor vehicle traffic seasonally and for large events. As the heart of the outdoor public market, this area will be designed as an “outdoor living room” with seating, trees, and outdoor commercial areas. Safety and accessibility will be carefully considered in the new design to ensure all visitors can enjoy the ByWard Market at all times of day and night. To help determine what comes next, check out the new interactive map that shows what the ByWard Market has meant to Ottawa throughout its history.   How to get involved Help us reimagine the ByWard Market by sharing your feedback: Visit us at an in-person engagement booth:

• Minto Recreation Complex, 3500 Cambrian Road, June 17 from 4:30 to 8:30 pm
• François Dupuis Recreation Centre, 2263 Portobello Boulevard, June 18 from 4:30 to 8:30 pm
• Richcraft Recreation Complex-Kanata, 4101 Innovation Drive, June 20 from 4:30 to 8:30 pm
• ByWard Market, 55 ByWard Market Square, inside or outside depending on weather:
  • June 19 from 4:30 to 8:30 pm 
  • June 21 from 11 am to 3 pm
• Manotick Community Centre and Mike O’Neil Arena, 5572 Doctor Leach Drive June 23 from 4 to 8 pm

Attend our online public engagement session on June 24, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Complete the online survey by July 16 Visit Engage Ottawa to learn more about the project and have your say.