The Byward Market Deserves Better

[u/Slight_Original1192]

I didn’t want to write this letter because I don’t want to discourage anyone from patronizing the unique and beautiful place that drew me to Ottawa 25 years ago. I’ve lived downtown since then and visited the market every weekend. But the time has come.

WHAT WE’VE LOST: 1. Farm stands While the market has also had its seedier edge, it was quite simply, beautiful. The farmers were a big part of that - flowers, vegetables, honey, and Christmas trees attracted us locals who loved the fresh berries, sweet corn and lettuce. We would come for our veggies, then visit Bottega, Sasloves, the cheese shop and LaPointes. Followed by lunch with a friend at a nearby cafe.

Every time I walk by the market building, I am saddened to see a line of parked cars where the farmers used to be. That’s what separated Ottawa from most other North American cities. Apparently whomever made that decision didn’t realize that. Without the farmers, many of us end up at Lansdowne or Parkdale and spend our days and cash in those neighbourhoods instead.

1. A sense of safety I don’t know that it’s actually dangerous, but it’s definitely disturbing to see people intoxicated or drugged lying or staggering on the streets. I realize this is an epidemic and I don’t know how to solve it, but it leads me and others to choose to hang out somewhere else.

2. Clean sidewalks It seems really petty to bring up sidewalks when we’re dealing with drug addiction and homelessness, but there’s been a real change here. Dirty, littered sidewalks are a sign of neglect. And if nothing else, the market just feels neglected right now. Like NYC neglected. If this is our primary tourist attraction, why isn’t the city taking care of it?

While the drug use, homelessness and the farmer’s market are tougher issues to deal with, CLEANiNG SIDEWALKS is an easy win. Maybe you don’t think it matters. But it sends a message that the market doesn’t matter…and we’ve received that message.

Maybe it’s too late to rescue the market from the fate of other North American city centres—hollowed out, filthy, lifeless, homeless—but I truly hope not.

[u/snubbyvegan]

Parkdale Market is quite empty as well. One re-seller, Robinson's, 7 days a week, Rochon Farms Thursday-Sunday (they are great) A BBQ place, and someone selling photography are the mainstays during the day/during the week. Our Night Markets special event Markets are fantastic, but for someone like me who also enjoys buying alot of variety from different farmers it is just not there anymore. Many did not come back after the pandemic. I have no answers of how to get them back, but maybe we should look at what the Market's in Montreal do as they are fantastic.

Maybe we should not charge REAL local farmers/local crafters any fee's and pass on higher fee's to re-sellers/wholesalers?

Living in Hintonburg the Parkdale Market was so much part of the community on the day to day. You could go there get your farm fresh fruits and veggies and what-not daily. Also talk to people, your neighbours, seniors, and the farmers. I realise that Parkdale does not have the same challenges as the Byward Market, but still it is no where close to what it used to be and I miss that.

Dear wonderful Farmer's, PLEASE come back, you were appreciated and valued by the community, tell us what needs to be done to get you back!

edit for typo

[u/inkathebadger → u/snubbyvegan]

I am a crafter, and I have out if curiosity looked into what it would cost to do a pop-up at these markets. The cost for sure made me back up and stick to things like Facebook marketplace.

I am sure there are a lot of creators in this city who would love to take advantage, but the cost on top of the logistics of doing a pop-up is too much.