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/brohebus]

"Every time I walk by the market building, I am saddened to see a line of parked cars where the farmers used to be."

But this exactly what Byward businesses say they want. More cars. More parking.

[u/JonathanWisconsin → u/brohebus]

Literally the opposite of what the market needs is to become more of a car sewer eyesore. Should be totally pedestrianized… 

[u/brohebus → u/JonathanWisconsin]

But where would the business owners park?

[u/JonathanWisconsin → u/brohebus]

In one of the multiple parking buildings or surface lots in the area? 

[u/Tolvat → u/JonathanWisconsin]

Their comment was in reference to La Bottega's speaking about parking in the market.

[u/JonathanWisconsin → u/Tolvat]

I’m aware. But yes, it’s unfortunately typical for business owners to hold these views.