Ottawa city councillors have agreed to revitalize the ByWard Market and are making some new additions to the $200 million dollar plan, including new round-the-clock washrooms, child-care spaces, pedestrian-friendly zones and street barriers to help facilitate traffic. The $200-million plan to revitalize the historic ByWard Market will begin in earnest in the coming years. Major projects include upgrades to 55 ByWard Market Square, creating a pedestrian friendly event space on York Street, and turning the Clarence Street garage into a community hub. Councillor Stephanie Plante says she put forth the additions to push for the best possible function of the market as it moves into the future. Plante says the additions have been approved by council. News that the ByWard Market could be getting a 24/7 washroom access is positive for Clark Paul-Hector, who lives in the area. “A lot of people actually need these washrooms,” he told CTV News Ottawa. Councillor Plante says the new washrooms would be located within 70 Clarence Street. “Something I asked is: when we are tearing all of that up, is there something we can put in technology-wise with the plumbing, in the electrical, to have a 24/7 bathroom that is self-cleaning, that anybody would want to use, whether you’re a mom who’s changing a diaper, whether you are someone who’s unhoused just need to use the washroom?” Plante said. “There has to be something we can put in place that helps everyone.” But those who use the market like Bryan Hicks say any new facility will need to be monitored. “I’m worried about the damage and how much money that’s going to cost,” he says. “It’s nice to have a washroom and it’s an older person I understand that, but…it could be a little bit scary to be in there during the day.” The new amendments also add flexible daycare for shift workers, including those who work in bars and restaurants and the nearby hospital. “I think the daycare would be amazing for the kids and the parents that have I guess 2 or 3 jobs or 12-hour shifts,” says Paul-Hector. And there are also plans to install Bollards, or street barriers, that can be raised to help create pedestrian-friendly zones for safety and to control traffic in the market. Plante says functionality and supporting the market is important. “We are filling potholes and keeping the lights on in community centers in Kanata, in Orleans, and Barrhaven, etc… with the revenue that’s generated here,” she explains. “So, it’s in everybody’s best interest to make this place the economic generator it can be.” Paul-Hector agrees that precautions need to be taken with any new round the clock washroom facilities, but says he hopes the overall project will bring life back to the market. “A lot of people I’ve talked with, their main thought of Ottawa is it’s boring. I want that idea to shift out of their mind,” he explains.
