Committee approves bid to designate ByWard Market a national historic site

The ByWard Market in Ottawa on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. (Josh Pringle/CTV News Ottawa)

A city committee approved the City of Ottawa’s bid to designate the ByWard Market as a national historic site in time for its 200^th birthday celebrations in 2027.

Members of the Built Heritage Committee approved a recommendation to nominate the historic ByWard Market as a national historic site under Parks Canada’s National Historic Site program. Council will vote on the proposal during Wednesday’s council meeting.

The ByWard Market opened in 1827 and is Ottawa’s oldest commercial area and site of one of the city’s first public markets.

“The ByWard Market also features the Mile of History, a collection of restored buildings and storefronts from the nineteenth century along Sussex Drive,” the city said in a media release.

“It is home to two National Historic Sites, three classified and 15 recognized Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office buildings that are deemed to be of national architectural significance.”

Jillian Stewart of the Properties Group, representing owners and landlords in the ByWard Market, told the committee “we strongly support” the city’s efforts to recognize the ByWard Market a national historic site.

“These properties have been significant in shaping Ottawa’s identity, and we really do think this designation would help pursue and preserve this legacy,” Stewart said.

The chair of the Built Heritage Committee insists that the designation as a national historic site is an “honorific designation. There are no new regulations, no additional permit processes.”

“The 200^th anniversary in 2027 presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to formally recognize the significance,” Coun. Rawlson King said.

“By acting now, we ensure the nomination process aligns with our commemoration plans.”

King said the designation would provide national and international recognition and “enhanced tourism appeal” for the ByWard Market.

There are currently 26 national historic sites and one national historic district in Ottawa, including the Rideau Canal, the Chateau Laurier, Laurier House, Notre Dame Basilica, and the Rockcliffe Park Historic District.

Parks Canada will review the City of Ottawa’s application to designate the ByWard Market as a national historic site.

If approved, a commemorative plaque marking the ByWard Market’s designation as a national historic site would be installed in the market area.