Section of ByWard Market Square to be closed for construction over Canada Day

A section of the ByWard Market will be shut down to the public over Canada Day. As CTV’s Natalie van Rooy reports, businesses in the area have concerns.

A key section of the ByWard Market will be closed to the public at the start of summer in Ottawa, including for Canada Day, due to construction on a new public square.

The ByWard Market District Authority has announced plans for temporary closures in and around ByWard Market Square for 17 days to “accommodate the installation and construction of Carré ByWard Square.”

ByWard Market Square is the street to the west of the ByWard Market Building and the plaza along George Street.

The ByWard Market Square, including parking areas and the plaza in front of EQ3, will be closed from June 23 to July 10.

“These adjustments are required to safely support construction activities and public space improvements in the area,” the ByWard Market District Authority said in a statement.

The authority says temporary fencing will be installed around ByWard Market Square, the George Street Plaza and the plaza in front of EQ3.

Pedestrian access will be maintained during the construction period, including on Canada Day.

“With streets in the area already closed for Canada Day celebrations, there will be plenty of space for people to come down and enjoy the ByWard Market. Everything will be open, and clear signage will help visitors get to the shops and restaurants they’re looking for,” the authority told CTV News Ottawa in an email. “As the landlord of the historic Heritage Hall at 55 ByWard Market Sq., the ByWard Market District Authority (BMDA) is committed to ensuring customers can reach every storefront easily throughout the installation period and beyond.”

The ByWard Market District Authority says it understands construction can impact businesses and designed the project with that in mind.

“The installation involves only a small area within a large district; there are no shovels in the ground, and it is expected to take just two weeks,” it said.

Creative pop-ups

One day before the ByWard Market District Authority announced the temporary closures in the market, the authority issued an expression of interest for creative pop-ups in ByWard Square.

The plan calls for visual arts, curated vintage/thrift and artisanal goods in ByWard Market Square between July 12 and Sept. 20.

“ByWard Square is intended to create a welcoming and well-programmed gathering space for residents and visitors, while contributing to ongoing downtown revitalization efforts during an important period for the City of Ottawa as it approaches its 200th anniversary,” the ByWard Market District Authority said.

“The activation will also complement future celebrations related to the ByWard Market’s 200th anniversary in 2027.”

The programming in the ByWard Market Square will include live music, arts and cultural activities and “family-friendly elements” to support local economic activity in the downtown core.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Natalie van Rooy

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