03 Jun New Pedestrian-friendly spaces open in the ByWard Market

At a celebration held today, Mayor Jim Watson, Rideau-Vanier Councillor Mathieu Fleury and Peter Hume, Chair of Ottawa Markets, officially opened the new William Street Pedestrian Plaza in the ByWard Market.

William Street has been closed to cars for the summer to create a new place for visitors to the Market to sit, stay and relax. The plaza, which stretches from George Street to York Street provides a wide promenade with more seating and greenery, activities for children and space for entertainment.  This hangout will remain open until the fall.

On Clarence Street, the City is working with local businesses to provide more accessible pedestrian space between Parent avenue and Dalhousie Street. Ramps and temporary promenades will be in place until November, providing more space for people to move during patio season. Business owners are beautifying the area with decorative planters to help create a more inviting experience.

“The ByWard Market is one of the City’s great destinations for both visitors and residents, to which the William Street and Clarence Street pilot projects are exciting additions. I’m pleased that we were able to work with Ottawa Markets and local business owners to make this vibrant neighbourhood even more pedestrian-friendly” – Mayor Jim Watson, City of Ottawa.

Click Here to learn about the Byward Market Public Realm Plan.

City of Ottawa, June 3 2019.