A summer public space experiment in Ottawa’s ByWard Market has come to an end, with mixed reviews from nearby business owners on whether the pilot delivered the foot traffic and vibrancy it promised.
ByWard Square, an installation featuring a performance stage, vendor space, food and drink offerings and custom seating, was dismantled this week after wrapping up its first season. The attraction opened in mid-July and ran for 12 weeks as part of a pilot project aimed at boosting activity in the ByWard Market and giving visitors a different way to experience the area.
Setting up and later removing the installation required closing ByWard Market Square to vehicle traffic for the full 12-week run and eliminated street parking spots in the area. The process of installing and dismantling the square took 17 days in total, including a shutdown around the Canada Day period.
Businesses Split on the Impact
Reaction from businesses along the square has been mixed. Brendan Butler, manager of Sweet Puspin Dessert Bar, said the installation complemented his business by giving customers a place to enjoy treats outdoors while taking in performances, and said he was disappointed to see it being taken apart.
Not everyone shared that view. Maxine Hill, owner of Canada in a Basket, located across the street from the square, said the space was frequently empty and that the promised programming and entertainment did not consistently materialize. She attributed the shortfall to factors including weather and artist cancellations, saying the result was that the square rarely became the lively, animated gathering space it was designed to be.
Authority Says Assessment Still to Come
The ByWard Market District Authority, which oversaw the project, said it is too early to render a verdict on how the pilot performed. In a statement, the organization said its goal was to create a welcoming public space for residents and visitors while testing a new way of activating that part of the market, and said it plans to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the season before deciding on next steps.
Butler said he initially had concerns about the loss of parking spaces when the project was first installed, but came to see the square as a worthwhile addition over the course of the summer. He also suggested the space could potentially be adapted for winter use, floating the idea of incorporating features such as ice sculptures or a small skating rink during future cold-weather events.
No timeline has been given for when the district authority’s review of the pilot will be completed or whether the ByWard Square will return in a future season.
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