Ottawa takes next step in $129 million revitalization of ByWard Market
The City of Ottawa is taking the next step in the revitalization of the ByWard Market, three years after approving a $129 million plan for the historic tourist and business destination.
The city has issued a request for "professional services' to undertake a feasibility analysis of the ByWard Market Public Realm Plan, including a detailed financial business case, a proposed project construction and integration strategy and procurement advice.
"The request for proposal posted on MERX seeks proposals for consulting services to deliver a feasibility analysis for the redevelopment of key municipal assets located in the ByWard Market," Sheilagh Doherty, director of Economic Development, said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa.
"The analysis will consider the development of a future destination building located at 70 Clarence Street (currently a parking garage), a reimagined plaza on York Street, replacement parking options, and the reinforcement of the historic market building located at 55 ByWard Market Square as a key anchor and destination."
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
Council approved the $129 million ByWard Market Public Realm Plan in 2021, which is designed to "guide the evolution of the market's public spaces," according to the city. The plan, which pledges to have "pedestrians come first," includes a new "destination building" in the ByWard Market, new pedestrian spaces on George Street, York Street and Clarence Street, and plans for a new "York Street Flex" plaza stretching from Sussex Drive to York Street.
Staff say the plan will "ensure the ByWard Market remains a unique, pedestrian-friendly destination in Ottawa."
There was no money approved for the project.
Last year, staff recommended the city explore a new special tax to fund future projects in the ByWard Market and support the mandate of the newly formed ByWard Market District Authority.
Doherty says the analysis will support a "proposed development scenario" for the ByWard Market that will be presented to Council next year.
The ByWard Market will turn 200 years old in 2027.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A passing comet could shine as bright as Venus. Here are the best viewing times
This eye-catching celestial event is around the corner and will appear in the skies this fall.
Mortgage loan rules are changing in Canada
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has announced changes to mortgage rules she says are aimed at helping more Canadians to purchase their first home.
Body recovered from B.C. lake after unclothed man leads investigators to crash site
Mounties are investigating a fatal crash north of Whistler, B.C., after an unclothed man who was found along the side of the road led police to a pickup truck submerged in a lake with one occupant still inside.
Man suspected in apparent assassination attempt on Trump charged with federal gun crimes
Ryan Wesley Routh portrayed himself online as a man who built housing for homeless people in Hawaii, tried to recruit fighters for Ukraine to defend itself against Russia, and described his support and then disdain for Donald Trump -- even urging Iran to kill him.
Jane's Addiction cancels tour in the wake of an onstage fight
The alternative rock band Jane's Addiction has scuttled its latest tour following an onstage scuffle between lead singer Perry Farrell and guitarist Dave Navarro.
'Never seen anything like this': Humpback whale catches unsuspecting seal off Vancouver Island
A Vancouver Island nature photographer says he has never seen anything like what his camera captured on a recent whale-watching excursion off Victoria.
Former military leader Haydn Edmundson found not guilty of sexual assault
Former vice-admiral Haydn Edmundson has been found not guilty of sexual assault and committing an indecent act, concluding a trial that began in February.
Fall back: When does the time change?
The signs of the upcoming autumn season are here as Canadians are starting to notice the skies getting darker earlier, and brightening later.
'Oh, he's still alive': Sask. pharmacy student caught snooping on medical records of 114 people
A fourth-year pharmacy student doing an internship at a Regina drug store was caught snooping on the medical records of 114 people who were not in their care.