ByWard Market gets money to become more pedestrian friendly. Is it enough?

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Good morning! 

We’ve got an incredibly busy news day to get to. 

The ByWard Market is getting funds from the province to help boost tourism in the area. The Lookout sat down with the ByWard Market District Authority to get their thoughts on the announcement. 

A tense meeting was held in Nepean on Wednesday where the public got to learn more about the proposed Sprung structures. A man was arrested and the area councillor had some harsh words to share. 

Let’s get to it! 

— Charlie Senack, managing editor 

[email protected] 

X: @Charlie_Senack

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WEATHER

Friday: -7 🌡️ -9 | 🌤️

Saturday: -7 🌡️ -7 | 🌨️

Sunday: 1 🌡️ -10 | 🌨️🌧️

Monday: -8 🌡️ -8 | 🌨️

CITY

ByWard Market gets funding boost from the province

It’s a win for the ByWard Market: On Thursday the provincial government announced it was investing $19 million into the revitalization of Ottawa’s downtown core — particularly to boost tourism. The money is part of Ontario’s $543 million “New Deal” for Ottawa which was originally announced in the spring.  

• “Through our New Deal, our government is taking action to ensure Ottawa is a premier destination for tourism and a safe, vibrant place for those who call it home,” said Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy in a statement.

Out of those new funds, $11,8 million will go towards transforming William Street in the ByWard Market into a pedestrian-only space. That work has started already with colourful murals, seating, and floral arrangements popping up there this summer. It’s been home to street festivals and most recently, a synthetic outdoor rink which can accommodate about 20-30 people at a time. 

It’s small steps like this that ByWard Market District Authority executive director Zachary Dayler said will help bring people back downtown. 

• “If you look downtown towards Rideau Street where the Neighbourhood Operation Centre is, you can see the nice place-making and streetscaping that’s been done in that section,” Dayler told the Lookout. “We really want to make sure it’s accessible to pedestrians year-round and we are bringing back some street trees, some lighting, and again building that gateway into the market.”

It seems to be working: The ByWard Market has been working hard to revitalize itself — and it’s also trying to brand itself as more than just a summer market and patio destination. Dayler said more people are starting to give the area a chance again. 

For the holidays the market is decked out brighter than ever with a large tree with lights in the market square, Christmas lawn ornaments of animals scattered around, and lots of pine greenery to bring some nature into the concrete jungle. There is also a winter market with vendors operating out of shipping container-looking facilities. 

Other revitalization initiatives: The Ontario government is putting $1.05 million over three years into community safety initiatives by the Somerset West Community Health Centre that support people experiencing homelessness, substance use or mental health challenges and provide job-skills training. Another $3.85 million over three years will go towards improving signage and other street-specific upgrades in the Market, and $1.5 million will be invested to attract new investment from international and local companies to help stimulate sustainable, long-term economic growth. 

There is also a $1.35 million budget over three years for marketing and promotion to attract residents, visitors and new businesses downtown, and develop a culture and entertainment district, which would be launched in 2026 as part of the 200th anniversary commemorating the founding of Ottawa.

The initiatives also include $450,000 for a new Downtown Vibrancy Office that will be managed by the Ottawa Board of Trade. 

• “This commitment builds on the collaborative work we’ve undertaken with the city and key economic partners to launch the Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda. It also demonstrates the power of working together at all levels of government to drive positive change,” said Sueling Ching, president and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade. “The new Downtown Vibrancy Office will be instrumental to implementing revitalization projects and boosting investor confidence.”

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OTTAWA BY THE NUMBERS

🎭 $8 million: The total investment being given to the Bronson Centre to modernize the facility. [Ottawa Business Journal]

🏥 1 in 7: The amount of emergency room visits in Canada which could have been treated in primary care, according to a new report. [CBC]

🚗 80: The age of a driver caught going 159 km/h near Tweed. [CTV]

❄️ 12 cm: The amount of snow which fell in Ottawa over the last few days. [CTV]

CITY

Man arrested at heated Nepean Sprung structure meeting

The divide continues: The room was hot at the Nepean Sportsplex on Wednesday as a few hundred people gathered to learn more about the proposed Sprung structure slated to be built next door on a field by the former Confederation High School. They were also there to show their anger and frustration against the lack of transparency from the city that went on behind the scenes. 

There were also tense moments. At the beginning of the meeting a man rushed the stage, shouting “No tent! No tent!” but was escorted off quickly later by police who arrested and charged him with trespassing. He could later be heard yelling “Racist! Racist!”

It was clear the room was on the demonstrators’ side: There were cheers and applause from attendees in the room who also wore shirts and held signs which read “No Sprung Structure”

Knoxdale-Merivale Coun. Sean Devine tried to bring the room back to order, but it became evident quickly they were not happy with how their representative handled the file or the meeting. When an attendee asked if Devine would be taking questions directly, the area representative said no. That’s when chants began again and about one third of the room left in frustration. 

Some yelled for the councillor to “Resign”. Others said “Shame on you" and “No tents.” 

• “He's not answering questions. Everyone's asking questions, he's not answering them. He's saying wait an hour, until everyone's tired," said Lotty Pontones to CTV. "We all have important questions. He's just telling us what to do and not to address questions to him, so it's pretty pointless."

Those comments were echoed by Shinyu Chiao who is upset residents were not notified that a Sprung structure could be coming to their neighborhood. The Knoxdale-Merivale resident was also upset to see Devine say previously that Ward 9 residents would welcome one of the reception centres. 

• “I’m pissed off that he’s not speaking on behalf of us. He has no idea how many people are against it. I don’t know where he got that power and authority to say that on behalf of all his residents,” said Chiao. “I was a little disappointed that Mr. Devine refused a Q and A session. I think it was an opportunity for lots of voices to be heard but he refused that situation.” 

Harsh language: After the official presentation, Devine answered questions in small groups for about 90 minutes. In one video obtained by the Lookout, a man could be seen accusing Devine of picking the spot but the councillor reminded him he found out only a day prior to the public. “So you’re not happy about that?” the man asks. Devine could be heard replying “Am I happy with the fact that I was surprised?” F—k no,” before walking away. 

Councillor open to other meetings: After the meeting, a frazzled Devine said the meeting went over how he expected, recognizing that many people were frustrated. A day later he said he was open to having other meetings with a different format. 

• “I am more than willing to have the kind of town hall where I will just sit at the center of the room and residents from that community can ask me their questions, tell me their concerns, that I am more than eager to do," Devine told CTV. 

Local community group concerned: The Nepean site in question is on a football field next to the former Confederation High School. The land is owned by the National Capital Commission. The Merivale Gardens Community Association, which is located in a wooded area near the site, said it is far from amenities and not an ideal location for newcomers. 

• “We don’t think this is a good idea to put this in the parking lot of Ottawa’s biggest sports facility, with 150 people stranded from all services that are going to need a place to walk every day, instead of staying inside the structure,” association spokesperson Bob Carberry told the Ottawa Citizen.

What was learned: If you’ve been following the Sprung structure debate, no new information was shared, but it was an opportunity for the city to reinforce its talking points. 

For starters, Sprung structures are not tents even if they are tent-like. The facilities have full HVAC systems, sprinklers, and washrooms. They would also have a commercial kitchen with food provided on site, said Kale Brown, the city's manager of housing and homelessness. 

• You can learn more about the structures in the Lookout’s interview with the company’s founder.

The residents would stay upwards of 90 days before being moved onto transitional or permanent housing, though many social service agencies have indicated that’s not a realistic time frame. During that time, they’d have access to translation services, legal assistance, and settlement support, reported CBC. 

By the numbers: Currently about 750 refugees and asylum seekers call Ottawa home. At its peak, the Ottawa Mission said 67 per cent of its beds were being used by the newcomers, though that number is now down to about 27 per cent.

Many are now housed in recreation centres, which have been closed for community-use. That’s had a detrimental impact on predominantly low-income neighbourhoods. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has hinted more community spaces would need to be taken over if Sprung structures are not built, though there is a grey area on that since the Justin Trudeau-led federal government has lowered its immigration targets. 

What would happen when no longer needed: The city’s plan is for the structure to be used for asylum seekers for about four years, but the Sprung structures can last more with regular maintenance. While they technically could be relocated, it’s pretty clear they are staying put once they go up. The city has said they could later be converted into pickleball courts, recreation spaces, or libraries. 

What happens next: The structures are to be funded by the federal government, but it’s still unclear how that money would flow in — especially with a federal election on the horizon and fewer refugees entering the country. The second Sprung facility on Hearst Way within the Eagleson Park & Ride would only be built if required and if the funding was to flow through. Kanata Coun. Allan Hubley has expressed he’s not in support of the project and there have been protests there, too. More public information sessions are planned, but they will do little as they are not consultations. The city wants to see the Nepean site open by November 2025.  

THE AGENDA

💉 Pierre Poirier, who is chief of the Ottawa Paramedic Service, says the proposed West Ottawa HART Hub could help paramedics increase service capacity in the city. The proposal includes walk-in services and up to six substance-use withdrawal-management beds, plus additional stabilization beds with medical staff on hand. The goal of HART Hubs is to provide safety, support and stability to people with complex needs. [Ottawa Citizen]

🏘️ A City of Ottawa audit found that two employees had agreed to landlords' artificially inflated rents in return for kickback payments. Now the Ottawa Police are investigating. [Ottawa Citizen]

👮🏼‍♀️ A former Ottawa music teacher who taught with the Ottawa Carleton District School Board from the 1970s to 1970s has been charged again with sex crimes. Robert "Bob" Clarke, now 80, taught music and led bands at both Bell High School and Sir Robert Borden High School. He had previously been convicted of sexually abusing 10 boys. [CBC]

🚗 Ottawa Police say a man has died after a single-vehicle collision at the corner of Mitch Owens and Old Prescott roads Tuesday night. It’s unclear if the person was a pedestrian or the driver. A woman in her 20s who was identified in the crash was not seriously injured. [CBC]

📦 Ottawa customers are turning to couriers to get holiday packages shipped as the Canada Post strike continues. Ottawa-based Trexity says they have seen their biggest sales yet. “We're seeing a 40 per cent increase in deliveries on a daily basis, on top of the holiday rush that we already forecast at the beginning of the year," said founder Alok Ahuja. [CTV]

🚘️ The portion of Bank street closed between Blais Road and Shuttleworth Drive in Findlay Creek will reopen today. Commuters in the area had to deal with a detour for six months for upgrades. This closure is the first of two stages. The city says an adjacent section of Bank Street will be under construction in the future. [CTV]

🚧 Ottawa City Council has delayed a decision on a proposed development at 219-223 Bank St. and 178 Nepean St. The municipality has requested that developer Smart Living Properties address concerns about the displacement of tenants. The property management firm has offered the tenants a relocation package, including two years of rent — or $20,000 — along with $500 for moving expenses. Tenants say the compensation would not cover the cost of finding a similar unit in the current rental market. [Capital Current]

🔥 Ottawa fire crews said screams for help led firefighters to a woman and child in a burning townhome near the Ottawa Airport on Tuesday night. A woman was taken to hospital in serious condition and two teenagers in stable condition. First responders first got a call saying there was an odour of gas coming from the three-storey home. [CBC]

Sports

🏒 For the first time since 2010, former Ottawa Senators player Dany Heatley was back in Ottawa to a crowd who were roaring with applause. Heatley suffered harsh criticism when he played in the Capital, and said it hurt. At the time, the two-time 50-goal scorer demanded a trade and was dealt to the San Jose Sharks. [Ottawa Citizen]

🍕 Heatley’s return to Ottawa was also marked with the “pizza line” consisting of former players Daniel Alfredsson and Jason Spezza. The trio coming together symbolized not only a gesture of goodwill against the former disgraced player, but also a sign of rebuilding the team. [Hockey News]

🛷 Ottawa native Mirela Rahneva is retiring from skeleton racing. The two-time Olympian said: “This year, I’ve taken the time to reflect on my accomplishments in sport and feel a strong pull toward exploring new opportunities and passions beyond competition.” [Ottawa Sports Pages]

⚽️ Atlético Ottawa has picked Jason Hartill of Cape Breton University and Adam N’Goran of Carleton University in the 2025 CPL-U Sports Draft. Both players will be invited to winter pre-season camp, where they will look to earn a U sports contract for the 2025 CPL season with Atlético Ottawa. [Athletico Ottawa]

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EVENTS GUIDE

Annual Holiday Fundraising Art Sale | The Ottawa School of Art (OSA) ByWard Market Campus, 35 George St | Until Dec 8 | Wide range of unique and affordable original works of art created by OSA students, instructors and local artists | Free

The Compassionate Friends is holding a Worldwide Candlelight Ceremony for children who have left us too soon.  December 8th 630 pm. More information [Sponsored]

Alight at Night | Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Rd. 2, Morrisburg | Now until Jan. 4 | Explore nearly one million lights in a magical winter wonderland featuring carriage rides, BeaverTails, and festive charm | Tickets $17

613Holiday Night Market | Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne, 1000 Exhibition Way | Dec. 6 | Proving once again that holiday shopping can actually be fun! The 613Holiday Night Market offers an indoor shopping experience filled with festive cheer | Free

Ottawa Santa Shuffle | Lansdowne Park | Dec. 7 | A 5km Fun Run and 1km Elf Walk for all ages and skill levels in proud partnership with the Running Room. Participants are encouraged to wear their funkiest festive running attire for a day of laughter and fun. | Free

A Very Retro Christmas | Nepean Museum, 16 Rowley Ave | Dec. 7 | Step into a time machine and celebrate the holidays with your family in retro style! | Free

Stittsville Parade of Lights | Stittsville Main Street | Dec. 7 | A community favourite, drawing thousands of spectators along Stittsville Main Street parade route as dozens of beautifully decorated community floats set the tone for Santa’s much-anticipated arrival at the end of the parade | Free

Holiday Lights Walking Tour | 89 Spark St, Bear Catching Fish Statue | Ottawa | Dec 7, 14, 7 pm | Step into the festive spirit on a walking tour of Ottawa’s dazzling holiday lights | Free

Metcalfe Farmers' Christmas Market | Greely Community Centre, 1448 Meadow Dr | Dec. 14 | All vendors are local, and make, create, bake or grow all of their products | Free

Annual Pet Day & Market at Robert Plante Greenhouses | Robert Plante Greenhouses, 4228 Navan Rd | Dec. 14 | Celebrate your furry friends with pet-themed vendors, toys, treats and custom gifts | Free

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• Here is what Christmas in Ottawa looked like in 1924. [Kitchissippi Times]

• Tell Air Canada unpaid work is unfair. [Sponsored]

• Meet Ottawa’s newest Drag King superstar. [Capital Current]

• Ottawa Design Club’s “Building Bridges” exhibit filled up the artist centre AXENÉO7. [Apt613]

• This Christmas town near Ottawa is a real-life North Pole with quaint shops and Disney vibes. [Narcity]

• Want to have your announcement featured? Learn how here.

WORDLE

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