By Nicolas Moyer
January 1st of this year marked an important milestone in the history of the Byward Market. On this day, Ottawa Markets, a new municipal services corporation, took over management of market operations in the Byward and Parkdale markets from the City of Ottawa.
In Lowertown, the creation of Ottawa Markets is the culmination of over a decade of consultations and planning aimed at revitalizing the Byward Market. By transferring market operations to an independent corporation, the City of Ottawa is banking on the potential of dedicated leadership and a clear mandate to help revitalize the Byward Market and secure its future as a thriving traditional market in Ottawa’s downtown core.
Residents have long been concerned with the decline in numbers of traditional fresh-food vendors and an increased prevalence of bars and restaurants in the Market. The City of Ottawa has also documented a decline in revenues, vendor diversity, sales, and customer base in both the Byward and Parkdale markets.
Following recommendations built on community consultations and expert advice from Project for Public Spaces (PPS) between 2013 and 2015, last year city councillors approved the legal incorporation of Ottawa Markets and the general guidelines guiding its launch for January 2018. A volunteer board of directors was appointed in July 2017, and Jeff Darwin was appointed Executive Director in December.
Despite a few challenges, including short timelines and the resignation within four months of four of nine Board members, critical early decisions have been made. These include the contracting of a new property management firm (Paradigm Properties) and approval of a service agreement with the City of Ottawa for transfer of activities to Ottawa Markets. That service agreement retained ownership of Market infrastructure with the City, but transferred tenant agreements and lease management to Ottawa Markets. It also transferred $160,000 in deferred revenues to Ottawa Markets and granted permission for a $1 million line of credit.
With strong roots in Ottawa, Jeff Darwin says he is excited about the opportunity to revitalize the Market’s traditional role in our community. “That process begins quickly in 2018 with consultations and the development of a 5-year Strategic Plan to be presented to Council in May.” says Darwin.
A critical long-term issue will relate to the funding of any infrastructure changes included in plans to revitalize the Market. With only lease revenues to count on at this stage, Ottawa Markets has limited means at its disposal, but is projecting a balanced budget of $1,575,000 in 2018. Despite PPS’s recommendation for Ottawa Markets to retain a portion of nearby parking revenues and the role such arrangements have played in the success of revitalization efforts for markets in other cities, like Montreal’s Atwater and Jean-Talon Markets, no such decision was made here.
According to local councillor Mathieu Fleury, “Ottawa Markets has a critical role to play and has a clear mandate to support the growth of fresh food retail in our historic Market.” He has great hopes for the revitalization of the Byward Market. Citing the need to increase foot traffic in the Market, the councillor notes the positive impact expected from the new LRT station on Rideau.
As the plans for Byward Market are developed this year, City Council has recognized the need for major infrastructure improvements that support its renewal. Supporting this, Fleury signals the importance for local residents to be active participants in impending consultations. With so many stakeholders involved in the success of the Market, Jeff Darwin has also underlined the importance of collaboration and shared vision to achieve progress.
With strong community interest in the revitalization of the Byward Market, residents will be watching for an ambitious change and investment plan to favour the return of a bustling, thriving public market to its community. Opportunities to participate in related consultations will be available in February and March, though details are not yet known.
Ottawa Markets has taken over office space in 50 Byward Market (just above the Byward Market Café). Stay informed about Ottawa Market’s activities on Twitter (@OttawaMarkets) or their website www.ottawamarkets.com