By Zachary Dayler
The ByWard Market is at the heart of Ottawa with a rich history dating back to 1829. Since that time, 55 ByWard Market or Byward Market Square, has been dismantled, burned down, lasted the hardship of two world wars, a depression, experienced the ebbs and flows of tourism, and the closing and opening of many an art installation, businesses and City reconstruction.
In the first of what I hope will be a regular article from Ottawa Markets, I want to introduce myself as the new Director, and reintroduce Ottawa Markets to the community. The ByWard area is fantastic and full of discovery, and I genuinely believe the area will come back from the extraordinary situation that is COVID19. We do not yet know what the future of public space will look like, and the lasting impacts on individuals, families, business, and the community as a whole are yet to be understood. Even with the uncertainty, I am optimistic that the next chapter of history will be written with a renewed understanding of the importance of connecting in our communities.
As Ottawa Markets transferred from City of Ottawa management to a Municipal Service Corporation in 2018, there have been some growing pains, but as we turn the page to the next chapter, the next decade of history for the area, we have a significant opportunity to refocus our offerings for the community, and that is what we are doing. A vital first step will be aligning our work with the forthcoming public realm study.
To achieve this, Ottawa Markets is putting our head down and working hard to strategically develop an action plan that will refocus our offerings and reignite the passion for local produce and products. We also hope that as we move forward, we will establish a new platform for thought-provoking, exciting, and engaging programming for the area. First, however, we have to get through the immediate public health challenge. As a business, we are evaluating what federal, provincial, and municipal programs are available and we are also talking with partners and exploring how we can safely provide a market experience for the community of Ottawa in the 2020 season. Stay tuned, as I hope we can share those details with you all very soon!
In addition, the Government of Canada is taking steps to assist small business. Numerous programs also support individuals, and I would encourage everyone to review the information on the Government of Canada website and don’t be shy reaching out to your local MP. Their constituency offices are great resources of information and can help connect residents and businesses with the programs on offer. Finally, I want to encourage you to shop as local as you can during this time; every little bit can help.
Zachary Dayler is
Executive Director,
Marchés d’Ottawa Markets