By Daniel Pudjak
Merchants are working together with the ByWard Market Business Improvement Area (BIA) and Ottawa Police Services to imagine Murray Street as a unique destination for shoppers, tourists and residents by making the street safer and more inviting.
Murray Street is a diverse business community that includes restaurants, bookstores, salons, a pet store and bars. It is also near essential services that support Ottawa’s homeless population. Merchants are looking to reimagine how they coexist with service centres and the needs of their populations.
“We’ve been working with the merchants [of Murray Street] directly to hear the challenges they’re facing, brainstorming solutions, and trying to get some projects implanted,” said Kalin McCluskey, Executive Director of the ByWard Market BIA. “One, to start, is by encouraging businesses to apply for Agent Status with the Ottawa Police Service which can better facilitate police response in cases of trespassing.”
Agent Status is part of the OPS’ proactive policing measures program and grants the OPS authority to prohibit entry to premises or property and, if necessary, remove people from premises under the Trespass to Property Act. Merchants who are part of the program put stickers at the entrance to their buildings to let OPS officers know they can conduct proactive patrols on their premises.
Merchants are also discussing what can be done to beautify the street and bring events and attractions to it. Andrew Craig, Vice President Operations & Partner at Fiazza Fresh Fired, a Neapolitan-style pizza restaurant, has been talking with fellow merchants to generate ideas ranging from sidewalk sales to art tours and installations. In a recent conversation, Mr. Craig pointed to the yearly Wiener Dog Parade hosted by Cricket & Company, a local pet store, as an example of what is possible when Murray Street merchants work to attract people to their neighbourhood.
Both Mr. Craig and Ms. McCluskey agree that Murray Street is a must-see destination in Ottawa today – and it can be more of one tomorrow. “Murray Street is an integral part of our beloved ByWard Market,” said Ms. McCluskey. Whether you’re wanting an impeccable manicure that can make a bad day better, a heartwarming story to go with your beard trim, a great bite to eat, a treat, or to delve into art and shopping – it’s all there on one street.”
Councillor Mathieu Fleury has been working with the merchants. Mr. Craig noted his collaboration and commitment to Murray Street. He also believes the election could be an opportunity for transformation. “The next [city] councillor for the ByWard Market needs [to be] a champion for businesses and tourism, which includes making the area safe for business owners, staff and customers, while also balancing the needs, and services, of the homeless population” said Mr. Craig. “These changes will take time and funding which is not currently in place, but it starts with a few small steps, a few people pushing in the same direction, and I feel we are on the right track with what we are doing.”