By Valentina Perez Montoya
In celebration of the ByWard Market’s 196th outdoor season, Ottawa Markets is proud to present the meaning and history behind the 11 icons included in the 2023 season launch poster. Each icon corresponds to an element that makes the ByWard Market one of the most cherished public markets in the country. The icon and season poster were designed by Ottawa-based graphic artist, Sage Mosurinjohn.
Icon #1: ByWard Market historic building
A public market is open year-round. Unlike farmers’ markets, which often operate only seasonally and may pop up just once or twice a week, a public market is open daily in a permanent location. Established by Lt-Col. John By in 1826, the ByWard Market is one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets.
The Market building serves as a vibrant anchor where neighbourhood residents and visitors alike can fulfill their daily shopping needs and participate in programming that enhances a sense of community. The outdoor public market season runs from May to October. Outside of the main season, the Market is open 363 days a year with bustling restaurants, artisan groceries, unique retail and holiday tree and decor sales in November and December!
Icon #2: Fresh produce
A public market primarily sells food. The Byward Public Market was formally established during the late 1820s and early 1830s as a commercial sector to support the builders of the Rideau Canal. Well before supermarkets and bulk wholesalers, the Market was Ottawa’s first grocery store.
Agricultural products are an integral part of the ByWard Public Market experience. Ottawans can access fresh Canadian produce from Serge Cléroux’s stand seven days a week at the corner of George Street and ByWard Market Square.
Did you know that Ottawa Markets is guided by a “Farmer First” policy? This policy is meant to strengthen the region’s farmers and primary producers who sell at Ottawa Markets, as well as the provincial and domestic food production sector as a whole.
Ottawa Markets’ new hybrid model will prioritize local while providing daily service and various other products from the Québec, Toronto, and Niagara regions.
To learn more about our Farmer First” policy, visit our website at https://ottawamarkets.ca/about
Icon #3: Vendor Stands
A tradition spanning nearly two centuries takes place every Spring in Ottawa’s most recognizable public space: the return of the outdoor vendors! Starting in May, vendors wrap around the historic Market building with colourful displays, creating a unique outdoor shopping experience.
In the 1800s, farmers would use wagons teeming with produce as their makeshift stands. Nowadays, vendors’ stands are semi-permanent, metallic structures along York Street and ByWard Market Square. Ottawa Markets’ Operations Supervisor and her team whizz about in hard hats and safety vests to construct the season’s structures. Along with produce vendors, Provence en couleur, Andes Arts, and Bulles et savons are some of the vendors you’ll spot around the Market building.
Icon #4: Maple Syrup
What is more synonymous with Canadian cuisine and culture than maple syrup?
Since its inception, the ByWard Market has connected residents with local produce, Canadian-made products, and seasonal agricultural offerings like maple syrup.
It’s always maple season at the Market! Since 2010, Maple Country Sugar Bush has brought sweet offerings to the public market with a year-round stand on ByWard Market Square. Get your liquid gold from this family-owned business based in Foymount, ON.
Icon #5: Handmade accessories
Public markets are some of the best places to find original souvenirs by local artisans. Whether you’re popping into The Market Goldsmith, admiring the unique pieces from Stone Era, or picking out Gracelets, you’ll be amazed at the variety the ByWard Public Market offers.
Head to Ottawa’s top gathering spot to meet the local artisans and get your bling on!
Icon #6: Buskers and street performers
On a given day, you’ll hear the Market before you see it. The ByWard Public Market is a vibrant place to savour Ottawa against the backdrop of musicians and entertainers. Keep an ear to the ground for Luis Quiaro’s belting ballads, Kyle Moon’s indie covers, and Mariachi Aztlan’s performances!
Ottawa Markets provides busking pitches for local artists to perform music as well as spaces for face painters, balloon artists, dancers and children’s entertainers.
All interested buskers are encouraged to register their contact information on the Ottawa Markets’ website to receive the most up-to-date events and programming information.
Icon #7: Global cuisine
Whether you’re in the mood for ramen or spiral fried potato chips on a stick, a delicious Market bite is never more than a stone’s throw away! The restaurants and street food vendors of the ByWard Public Market reflect the cultural preferences, lifestyles, and economic needs of the community the Market serves.
At its inception, the Market’s eateries, taverns, and inns catered to the Rideau Canal labourers of mostly French Canadian and Irish origin. As the area evolved, so did the variety of the offerings at the Market.
Today, the indoor market hall showcases authentic global cuisines and boasts Ottawa favourites like Le Moulin de Provence. The historic building houses a mosaic of businesses and cultures, all of which contribute to the Market’s eclectic charm.
While the outdoor market runs from May to October, the indoor vendors are open 363 days a year, closed only on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Icon #8: Civic marker, the “OTTAWA” sign
You know you’ve made it as a city when you get your own letter sign! In Fall 2017, the City of Ottawa and the ByWard Market BIA positioned the “OTTAWA” sign in its permanent home on York Street Plaza.
Before that, the sign was among the most popular aspects of Inspiration Village Canada 150 celebrations and events. The sign is part of a growing global trend of city signs placed at ground level to inspire civic pride and photo ops.
The sign is a civic marker which also doubles as a focal point for ByWard Public Market events, most notably the upcoming Ooh “Music, Arts & Streetwear Festival”! The York Street median will be flanked by vendors on either side, with the OTTAWA letters at one end and the historic ByWard Market at the other.
Did you know that Ottawa Markets accepts sign-lighting requests? Not-for-profits, charitable causes, awareness campaigns, festivals, events and sports achievements can be commemorated with custom lighting. Check out the current lighting calendar or apply for your own illumination on our website.
Icon #9: A ByWard beverage and a buddy
Tiffani Emig, Market Manager at the Boston Public Market, summarized it best when sg said, “A public market is a civic resource for everyone.” We couldn’t agree more! A public market is more than just a place to shop; it provides visitors with an experience.
Your experience at the ByWard Public Market is most enjoyable with a friend and a beverage from one of our vendors — public spaces are meant for connections and conversations, after all!
Whether you’re popping into The ByWard Café for your morning brew, discovering unique fashions at Adaawewigamig or being entertained by the local buskers, there is something new to experience with every visit!
Icon #10: Specialty foods
The ByWard Market is a vibrant place that brings people together to taste new flavours! Visitors are known to try their first Beavertail at the Market; they scour the indoor market hall for “Obama cookies” and pack their carry-ons with maple candies for friends back home.
Public markets focus on different products, but typically a shopper can find produce, meat, fish, dairy products, baked goods, coffee, spices and various specialty and prepared foods. In addition to these food items, you will also find flowers, hand-made crafts and artisanal confections at the ByWard Public Market.
Icon #11: Ottawa Markets logo
On January 1, 2018, the City of Ottawa transferred managements of the ByWard Market to Marchés d’Ottawa Markets.
Our mission is to maximize the ByWard Market’s potential to be a unique, year-round destination to purchase local produce and goods as well as other services and products that meet the needs of local and city-wide residents and tourists alike.
Ottawa Markets will build upon the rich heritage of the public markets in their communities and promote the importance of local food sustainability.
Valentina Perez Montoya is the Events and Communications Coordinator for Marché Ottawa Markets.