Monthly visits to the ByWard Market for the last quarter of 2024 exceeded numbers seen in 2019 for the same time period, suggesting a “strong upward trend,” according to the ByWard Market District Authority.
“The increase in visits is positive and helps provide clear data on upward trends. It also makes the case that as a city, we must keep driving interest through engaging placemaking, which should set the stage for improved commercial outcomes,” said the authority’s executive director Zachary Dayler in a news release Wednesday.
According to the authority, the ByWard Market district saw more than 22 million visits in 2024, an average increase of 19 per cent compared to 2023. This compares to 25 million visits in 2019, pre-pandemic.
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“The ByWard Market has always been the heart of our city, and it’s inspiring to see this data … Every person who walks through the Market is sending a powerful message — that they are committed to breathing new life into this historic neighbourhood,” said Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe in the release.
“Visitors are returning to a beloved neighbourhood in the capital, and businesses are telling us that the situation is improving,” said Rosemary Thompson, chair of the board of the authority.
The area will see the first phase of the ByWard Market Public Realm Plan come to fruition through the William Street Revitalization project this year. Construction will begin in the spring of 2026, with completion in time for the 200th anniversary of the ByWard Market in 2027.
The project is funded through the Ontario-Ottawa “New Deal,” which will see $20 million to revitalize Ottawa’s downtown, including $11.8 million over three years to transform William Street into a permanent pedestrian-only street.
In recent years, the iconic tourist district has grappled with ongoing social issues such as crime and homelessness, problems that have worsened since the pandemic.
Several area businesses have closed in recent months, including Blue Cactus, Saslove’s Meat Market, Oz Cafe, Steve’s Music, Pure Kitchen, and Café Dekcuf. At the same time, a number of new businesses have moved in, including Juice Dudez and Philthy Phillies.
