Victoria Williston has been named the new executive director of the ByWard Market District Authority, effective immediately, the authority announced on Wednesday.
In September, the BMDA began its search for a leader as Zachary Dayler left the executive position after five years.
The BMDA board of directors identified Williston as the best candidate as she is “uniquely qualified to steward the organization into its next chapter and to advance the ByWard Market’s role as a vital public space rooted in inclusion, entrepreneurship, and city-building,” the authority said.
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“Victoria brings a strong understanding of the ByWard Market and the broader civic environment in which it operates,” said Sandy Smallwood, chair of the BMDA board of directors. “She has demonstrated an ability to balance strategic thinking with sound governance and a clear commitment to public service. The Board is confident that her leadership aligns well with the organization’s priorities and looks forward to working with her as the Market enters an important period of growth and transition.”
Williston has been with the BMDA since January 2024 as communications and marketing manager, helping the BMDA establish governance frameworks, policies and operations systems. She has helped advance partnerships with stakeholders, such as Ottawa Tourism, and co-authored the authority’s first Destination Development Fund application, supporting economic growth and enhanced visitor experience, the authority said.
“It is with great appreciation that I step into the role of executive director and I thank the board for entrusting me with this responsibility,” Williston said in a press release. “Public spaces play a vital role in fostering connection and social inclusion. The ByWard Market District is deeply rooted in its surroundings and has long served as a gathering place and historic public market for people across the city and beyond. My immediate focus is on working closely with our team, partners, and community to deliver an exciting and impactful 2026, while laying the groundwork for the ByWard Market’s 200th anniversary. Together, we will advance the Market’s role as a functional, inclusive public space.”
She has previously held positions as a finance administrator with Byron Capital Markets in Toronto, a reporter and news anchor with Rogers Media in Toronto, news director with CityNews in Ottawa, radio instructor with Algonquin College in Ottawa and she currently serves as a board member with Ottawa-based non-profit Synapcity.
Melanie Anderson has been acting executive director since Dayler left in September.
