ByWard Square to Animate the Heart of the ByWard Market This Summer

As the ByWard Market continues its evolution, a new outdoor venue will bring live music, local food, markets, and community programming to the heart of one of Ottawa's most iconic neighbourhoods.

The ByWard Market District Authority (BMDA), in partnership with the City of Ottawa, designed and imagined by Belleville Placemaking and executed by Aire commune, ByWard Square, designed to reanimate public space while creating new opportunities for local artists and entrepreneurs. 

"With the ByWard Market welcoming more than 25 million visits last year and momentum building toward its 200th anniversary, projects like ByWard Square are exactly how we keep that energy growing; drawing people downtown and giving them more reasons to stay, shop, and eat local," said Victoria Williston, Executive Director of the ByWard Market District Authority (BMDA). "It reflects our commitment to a vibrant, welcoming, and active public realm that supports the long-term vitality of the ByWard Market and the heart of our city."

The opening of ByWard Square is a key milestone in the City of Ottawa's comprehensive plan to support a vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive historic market district.

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe emphasized the importance of the project in supporting the ongoing revitalization of downtown Ottawa. "The ByWard Market is the historic heart of Ottawa and a cornerstone of our efforts to revitalize downtown. In February, we launched the ByWard Market Action Plan with a commitment to bring more people, more activity, and more vibrancy to the district. ByWard Square is a result of that work coming to life. It will create new opportunities for local businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs while giving residents and visitors another reason to spend time in the Market. This investment will help build a stronger, more vibrant, and more prosperous ByWard Market. I can't wait to see the square come alive this summer with great food, local talent, and the energy that makes the ByWard Market one of the most special places in our city." 

Councillor Stéphanie Plante, welcomed the initiative as another step in the ongoing evolution of the district. "As we look ahead to the ByWard Market's 200th anniversary, projects like ByWard Square remind us that great public spaces are ultimately about people," said Councillor Stéphanie Plante. "This new gathering place will create opportunities to enjoy local music, support local businesses, and spend time with neighbours, family, and friends in the heart of our city. I can't wait to see residents and visitors alike make this space their own all summer long." 

"Byward Square is a first step to give Ottawans a great center square to gather and enjoy, in the heart of one of Canada's great historic districts," said Jerome Barth, urban planning consultant with Belleville Placemaking.

While the broader ByWard Market attracts thousands of visitors each week, ByWard Square will serve as a flexible outdoor hub featuring live music, local food experiences, community gatherings, pop-up vendors, and cultural programming.

"Great public spaces create opportunities for people to connect with their city in new ways," said Philippe Pelletier, co-founder and producer at Aire commune. "ByWard Square is designed to be welcoming, accessible, and adaptable, creating a space where people can gather, discover local talent, and enjoy memorable experiences in the heart of the city."

ByWard Square represents a shared commitment to enhancing the public realm, supporting Ottawa's creative community, and reinforcing the ByWard Market's position as one of the city's premier destinations for culture, commerce, and community life.

ByWard Square will officially open to the public on July 9 at 5 p.m., transforming the heart of the ByWard Market into a vibrant gathering place where residents and visitors can enjoy local music, rotating food offerings, pop-up vendors, and weekly programming throughout the summer.

An official media and community launch event will follow on July 16, bringing together partners, elected officials, media representatives, influencers, and community members to celebrate the project's debut.

To learn more about ByWard Square, visit : ByWard Square — ByWard Market District Authority