At its meeting on December 10, the city council voted to instruct staff to submit a nomination to designate the ByWard Market as a national historic site. The initiative aims to honor the market’s upcoming 200th anniversary.
City officials are proposing that council members endorse the nomination for inclusion in the federal program overseen by Parks Canada. According to a staff report, this designation would have minimal impact on property owners while potentially boosting tourism in the area. Additionally, it would lead to the installation of a bronze commemorative plaque.
Established in 1827 by Colonel John By, the ByWard Market was created as a bustling commercial center for laborers constructing the Rideau Canal. Heritage Ottawa reports this historical background. Katherine Spencer-Ross, the president of Heritage Ottawa, views the approaching bicentennial as an opportune time for this campaign. While acknowledging the lack of legal protection associated with the status, Spencer-Ross believes that being recognized as a national historic site would elevate the market’s prestige.
Described in a city staff report as Ottawa’s oldest commercial zone, the ByWard Market is praised for its significance as a convergence point of French and English cultures. The report highlights the diverse architectural styles present in the area, showcasing a mix of designs, materials, craftsmanship, and settings.
Councilor Stéphanie Plante of Rideau-Vanier initially proposed the idea to city staff after witnessing Rockcliffe Park receive a similar designation. Plante emphasized the ByWard Market’s historical importance, noting its status as one of Canada’s oldest markets. She highlighted the need to showcase the market beyond its tourist appeal, expressing excitement about the market’s potential.
The Lowertown Community Association, represented by President Sylvie Bigras, also supports the initiative. Bigras regards the market as the birthplace of Ottawa, embodying the essence of Bytown in its original form. She hopes that the national historic site status, if granted, will bring renewed attention to the market.
Spencer-Ross anticipates that the designation could attract more visitors to the market and encourage developers to preserve its heritage elements. Plante envisions leveraging the status to enhance applications for federal funding, particularly for projects that enhance the market’s storytelling through wayfinding initiatives.
City staff estimate that the application process for national historic site status could span up to two years, involving submission to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. If successful, the designation should be finalized in time for the 2027 celebrations.