Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ottawa city council has approved a plan to redirect funding from a deferred streetscape project to a series of initiatives in the downtown core and ByWard Market.
The funding reallocation remains subject to approval by the Province of Ontario in accordance with the terms of the Ontario-Ottawa Agreement.
Money will be reallocated from the William Street pedestrian and streetscape project, which was originally supported through the Ontario-Ottawa Agreement. However, city staff said the project has been postponed beyond the timelines established under the agreement, prompting the municipality to identify alternative priority projects.
There two key objectives: enhancing safety and security in the downtown and ByWard Market and creating new attractions and public spaces to encourage year-round activity.
Safety-related initiatives approved by council are improvements to Rideau Station and the Rideau Street corridor, upgrades to the Rideau–Sussex underpass, and funding for security staffing support for organizations serving individuals with complex needs. The staffing supports are intended to assist with de-escalation, incident prevention and coordination with outreach and emergency response partners.
Council also endorsed funding for mental health and substance use services in the ByWard Market, Ottawa Public Health’s Needle and Drug Equipment Collection Program, and outreach efforts to connect unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness with safer spaces and support services.
To increase activity and attract more residents and visitors, council approved a range of placemaking and cultural initiatives including “Best of ByWard” four-season placemaking program, which will transform underutilized plazas and sections of ByWard Market Square into flexible public gathering spaces designed to support events and activities throughout the year.
Additional projects include:
- a district-wide navigation, access and parking strategy
- a brand and place identity plan
