‘It’s good news’: Carleton community reacts to provincial funding for downtown revitalization

Carleton students are praising the Ontario government’s plan to put aside millions of dollars toward revitalizing Ottawa’s downtown core. 

Announced on Dec. 4, the province is investing $20 million over the next three years to bring downtown Ottawa back to life. The funding is  part of Ontario’s plan to spend $197 million over three years to support Ottawa in strengthening public safety, transportation and other infrastructure projects. 

With many popular student hotspots recently shutting down in the area, including Blue Cactus, Pure Kitchen, Oz Kafe and St. Louis Bar and Grill, Carleton students say the funding is coming at the right time. 

“I think that’s the first step to getting the ByWard Market back where it needs to be,” said Leolla Del Villano, a second-year student who works at popular student bar, The Show. 

Del Villano said she notices empty tables and a lack of interest in visiting the district. 

“My co-workers have told me that before the pandemic, the market was bustling and every business was basically full,” Del Villano said. “Nowadays when I go out to work, I am lucky to see half-capacity.”

“It’s probably for the best that they are investing in the area because a lot of people don’t feel comfortable walking around late at night, especially if they are by themselves,” André said. 

The spending announcement is also welcome news for Rideau-Vanier Coun. Stephanie Plante, whose ward encompasses the ByWard Market. 

“Anytime anyone wants to invest money in the area, it’s good news,” Plante said.

Of the announced funding, $11.8 million will go toward making William Street pedestrian-only. It’s a move André said he is happy to see, as he believes pedestrians are currently at risk in the ByWard Market. 

“There’s already so many people that are walking around, and it makes me worried that somebody is going to be hit by a car,” André said. “Moving to a pedestrian-only street will make it easier to get around and is just more convenient.” 

Construction to make William Street pedestrian-only is expected to be completed by fall 2026.

Another $3.85 million is earmarked for upgrading signage, while $1.05 million is budgeted for the Somerset West Community Health Centre to support people experiencing homelessness. An additional $450,000 will go toward the creation of a “Downtown Vibrancy Office.”  

According to an Ontario press release, the Downtown Vibrancy Office “will be managed by the Ottawa Board of Trade and build business and investor confidence by implementing additional revitalization projects.”

Plante said she hopes to see more families in the area as the government invests more in the community. 

“I want to see lots of strollers in the ByWard Market,” she said. “When you see lots of strollers it means there are family activities, parents feel safe [and] kids are coming. 

“When you see strollers, it’s a welcoming place for everyone.”

Feature image by Michael McBean/The Charlatan.