Sustainable Steps: The ByWard Market embraces pedestrianization and enhanced green space
July 8, 2024 - Lowertown Echo
By Victoria Williston, BMDA Communications Manager
The bustling ByWard Market area is set to undergo a significant transformation aimed at enhancing the visitor experience, while reducing its carbon footprint. The ByWard Market Public Realm Plan, approved by City Council in 2021, once completed, will bring extensive changes through pedestrianization and increased green spaces. In the meantime, the ByWard Market District Authority (BMDA) and the City are actively working towards a more sustainable and healthier urban environment by pedestrianizing William Street and ByWard Market Square, as well as the implementation of enhanced beautification measures throughout the district.
One of the most immediate benefits of pedestrianizing the ByWard Market district is the reduction in vehicle emissions. Limiting car access in favour of active transportation like walking and cycling directly decreases the number of vehicles on the road. This change would result in a significant drop in the emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, as well as other pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. By encouraging residents and visitors to opt for more sustainable modes of transportation, the ByWard Market is leading the way in reducing the environmental impact of urban traffic.
In addition to environmental benefits, pedestrianization and the addition of green spaces also encourage a thriving local economy. By shopping locally, residents support small businesses that are more likely to source products from nearby, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. This local economic activity not only sustains the community but also enhances its resilience to climate impacts. Local businesses are also more adaptable and invested in their neighborhoods, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility for environmental stewardship. By fostering a strong local economy, the ByWard Market is building resilience against economic and environmental shocks.
The introduction of more greenery in the ByWard Market has another vital benefit: improved air quality. Trees and plants filter pollutants and produce oxygen, contributing to healthier living conditions for the area’s residents. As reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and numerous other scientific sources, cleaner air can lead to a reduction in healthcare costs associated with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases caused by air pollution. As the community breathes easier, the long-term health benefits become apparent, highlighting the importance of urban greenery.
Expanded green spaces is not simply an aesthetic improvement – it is a strategic investment in the community’s future. Increasing the tree canopy not only offers shade and cooler temperatures, which are crucial as global temperatures rise, this greening effort also provides vital habitats for urban wildlife, promoting biodiversity in the heart of the city.
The transformation of the ByWard Market into a more pedestrian-friendly and green area is a testament to Ottawa’s commitment to sustainability. The combination of reduced vehicle emissions, enhanced carbon sequestration, improved air quality, mitigation of the urban heat island effect, and support for local shopping showcases a comprehensive approach to creating a sustainable and vibrant downtown core.
The recently released Downtown Action Agenda, created by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) for the Ottawa Board of Trade (OBOT), envisions a dynamic, safe, and economically vibrant downtown core for Ottawa.
The plan aims to build equity and climate resilience through a strategic framework that prioritizes mobility and street-level actions, such as investing in the public realm.
These proactive measures would not only preserve the historic charm of the ByWard Market but also pave the way for a greener, more resilient future. Through these initiatives, the BMDA and the City are demonstrating that sustainable urban living is not only possible, but also beneficial for the environment, economy, and overall quality of life.
The effort to pedestrianize the ByWard Market District has been lengthy and challenging. An article from the 2000s in the Ottawa Citizen proposed permanently pedestrianizing part of William Street at York Street to enhance walkability. Despite the passage of over a decade since that proposal, the broader vision of a fully pedestrian-friendly market remains unrealized, requiring substantial funding and support from all government levels. Temporary street closures during spring and summer highlight the area’s potential, emphasizing the need for ongoing investment and collaboration.
As these plans take shape, residents and visitors can look forward to a revitalized ByWard Market that balances the vibrancy of urban life with the tranquility of green spaces. With investment and commitment, the ByWard Market is set to become a model for urban sustainability, showcasing how thoughtful planning and collaboration can create a healthier and more enjoyable environment for everyone.
For more on the ByWard Market Public Realm Plan visit: www.byward-market.com, while the CUI Action Agenda can be found here: www.canurb.org