DAYLER: A PLACE TO GROW FROM
By Zach Dayler
The air is starting to crisp, and the leaves are changing. Fall is here, and we will begin to see our summer markets give way to fall produce and eventually, dare I say it, with some excitement… Christmas Trees and Wreaths!
We at Ottawa Markets want to take the opportunity to thank the community for supporting our vendors and their work this past season. The team continue to rebuild a unique market program here in ByWard as we recover from the impacts of a global pandemic.
Over the past 18 months, Ottawa Markets has implemented policies that set the direction for the future. These policies include our “Farmers First” program, the Black, Indigenous, and People of Colours initiative, and our newly updated Operating Procedure that will accompany a City of Ottawa Bylaw amendment. These changes aim to set the groundwork for better curating, promoting, and supporting a markets program that provides viable economic opportunities for local and regional farmers, makers, and artists.
The changes support farms like Rutabaga Ranch, Vintage Soil Farms, Burrell Farms, Russell Farms and others. As our program expands, so will our offerings as others begin to access the market and grow into the space. We are working with many new vendors and community organizations to build partnerships that will evolve! Like the farm product we love – it needs time to grow.
These initiatives over the years will also complement the implementation of the ByWard Public Realm Plan. The plan calls for investments in the pedestrianization of our core market area and will support the return of a thriving public market, one that is home to unique finds and creative crafters—anchored by the best local, regional and national produce and where top tier performers and buskers create the soundtrack to our wanderings!
This past season we launched the York Street Farmers Market on Saturdays and our community activation “Zone” on York St. East, which played host to Ooh Vintage Sneaker Festival, Carivibe, Soul City Music Festival, AfroWorld Market and others. Ottawa Markets also saw the return of 7 days week vending relocated to wrap around 55 ByWard Market, and the businesses within re-opened their doors. Also, in partnership with the Lowertown Community Association and MASC residents of the area inspired our newest neighbourhood mural located on William Street Plaza.
We all want to see a thriving market precinct. To get there, we need to work to build partnerships and foster coordination. There is a deep community surrounding our beloved market space. The market is many things to many people. Over the following number of months, and as we plan for the 2022 season, we will continue to work toward building a public market experience that residents will be proud of and one that visitors will be excited to rediscover.
