A New Place to Gather in the Heart of Ottawa

ByWard Square is a new open-air gathering space designed to bring residents, visitors, families and local businesses together in the heart of the ByWard Market District.

Created as a welcoming and well-programmed public space, ByWard Square offers live music, arts and culture, family-friendly activities, rotating food and vendor pop-ups, and opportunities to experience the Market in a new way.

Be There or Be Square

Designed with accessibility, inclusion, and community in mind, ByWard Square brings a new open-air gathering space to the heart of the ByWard Market District. Come explore the space, enjoy seasonal programming, and experience a new way to gather, relax, and connect in downtown Ottawa.

Open Thursday to Sunday, 12 p.m. – 9 p.m., Jul 9 to Sep 27

Music, Culture
and Community

Programming at ByWard Square includes live music, arts and cultural activities, and family-friendly activations throughout the season.

From casual visits to special events, the space is designed to encourage community participation and celebrate the creativity, diversity and energy of the ByWard Market District.

Explore the full programming:

Cinq à Sept: Extended Sessions
Friday Sessions
SATURDAY SOUNDS

ByWard Square is intended to serve as an interim enhancement to the public realm as part of the Byward Market Public Realm Plan, creating a more vibrant, welcoming and people-focused downtown, while longer-term improvements and infrastructure investments for the district continue to be planned and implemented.

It represents another step toward creating a more comfortable, animated and people-focused ByWard Market District, while supporting broader efforts to strengthen Ottawa’s downtown core.

Supporting Downtown Revitalization

As Ottawa approaches its 200th anniversary, continued investment in public spaces plays an important role in supporting a vibrant downtown core.

ByWard Square contributes to ongoing revitalization efforts by encouraging increased use of public space, supporting local economic activity and creating a more inviting experience for residents and visitors.

  • "The ByWard Market is the historic heart of Ottawa and a cornerstone of our efforts to revitalize downtown. In February, we launched the ByWard Market Action Plan with a commitment to bring more people, more activity, and more vibrancy to the district. ByWard Square is a result of that work coming to life. It will create new opportunities for local businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs while giving residents and visitors another reason to spend time in the Market."

    —Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe

  • "As we look ahead to the ByWard Market's 200th anniversary, projects like ByWard Square remind us that great public spaces are ultimately about people. This new gathering place will create opportunities to enjoy local music, support local businesses, and spend time with neighbours, family, and friends in the heart of our city. I can't wait to see residents and visitors alike make this space their own all summer long."

    —Councillor Stéphanie Plante

  • With the ByWard Market welcoming more than 25 million visits last year and momentum building toward its 200th anniversary, projects like ByWard Square are exactly how we keep that energy growing; drawing people downtown and giving them more reasons to stay, shop, and eat local. It reflects our commitment to a vibrant, welcoming, and active public realm that supports the long-term vitality of the ByWard Market and the heart of our city."

    —Victoria Williston, Executive Director, BMDA

  • "Byward Square is a first step to give Ottawans a great center square to gather and enjoy, in the heart of one of Canada's great historic districts."

    —Jerome Barth, Urban Planning Consultant, Belleville Placemaking

  • "Great public spaces create opportunities for people to connect with their city in new ways. ByWard Square is designed to be welcoming, accessible, and adaptable, creating a space where people can gather, discover local talent, and enjoy memorable experiences in the heart of the city."

    —Philippe Pelletier, Co-founder and Producer, Aire commune