ByWard Market businesses generally supportive of new ‘night ambassador’ program (OBJ)
June 11, 2025 - Ottawa Business Journal
ByWard Market businesses will meet with Ottawa’s nightlife commissioner next week to ask questions and express concerns about the new night ambassador program that is slated to start later this month.
Last week, the City of Ottawa and ByWard Market District Authority (BMDA) announced $35,000 in funding from the city to support teams of “night ambassadors,” whose role is to improve safety in the ByWard Market on Friday and Saturday nights from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., starting June 27 until Oct. 31.
According to the BMDA’s job posting for the role, the responsibilities of the night ambassadors include passing out water, snacks and phone chargers; helping vulnerable and intoxicated people; aiding in minor emergencies; and de-escalating disruptive and unsafe situations.
Alex Sirois, managing partner of Ottawa Venues, the company that operates Lowertown Brewery and Sky Lounge on York Street, said the Market already feels safer and this initiative will continue that trend.
“Anything that makes people feel more at ease as they’re leaving or arriving is going to be helpful,” he said. “As a whole, I think it helps the Market and helps people feel super-safe down here. The Market is getting busier and it’s feeling safer.
“We’re seeing a lot of changes that are positively affecting the Market and we’re very happy about it. We’re hoping to keep moving along and moving forward with all the positive changes.”
