The city is moving forward with a bid to designate the
ByWard Market as a federally recognized national historic site
ahead of the heritage district’s 200th anniversary celebrations in 2027.
Ottawa’s built heritage committee approved a staff recommendation on Tuesday to nominate
the ByWard Market
to the National Historic Site program, operated by Parks Canada for sites that meet criteria established by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
In a presentation to the committee, heritage planning staff said the Market “strongly” meets the criteria for sites associated with people, places or events of national historical significance.
If the application is successful, a commemorative plaque would be installed, though there would be no further regulatory requirements for property or business owners within the heritage boundary.
Coun. Rawlson King, chair of the built heritage committee, said the designation would be “honorific” as the Market is already protected as a heritage conservation district under the Ontario Heritage Act. There would be no new regulations, no additional permit processes and no transfers of ownership or management, King said.
“What this designation does provide is both national and international recognition, enhanced tourism appeal and the pride of being part of a National Historic Site,” King said.
“For nearly 200 years, the ByWard Market has been the heart of our city. It predates Ottawa and the country’s existence, and this is where French, Irish and English cultures converged and created the bilingual character that defines our national capital today. This is where generations of immigrants and working-class people first found community and commerce in Canada.
“The Market meets every criterion that Parks Canada has established for National Historic Site designation, and I think it does so exceptionally well.”
King said the upcoming bicentennial presents “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” to recognize the Market’s significance and ensure the timeline aligns with the 200th anniversary celebrations planned for 2027.
The
ByWard Market was established in 1827
, one year after construction commenced on the Rideau Canal, and was one of the first public markets and the city’s oldest commercial area.
“Today, the ByWard Market has a rich cultural heritage and played a significant role in shaping the city as national capital,” said senior heritage planner MacKenzie Kimm in a presentation to the committee.
“It’s comprised of buildings and structures and spaces that reflect a range of architectural styles, but also its evolution over time. It’s associated with nationally important individuals and events, and together it reflects nationally important themes, including Indigenous history, Ottawa as an important lumber town, the commercial hub, French-Canadian culture and history and bilingualism.”
The designation would present an opportunity to conserve the built character of the Market, Kimm said, and would heighten awareness of the significance of the district from a national perspective.
Jillian Stewart commended the city for pursuing the designation as she spoke to the committee on behalf of the Properties Group and a group of landlords who own commercial property in the Market.
“We want to continue and thrive as one of Ottawa’s true economic and touristic tools, and so we strongly support the city’s efforts to pursue the designation of the ByWard Market as a National Historic Site, recognizing its unique character and historical significance,” Stewart said. “These properties have been significant in shaping Ottawa’s identity, and we really do think that this designation would help pursue this and preserve this legacy.”
There are currently 26 national historic sites in the National Capital Region, including Notre Dame Basilica on Sussex Drive, Rideau Hall, Château Laurier, Beechwood Cemetery and the Parliament Buildings. Two of the sites — Laurier House and the Rideau Canal — are administered by Parks Canada.
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