OTTAWA —
While the COVID-19 lockdown has quieted the usually bustling ByWard Market, according to Councillor Mathieu Fleury, that’s not the only reason.
“For an area like the ByWard Market that’s so iconic and so important for our local economy, it’s a worthwhile investment,” says Fleury.
In preparation to one-day welcome visitors back to the market, the Rideau-Vanier councillor says it’s a perfect opportunity to revamp the downtown hotspot.
“The best way the city can support it is in terms of beautification. In terms of renewal. In terms of having one look and feel in the public spaces. The sidewalks, the streets, the street furniture, the lighting, the benches, the trees,” says Fleury.
Council votes Wednesday on a $129 million proposal to revamp the ByWard Market, including the roads and sidewalks.
“When you look at that you say, ‘well, OK that’s a big number’, and it is,” says Fleury. “But it’s really like redoing two main streets. Elgin street was $60 million, so redoing two Elgin streets.”
Restaurateaur John Borsten also serves as a member of the ByWard Market BIA, and says there’s no place in Ottawa worthier of an investment.
“If your family comes to visit you, from Toronto or Montreal or wherever, you’re going to end up in the market,” says Borsten. “It’s just a whole neighbourhood of activity there. You’re connected to the canal, you’re connected to the Rideau Centre and Rideau Street. It’s really the crux of the city there.”
Although the COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges, Bornsten tells CTV News Ottawa it also highlighted where the market needed to make improvements.
“The amount of support from all angles, from the little stores, to the restaurants. People want to tweak it and they have some issues with parts of it. But far and away it’s got full support, which you never see,” says Borsten.
Fleury maintains this heart of Ottawa is in dire need of a facelift. Council though will decide with a vote Wednesday.
“We really hope to see an entire district where there’s one common look and feel,” says Fleury. “It’s a welcoming space. All storefronts are occupied, and it’s friendly for everyone.”
Borsten adds, “I think it’s going to happen. It’s just a question of how quickly.”
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 100 points in late-morning trading, helped by strength in base metal and utility stocks, while U.S. stock markets were mixed.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 103.40 points at 24,542.48.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 192.31 points at 42,932.73. The S&P 500 index was up 7.14 points at 5,822.40, while the Nasdaq composite was down 9.03 points at 18,306.56.
The Canadian dollar traded for 72.61 cents US compared with 72.44 cents US on Tuesday.
The November crude oil contract was down 71 cents at US$69.87 per barrel and the November natural gas contract was down eight cents at US$2.42 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$7.20 at US$2,686.10 an ounce and the December copper contract was up a penny at US$4.35 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 16, 2024.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 200 points in late-morning trading, while U.S. stock markets were also headed higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 205.86 points at 24,508.12.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 336.62 points at 42,790.74. The S&P 500 index was up 34.19 points at 5,814.24, while the Nasdaq composite was up 60.27 points at 18.342.32.
The Canadian dollar traded for 72.61 cents US compared with 72.71 cents US on Thursday.
The November crude oil contract was down 15 cents at US$75.70 per barrel and the November natural gas contract was down two cents at US$2.65 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was down US$29.60 at US$2,668.90 an ounce and the December copper contract was up four cents at US$4.47 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 11, 2024.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was little changed in late-morning trading as the financial sector fell, but energy and base metal stocks moved higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 0.05 of a point at 24,224.95.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was down 94.31 points at 42,417.69. The S&P 500 index was down 10.91 points at 5,781.13, while the Nasdaq composite was down 29.59 points at 18,262.03.
The Canadian dollar traded for 72.71 cents US compared with 73.05 cents US on Wednesday.
The November crude oil contract was up US$1.69 at US$74.93 per barrel and the November natural gas contract was up a penny at US$2.67 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$14.70 at US$2,640.70 an ounce and the December copper contract was up two cents at US$4.42 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 10, 2024.
