Ottawa Police, BMDA Pledge Support To Struggling ByWard Merchants

 In 2027, Ottawa’s ByWard Market will turn 200 years old. The outdoor shopping precinct is always abuzz with activity, popular with both locals and tourists. Unfortunately, in recent years, it has also earned a notorious reputation due to violent crime, theft, vandalism, drug addicts and the homeless spilling over from

OPS Names Eight ByWard Crime Hot Spots as Part of CORE Strategy

 Since becoming Chief of Police in 2022, Eric Stubbs and the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) have been working to implement a new strategy for policing one of Ottawa’s most significant areas, the ByWard Market, which serves as a cultural and entertainment hub in the city. Under Stubbs’s plan, a more

Neighbours Don’t Continually Steal From Neighbours — ByWard Markets Need Mayor to Act

 Before Ottawa City Council recessed for their five-week summer break, they announced that the newly formed ByWard Market District Authority would replace the lacklustre performing ByWard Business Improvement Area, better known as the ByWard BIA. S The BIA had become a punching bag for the increasing dysfunction in the ByWard

Exploring Ottawa: A Guide to the Capital’s Top Attractions and Activities

 Ottawa, the picturesque capital city of Canada, is a vibrant hub of culture, history, and natural beauty. From its stunning architecture to its captivating museums and lush parks, Ottawa offers a myriad of attractions that cater to visitors of all interests. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or

ByWard Merchants Want Immediate Action Not More ‘Talk’ From City Officials

 A group of merchants from Ottawa’s historic ByWard Market are beyond frustrated. Many gathered Tuesday with a panel of city officials and Councillor Stephanie Plante to air their grievances and ask the city to take immediate action. Top of mind is safety. Chantal, owner of Schad Boutique, has been robbed

The Ultimate Ottawa Bucket List for the Rest of Summer 2023

 As the summer of 2023 unfolds, Ottawa, the vibrant capital of Canada, invites locals and visitors alike to explore its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and exciting events. To make the most of the remaining summer days, we have curated the ultimate Ottawa bucket list that promises unforgettable experiences and cherished

Ottawa’s Glamorous Nightlife Spots

 Ottawa, Canada's capital city, is well-known for its political environment and historical monuments, but it also has a thriving and stylish nightlife scene. Ottawa has a broad selection of alternatives for people looking for a fantastic night out, from fashionable nightclubs to comfortable bars and exciting casinos. In recent years,

Parkdale Market Generates More Revenue Than ByWard Market in 2022

 ABOVE: Seasonal markets like The Ottawa Farmers’ Market: Westboro are allowing consumers to obtain fresh produce away from the downtown core.  Ottawa Markets Chair Bryan Chandler gave a presentation on the state of Ottawa Markets at today’s Ottawa City Council meeting and the various areas inside the city that fall

The City of Ottawa takes step to house the unhomed

 The newly developed Integrated Transition to Housing Strategy was reviewed in depth for the first time at today’s Community Services Committee meeting. At its core, the city would like to move ahead with closing the physical distancing centres — shelters that were opened on city property for individuals in need

ByWard Market Restaurant Owner Says Enough With the Talk and Committees, do Something

 ABOVE: Vladimir Ristovski, the proprietor of Bistro Ristoro in ByWard Market, is urging the City of Ottawa to take action towards enhancing the capital’s historic district. (PHOTO: OLM Staff) It’s patio season, and the ByWard Market restaurant Bistro Ristoro near Clarence Street and Sussex should be packed. Instead, owner Vladimir

10 things to do in Ottawa this weekend – September 16-18, 2022

 Walk Right Back – The Everly Brothers Story When: September 18, 2022 Where: Meridian Theatre @Centrepointe, 101 Centrepointe Drive  What time: 7 pm Admission: From $59 • Click here for tickets With “harmonies from heaven,” The Everly Brothers were unmatched in their talent. Walk Right Back is the first show of its

10 things to do in Ottawa this weekend – June 17-19, 2022

 Italian Week Ottawa Comedy Show When: June 17, 2022 Where: Sala San Marco, 215 Preston Street What time: 8:30 pm (Doors open at 7 pm)  Admission: From $38.15 — Click here for tickets Italian Week Festivities continue for those who are Italian or wish they were! Sala San Marco is hosting two Canadian

Lockdowns and the Covid class battle

 When walking through the streets of Ottawa’s ByWard Market, it’s easy to see the carnage that Covid-19 has inflicted upon local business. Empty restaurants and shop windows are commonplace. Institutions like Tuckers Marketplace and The Fish Market are gone. Both symbols of the ByWard Market are now gone forever, driven

Jim Watson at 30—the ups and downs of public service and his LRT legacy

 ABOVE: Former Ottawa Mayor Jacquelin (Jackie) Holzman, Jim Watson, and Brian McGarry after Waston’s win in 1997. (PHOTO: OLM FILE PHOTO) Jim Watson first ran for municipal office in 1991, becoming the councillor for the Capital Ward after successfully running on a platform of curbing city spending and freezing taxes. In 1997, at the

Fifteen ByWard Market businesses post letter comparing ByWard Market to Vancouver Downtown Eastside

 Ottawa Life Magazine has received a copy of the open letter by the Merchants of Murray Street that was sent to various city officials outlining their frustration with the city's response to illegal activities and vagrancy in the ByWard Market. Already suffering from the decline of tourism and in-store shopping due to

Lowertown be damned — we’re reducing harm!

 WARNING: This article contains language and scenes that some readers may find disturbing and offensive. (PHOTO: OLM STAFF) My cover story in the OLM summer issue was written in support of a fundraiser for the Shepherds of Good Hope that featured Kathleen Edwards. It began with an origin story set

Best of Ottawa 2021: Local Markets

 After over 20-years writing about life in Ottawa, we think we have a pretty good idea of the best of what this city has to offer. In this weekly series, we share our picks with you — our top spots for takeout, live music venues, local brews, bands and more. Check, share

Our mini home and native land: Little Canada opening 2021

 Have you ever wanted to see Toronto from a bird’s eye view? Then hopped over to Niagara Falls to continue the adventure and, afterwards, wandered the streets of ByWard Market? Though separated by stretches of long highway in the real world, Toronto’s newest tourist attraction puts Canada’s greatest sights moments

Life in Ottawa: 4 ways to spend your weekend in the capital

 If you are a native of Ottawa, Canada, or you are visiting this great city for the first time, there are many ways you can make your weekends. You can opt for a live streaming game room at home or go for a hike in the woods. There is a

The Alley’s first Ottawa location on Sussex Drive is now open

 Above: (LEFT TO RIGHT) Deerioca Puff, Deerioca Fever in fresh milk, Deerioca Matcha A globally renowned spot for high quality tea and beverages, The Alley is best known for their unique and refreshing bubble teas. Following their huge success in the GTA, Vancouver, and Edmonton, the new Ottawa location, in the ByWard

Best of Ottawa 2020: Local Markets

 ?After over 20-years writing about life in Ottawa, we think we have a pretty good idea of the best of what this city has to offer. In this weekly series, we share our picks with you — our top hotels, live music venues, local brews, bands and more. Check, share and discuss

What to do when in Ottawa

 Ottawa is Canada’s capital city, and as in any capital city there is plenty to see and do while visiting there. No matter what time of year, you will always find something to do and see while on vacation here. But if you are looking for something special to check

Lowertown Brewery: Craft beer and comfort food!

 The ByWard Market’s first brewery, Lowertown Brewery is located on York Street in the heart of the market. This special location is not the only thing they can boast of however. Lowertown Brewery also features a fully functioning brewery and open-concept kitchen, replete with a smoker and chicken rotisserie to

Top things to do in Ottawa this winter

 If you’re planning a visit to one of Canada’s biggest cities this winter, you will not be disappointed. The capital is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River and, apart from the river-specific activities, it offers plenty of museums, national parks, zoos, and important buildings to visit. Here

Expressing concern and making declarations is not an achievement

 Ottawa city councillor Catherine McKenney’s motion to declare a housing and homeless emergency in the national capital passed unanimously at city council on a cold night at the end of January. Typically, councillor’s changed the original motion to call it both a ‘crisis and an emergency’. According to city staff,