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The ByWard Market is getting a nearly $20-million infusion as part of the province’s “new deal for Ottawa” announced last spring.
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Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy announced the funding Dec. 4 while meeting with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe at the regular Mayor’s Breakfast series. The funding includes $11.8 million over three years to make William Street into a permanent pedestrian walkway and ByWard Market Square into a car-free zone in the summer months. The work is expected to be finished in 2026.
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Another $3.85 million is going to be spent improving signage, $1.5 million to help attract new businesses and $1.35 million for marketing and promotion.
Additionally, the funding includes $1.05 million over three years for the Somerset Community Health Centre to support people experiencing homelessness, substance use or mental health challenges and to provide job training.
The Ottawa Board of Trade is also getting $450,000 to establish a new “downtown vibrancy office” to “build business and investor confidence by implementing additional revitalization projects.”
In a statement, Bethlenfalvy said the investment will make the city safer and help attract visitors, businesses and investment to the capital.
“This investment of $20 million from the provincial government is a boost to our revitalization efforts in the market,” Sutcliffe said in a statement. “This important funding will enhance the safety, vibrancy and economic growth of our downtown core.”
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