Downtown Ottawa has received a shot in the arm from the provincial government.

As part of the Ontario-Ottawa New Deal, the province says it will invest $20 million over three years to revitalize Ottawa’s downtown and ensure the nation’s capital’s unique character and attractions continue making it a tourism destination for Canadians and international visitors.

More than half of that money – $11.8 million – will be allocated to transform William Street in the ByWard Market into a permanent pedestrian-only street. The money will also be directed to make ByWard Market Square into a seasonal street open to traffic and parking most of the year and pedestrian-only in the summer.

Completion is expected by fall 2026, leading up to the 200th anniversary of the ByWard Market.

Also funded are:

• $1.05 million over three years for community safety initiatives by the Somerset West Community Health Centre that support people experiencing homelessness, substance use or mental health challenges and provide job-skills training
• $3.85 million over three years to improve signage and other street-specific upgrades
• $1.5 million to Invest Ottawa to attract new investment from international and local companies to help stimulate sustainable, long-term economic growth, and
• $1.35 million over three years for marketing and promotion to attract residents, visitors and new businesses downtown, and develop a culture and entertainment district, which would be launched in 2026 as part of 200th anniversary commemorating the founding of Ottawa.

The initiatives also include $450,000 for a new Downtown Vibrancy Office that will be managed by the Ottawa Board of Trade and build business and investor confidence by implementing additional revitalization projects.

“Ottawa’s downtown, including the ByWard Market, is vitally important to the local economy and quality of life for our residents,” said Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. “This investment is a boost to our revitalization efforts, and will enhance the safety, vibrancy and economic growth of our downtown core.”

Under the terms of the deal between Ottawa and Ontario, the province is providing up to $543 million in operating and capital funding tailored to fuelling Ottawa’s economic recovery and accelerating revitalization of the downtown core.

Funding will also support upgrading and building essential road and highway infrastructure, such as a three-phased assessment of provincial ownership of Ottawa Road 174, a new interchange at Highway 416 and Barnsdale Road, and providing funding to repair and upgrade major connecting routes and rural roads.