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ByWard Market sees fewer visits during the winter
ByWard Market sees fewer visits during the winter

CTV News

time3 days ago

  • Business
  • CTV News

ByWard Market sees fewer visits during the winter

Tulips cover the OTTAWA sign in Ottawa's ByWard Market as part of the Canadian Tulip Festival. (Josh Pringle/CTV News Ottawa) Fewer people visited Ottawa's ByWard Market in the winter, with the monthly visits in February the lowest in two years. Statistics available on the City of Ottawa's website show there were 4.338 million visits to the popular tourist area in the January to March period, down from 5.004 million visits during the same period in 2024. The ByWard Market saw 1.65 million visits in January and 1.609 million visits in March. There were 1.08 million visits to the market area in February, the lowest number of monthly visits since January 2023, when 930,000 people visited the ByWard Market. While the data does not explain why there was a drop in visits to the ByWard Market, February was colder and snowier than average this year. The 109 cm of snow, including nearly 70 cm of snow around the Family Day weekend, was more than double the average snowfall for February of 48.5 cm. The ByWard Market hosted several events during Winterlude, and set up a synthetic ice rink on William Street. According to the City of Ottawa, the data is foot traffic recorded in the ByWard Market using cellphone data. The statistics showing a drop in visits to the ByWard Market comes as retailers and the City of Ottawa look for ways to increase traffic in the popular tourist area. The city is introducing paid on-street evening parking until 7:30 p.m. on weeknights and on Saturdays in a bid to encourage vehicle turnover in the ByWard Market area. Some business owners told a city committee last month that introducing paid parking after 5:30 p.m. would discourage people from visiting the ByWard Market to shop and dine. A Night Ambassadors program is being introduced this summer, with staff available to assist visitors and work with late-night venues between 9:30 p.m. and 4 a.m. The city says, 'providing additional eyes on the street,' the Night Ambassadors will 'enhance community and safety wellbeing' by practicing bystander intervention and de-escalation, helping patrons and employees find a safe ride home and connecting people with emergency and social services.

Thousands of drivers ticketed for parking infractions in ByWard Market area so far this year
Thousands of drivers ticketed for parking infractions in ByWard Market area so far this year

CTV News

time4 days ago

  • Business
  • CTV News

Thousands of drivers ticketed for parking infractions in ByWard Market area so far this year

Parking signs on ByWard Market Square in the ByWard Market. Statistics show 991 parking tickets have been issued on the road so far in 2025. (Josh Pringle/CTV News Ottawa) Bylaw Services officers are issuing dozens of tickets a day to vehicles violating parking rules in Ottawa's ByWard Market area, with York Street and George Street the hot spots for parking violations. Some business owners and residents have raised concerns about bylaw enforcement in the popular tourist destination, including targeting delivery drivers dropping off food and packages to restaurants. Statistics provided to CTV News Ottawa show 9,225 parking tickets were issued on ByWard Market Square, Clarence Street, George Street, Murray Street, St. Patrick Street and York Street between Jan. 1 and June 2. The city notes the data for the number of tickets issued is for each street 'in its entirety,' with Clarence Street, Murray Street, St. Patrick Street and York Street extending east of King Edward Avenue into Lowertown. A total of 25,837 tickets were issued on the streets in all of 2023, while 30,681 parking tickets were issued on the streets in 2024. York Street is the place drivers are most likely to get a parking ticket in the ByWard Market area, with 3,654 parking tickets issued so far this year. Bylaw Services officers have issued 2,297 parking tickets to vehicles on George Street and 1,256 parking tickets to drivers on Clarence Street. A total of 991 parking tickets have been issued in the first five months of the year to vehicles illegally parked on ByWard Market Square, the two-block road between George Street and Clarence Street that's next to the ByWard Market building. York Street York Street is the hot spot for parking tickets in Ottawa's ByWard Market. Statistics show 3,654 parking tickets have been issued on York Street so far in 2025. (Josh Pringle/CTV News Ottawa) The director of Bylaw Services says parking control officers 'proactively and regularly address' parking issues in the ByWard Market. 'The ByWard Market is an important destination for residents and tourists alike. Parking enforcement is conducted to address the safety and mobility of traffic, as well as to ensure business remains accessible for everyone,' Roger Chapman, director of Bylaw Services, said in a statement. 'Due to the density of the ByWard Market and the competitive nature of parking, parking control officers proactively and regularly address issues of misuse of parking spaces throughout the week, and especially during peak times when the market is busiest.' Drivers must pay to park at parking meters in the ByWard Market area between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Parking at on-street meters in the market area is free on Sundays, but motorists must follow the two-hour time limits. In September, the City of Ottawa will be extending paid parking in the ByWard Market and Little Italy area to 7:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday. A staff proposal to charge for on-street parking on Sundays was rejected by the public works and infrastructure committee. Here is a look at parking tickets issued to vehicles in the ByWard Market area in 2023, 2024 and 2025. 2025 – (Jan. 1 to June 2) Total: 9,226 tickets ByWard Market Square: 991 tickets Clarence Street: 1,256 tickets George Street: 2,297 tickets Murray Street: 957 tickets St. Patrick Street: 70 tickets York Street: 3,654 tickets 2024 – Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Total: 30,681 tickets ByWard Market Square: 3,117 tickets Clarence Street: 4,828 tickets George Street: 8,828 tickets Murray Street: 2,952 tickets St. Patrick Street: 300 tickets York Street:10,656 tickets 2023 – Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Total: 25,837 tickets

What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: May 16-19
What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: May 16-19

CTV News

time16-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • CTV News

What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: May 16-19

Tulips in bloom at Major's Hill Park in Ottawa. (Josh Pringle/CTV News Ottawa) looks at things to do in Ottawa and eastern Ontario this weekend. Canadian Tulip Festival The Canadian Tulip Festival continues all weekend at Commissioners Park in Ottawa. Check out 300,000 blooming tulips at 26 gardens in Commissioners Park at Dows Lake. Events this weekend include: Sunday: Vintage Victory Party on Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Preston Street. The Victory Day Celebration includes Vintage Military vehicles and authentic Swing Dancers. The event runs from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday: The fireworks and drone show runs from 9:20 p.m. to 10 p.m. The show will mark the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands. Saturday-Sunday: The Sens Street Team Guided Walking Tours daily Movies in the Park. Enjoy free movies on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Big Bug Boardwalk ArtEast Ottawa Boutique and Activities Dutch Pavilion featuring music, games and cultural experiences from the Netherlands The Tulip Market Play Zone Ottawa tulips The tulips blooming in Ottawa's Commissioners Park on Tuesday. (Andrew Adlington/CTV News Ottawa) Check out the tulips The tulips are in bloom across Ottawa. Here are several locations to check out the tulips: Commissioners Park: The NCC says Commissioners Park is 'a showstopper,' with over 100 varieties of tulips in 30 tulip beds. The Rideau Canal: Stroll, run or cycle along Queen Elizabeth Driveway and see the tulips. Downtown Ottawa: The tulips are in bloom at Major's Hill Park, along Confederation Boulevard and at the National War Memorial. Downtown Gatineau: Tulips are on display near the Alexandra Bridge, in Jacques-Cartier Park and at the Canadian Museum of History. Tulips The tulips blooming in Major's Hill Park on Sunday, May 11. (Josh Pringle/CTV News Ottawa) NCC bike days National Capital Commission's weekend bikedays continue all weekend.. The NCC will close the parkways and Queen Elizabeth Driveway to vehicles for active use. Here is a look at what's open for cyclists, runners, walkers and other active use: Kichi Zībī Mīkan (Vimy Place to Carling Avenue): 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway (Aviation Parkway to St. Joseph Boulevard): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday Queens Elizabeth Driveway (Fifth Avenue to Somerset Street): 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Ottawa Redblacks The Ottawa Redblacks are inviting fans to Queen's University in Kingston for Fan Fest on Saturday. Doors open at 12 p.m. at Richardson Stadium. Meet the Redblacks and enjoy the kids zone. Queen Victoria's Birthday Celebrations The Upper Canada Village invites you to celebrate Queen Victoria's birthday on Saturday. Activities include military maneuvers, the 1860s athletic games and the Village's 'Queen' in Action. Barrhaven Ribfest Celebrate the long weekend with ribs and fun at the Barrhaven Ribfest. The festival runs until Monday at Clarke Field on Houlahan Street. Ottawa BlackJacks The Ottawa BlackJacks tip off a new season Sunday at TD Place. The BlackJacks host the Niagara River Lions for a 3 p.m. game. CanGames Table Top Game Convention Enjoy three fun-filled days at the CanGames Tabletop Game Convention at the Rideau Curling Club. The event features every table top game you can think of, plus miniatures, board games and more. National Arts Centre Here's a look at what's happening at the National Arts Centre this weekend. Until May 24: NAC English Theatre presents Mahabharata: Karma May 17-24: Khana & Kaani Community Meal Saturday: Rhiannon Giddens Saturday: Curly Strings Shenkman Arts Centre Here's a look at what's happening at the Shenkman Arts Centre this weekend. Saturday: Children of Aladdin – Le Jazz Hot Dance 613flea 613flea returns to Lansdowne on Saturday. Visit over 150 vendors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Lansdowne Farmers Market The Lansdowne Farmers Market is back at Lansdowne on Sunday. Connect with over 85 local vendors in the historic Aberdeen Square from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Main Street Farmers Market It's the opening weekend for the Main Street Farmers Market. The market is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grande Allee Park. Carp Farmers Market The Carp Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday is Maple Day, with opportunities to learn about maple syrup from local maple producers. Metcalfe Farmers Market The Metcalfe Farmers Market has kicked off a new season. The market is every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Metcalfe Fairgrounds. Westboro Farmers' Market The Westboro Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The market is located in Byron Linear Park. Museums Click on the links for the schedule at museums in Ottawa and eastern Ontario: Parliament of Canada Tours Enjoy a free, guided tour of the Senate at the Senate of Canada Building, the House of Commons in the West Block and the East Block. For tickets and tour times, visit Parliament: The Immersive Experience Explore the main Parliament Building, also called Centre Block, in this innovative experience. Parliament: The Immersive Experience at 211 Sparks Street includes an exhibition and a 360-degree multimedia show that takes you on a tour through Centre Block, which has been closed since 2019. The self-guided tour is 45 minutes. Tickets are available at no cost at visit Events Happening in Kingston this weekend Friday: ONES – The Beatles #1 Hits at the Kingston Grand Theatre Saturday: Soul of Motown at Kingston Grand Theatre Sunday: One Man, Three Legends at The Spire Sunday: Illumination Gala Performance at the Kingston Grand Theatre Spring into Summer The City of Kingston invites you to 'Spring into Summer' on Saturday. Enjoy a day of activities, live music, food and fun, plus fireworks at 9:30 p.m. The Spring into Summer event will be held at Lake Ontario Park from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fort Henry The Fort Henry National Historic Site opens for the season on Saturday. The site is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy guided tours, artillery firing demonstrations and music of the regiment. The Brockville Tunnel The Brockville Railway Tunnel opens for the season this weekend. The grand opening is Friday at 2 p.m., and the tunnel is open all weekend. Take a walk through Canada's first railway tunnel and enjoy the light and sound experience. Kemptville Buskerfest Enjoy a weekend of street performances in Kemptville. The Kemptville Buskerfest is Friday night and Saturday in downtown Kemptville. Free parking is available at the North Grenville Municipal Centre.

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