Too many bars and nightclubs fuel Market’s crime problem
The following was submitted by five residents of the ByWard Market.
Why is it that every time there is a violent incident in Ottawa’s ByWard Market — such as the recent shootings and homicides — our councillor, mayor and the ByWard Market’s BIA are relatively silent, or they assure the public these are one-off incidents and this part of town is safe and flourishing?
This could not be further from the truth. Come to the ByWard Market on any evening between Wednesday and Sunday, especially after 10 p.m. and you’ll experience the reality. Local residents and small business owners are deeply concerned about what’s happening. Violent incidents here and in the nearby Rideau
City hall appears to be promoting the creation of an entertainment district.
Street corridor are on the rise. Too often, these incidents are linked to the business of drugs, gangs, trafficking and the bars and nightclubs that act as a magnet or can enable such activity.
A 2013 city study on the future of the ByWard Market identified the proliferation of bars and restaurants as the most important risk factor for the deterioration of the area. Its traditional role as a farmers market and place for local artisans and business, and as a home for longtime local residents, is dying.
This is because city hall appears to be promoting, instead, the creation of an entertainment district, rather than nurturing a mixed-use, residential-commercial and historic market area that the ByWard Market is zoned to be. This has happened because too many permits for bars, restaurants and nightclubs have been issued, and in proximity to each other. The Market now hosts more than 21,000 licensed seats, within a six-block area. This is an increase of 23 per cent since 2008 and goes against all existing city planning documents and intentions for the area.
Data provided by the Ottawa police show that during the same time period, crimes against persons in Lowertown have increased by nine per cent and assaults by 17 per cent. Establishments serving alcohol increase the number of people coming to the area to drink and party. resulting in noise, vandalism and disruptive nighttime behaviour. This, in turn, reduces the safety and security of the Market area for both residents and visitors.
What is needed? We need a return to community policing in the ByWard Market and a more proactive role for police in curbing violence and illicit activities. The city and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario need to better enforce and monitor bylaws and permits for restaurants, bars and nightclubs, especially those in the Market that operate a certain way during the day, then transform into nightclubs at night under the same permit.
In general, the Market needs to offer a better balance and mix between its role as a local farmers market, a tourist attraction, a nighttime destination, a retail shopping destination, and a place for longtime residents to live.
This improved mix will help keep this area attractive to visitors and residents alike, as well as more economically sustainable and safer. The old covered market building and heritage area that surrounds it hold so much potential.
Let’s aim a bit higher in developing the ByWard Market, so that we all can be proud of this part of town and can use it to showcase the best of Canada for all in our society.