Kavanagh: Let’s talk about a real Christmas market in the ByWard

People shop over the Christmas period in ByWard Market Square last December. What if the area hosted a large, European-style Christmas market? Photo by Ashley Fraser /PostmediaArticle content

In 2014, I moved back to Canada from the medieval city of York, settling in Ottawa. With the birth of my first daughter, I took paternity leave to savour those precious early years, a rare gift. It also gave me time to explore my new city.

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Having spent years in Europe, I had been captivated by the stunning Christmas markets. These gatherings, rich with history and atmosphere, transformed city squares into places of warmth and connection, alive with the scents of mulled wine, along with artisan crafts. As winter approached in Ottawa, I hoped to find that same festive energy. But aside from the twinkling lights in Confederation Park, the city felt largely unanimated, its historic streets quiet in the long, dark months.

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As someone who has spent a career bringing spaces to life, I felt that this was a call to action. I dreamed of creating a European-style holiday market for Ottawa, a place where families could make memories, where local businesses could thrive, and where the spirit of the season could come alive. Something akin to the Distillery District in Toronto, but with a distinctly Ottawa flair.

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I dove into research, studying markets from across the globe, and developed what I called the National Holiday Festival. It was more than just a market; it was a statement about what Ottawa could be: a beacon of warmth in the cold, a place that Ottawans and visitors alike could come to love.

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My first pitch was to the head of events for the city. In that meeting, I was handed blueprints for the then-unfinished Lansdowne Park, presented as the ideal site for the festival. I understood their excitement, but my heart was set on Sparks Street. Fresh from the United Kingdom, where pedestrian zones are cherished, I imagined transforming this historic stretch into a winter wonderland. Yet, the logistical challenges quickly became apparent. I was warned about the layers of government I would have to navigate, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was the right spot. I could picture it: the glow of lights reflecting off the old brick facades, the sound of carollers echoing down the street, the warmth of bustling market stalls cutting the winter chill.

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Still, I began to second-guess myself. I wandered over to the ByWard Market, where I stood on York Street, facing the silhouette of the parliamentary library. This was it: a historic, vibrant space, surrounded by small businesses, the heart of the city. It felt right. This was the heart I wanted to bring to life.

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That’s when I met Mathieu Fleury, a city councillor with a deep passion for the Market’s potential. He shared my vision for a revitalized Market and encouraged my bold idea to pedestrianize the area, despite skeptics insisting it couldn’t be done.

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I even took a self-funded trip to Toronto to meet with Canadian Tire executives, with the goal of securing a sponsorship. They were intrigued, particularly with the sesquicentennial approaching in 2017. Support seemed within reach, and I had a clear path forward. With Fleury’s help, I secured critical support from local BIAs, feeling the finish line in sight.