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OTTAWA — The Province of Ontario has announced the next step in its , which is investing $20 million over three years to revitalize the city’s downtown.

Revitalization initiatives include:

• $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.
• $11.8 million over three years to transform William Street into a permanent pedestrian-only street and to enhance the ByWard Market. Completion is expected by fall 2026, leading up to the 200th anniversary of the market.
• $3.85 million over three years to improve signs and other street-specific upgrades.
• $1.5 million to Invest Ottawa to attract new investment from international and local companies.
• $1.35 million over three years for marketing and promotion to attract residents, visitors and new businesses downtown.
• $450,000 for a new Downtown Vibrancy Office that will be managed by the Ottawa Board of Trade.

“Ottawa’s downtown, including the ByWard Market, is vitally important to the local economy and quality of life for our residents,” said Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe in a statement. “This investment of $20 million from the provincial government is a boost to our revitalization efforts in the market. This important funding will enhance the safety, vibrancy and economic growth of our downtown core.”

Work also continues on transportation initiatives, a release reads, such as a three-phased assessment of potential 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.