Imagine a #BetterByWard: a #PlaceForPeople that boosts safety, quality of life and the economy. Imagine caring to design well. Imagine #OurBestOttawa
One week on, Oxford Street is already showing what a traffic-free future can look like.
Some businesses are already reporting huge surges in both footfall and sales.
Some businesses are already reporting huge surges in both footfall and sales.
October 31, 2026 at 12:54 PM
Imagine a #BetterByWard: a #PlaceForPeople that boosts safety, quality of life and the economy. Imagine caring to design well. Imagine #OurBestOttawa
An example for a #BetterByWard if anybody cared to listen. Instead, we’re going to implement a mediocre plan from seven years ago that’s underfunded with no clear vision for use of public land in buildings beyond privatization
@stephanieplante.bsky.social 
@stephanieplante.bsky.social 
Great news from Market Halls - footfall is up 29%, and sales are up 25% year-on-year.
Powerful to see the Oxford Street pedestrianisation already having a big impact for local businesses.
Powerful to see the Oxford Street pedestrianisation already having a big impact for local businesses.
October 31, 2026 at 5:02 PM
An example for a #BetterByWard if anybody cared to listen. Instead, we’re going to implement a mediocre plan from seven years ago that’s underfunded with no clear vision for use of public land in buildings beyond privatization
@stephanieplante.bsky.social 
@stephanieplante.bsky.social 
The mediocre plan for a #BetterByWard was developed pre-pandemic; was approved in 2021 (b4 elected) and languished until an election year and is under-funded; a lack of vision + lack of funding ensures a mediocre result.
It was a beautiful day in the ByWard Market! Ginny and I enjoyed meeting residents and stopping by local businesses like Lowertown Brewery. I’m going to continue supporting hospitality jobs by permanently removing patio fees for restaurants in the Market and throughout Ottawa.
October 25, 2026 at 11:26 PM
The mediocre plan for a #BetterByWard was developed pre-pandemic; was approved in 2021 (b4 elected) and languished until an election year and is under-funded; a lack of vision + lack of funding ensures a mediocre result.
Another day in #Autowa: someone decided to make a left turn through a red light from the right hand lane. Can we make a #BetterByWard without cars, please? And how about some automated enforcement at intersections? 
October 24, 2026 at 7:17 PM
Another day in #Autowa: someone decided to make a left turn through a red light from the right hand lane. Can we make a #BetterByWard without cars, please? And how about some automated enforcement at intersections? 
Reminder that a plan to reinvest in a #BetterByWard was unanimously approved in 2021, sat untouched until 2026 when it was reinvigorated as an election ploy; had ½ the $ needed for the 2021 approved, 2019 plan that largely ignored public input. Want more mediocrity? Keep re-electing the same ideas.
October 20, 2026 at 12:03 PM
Reminder that a plan to reinvest in a #BetterByWard was unanimously approved in 2021, sat untouched until 2026 when it was reinvigorated as an election ploy; had ½ the $ needed for the 2021 approved, 2019 plan that largely ignored public input. Want more mediocrity? Keep re-electing the same ideas.
I met with staff to look at (early days) putting some infill dev in a #BetterByWard. Was told they would t support housing bc everyone would complain about patio noise all summer long; but hotels would be ok bc hotel guests could blame the hotel and not city. 2/
Ryan Reynolds' Facepalm: Hopeless Andrew Paxton Moment
ALT: Ryan Reynolds' Facepalm: Hopeless Andrew Paxton Moment
static.klipy.com
October 5, 2026 at 10:22 PM
I met with staff to look at (early days) putting some infill dev in a #BetterByWard. Was told they would t support housing bc everyone would complain about patio noise all summer long; but hotels would be ok bc hotel guests could blame the hotel and not city. 2/
This! @brigittepellerin.bsky.social gets so much right in this. This is something @architectsdca.bsky.social has been pushing for years. Let’s make a #BetterByWard 1/ substack.com/@brigittepel...
A simple vision for the ByWard Market
Start with the basics, like having stores that are open.
substack.com
September 16, 2026 at 6:02 PM
This! @brigittepellerin.bsky.social gets so much right in this. This is something @architectsdca.bsky.social has been pushing for years. Let’s make a #BetterByWard 1/ substack.com/@brigittepel...
Imagine a #BetterByWard where business thrives bc it’s friendly, accessible, welcoming. Where more people pass by a store or cafe on their way home to family sized apts, and connector to the city thru a functional reliable transit system. Imagine #OurBestOttawa
@jleiper.bsky.social for mayor
@jleiper.bsky.social for mayor
“Local stores next to the protected bike-lane have seen a 49% increase in sales, compared to an average of 3% for Manhattan as a whole.”
(Among MANY other public benefits.)
Want To Make More Money? Build A Business On A Bike Lane.
#CityMakingMath via @fastcompany.com
#BikeLanesMeanBusiness
(Among MANY other public benefits.)
Want To Make More Money? Build A Business On A Bike Lane.
#CityMakingMath via @fastcompany.com
#BikeLanesMeanBusiness
Want To Make Money? Build A Business On A Bike Lane
Research from New York City notes that newly installed protected bike lanes do more than keep bikers safe--they raise the income of the stores they are in front of.
www.fastcompany.com
September 7, 2026 at 12:52 PM
Imagine a #BetterByWard where business thrives bc it’s friendly, accessible, welcoming. Where more people pass by a store or cafe on their way home to family sized apts, and connector to the city thru a functional reliable transit system. Imagine #OurBestOttawa
@jleiper.bsky.social for mayor
@jleiper.bsky.social for mayor
No where is the dithering more apparent than in the (lack of) vision for a #BetterByWard. We e talked about this for YEARS and achieved nearly nothing. Sure, a temp space opened this year mid July, closing late Sept; missed peak spring and early summer seasons, misses fall, no thought to winter 5/
August 27, 2026 at 6:11 PM
No where is the dithering more apparent than in the (lack of) vision for a #BetterByWard. We e talked about this for YEARS and achieved nearly nothing. Sure, a temp space opened this year mid July, closing late Sept; missed peak spring and early summer seasons, misses fall, no thought to winter 5/
In city studies for a #BetterByWard 70% of ppl wanted more car free/pedestrian & bike space; final report has zero added ped space; 7% of market streets are pedestrianized, 50km/h streets w/supersharrows bc city caved to BIA who got 1:1 consultations with staff/consultants to pitch wants 4/
August 17, 2026 at 11:27 PM
In city studies for a #BetterByWard 70% of ppl wanted more car free/pedestrian & bike space; final report has zero added ped space; 7% of market streets are pedestrianized, 50km/h streets w/supersharrows bc city caved to BIA who got 1:1 consultations with staff/consultants to pitch wants 4/
In praise of the tourist info centre.
Dream big, imagine a #BetterByWard
Let’s make #OurBestOttawa and be the city we aspire to be; grow the local #economy and celebrate our history, create our future
@jleiper.bsky.social
substack.com/@toondreesse...
Dream big, imagine a #BetterByWard
Let’s make #OurBestOttawa and be the city we aspire to be; grow the local #economy and celebrate our history, create our future
@jleiper.bsky.social
substack.com/@toondreesse...
Toon Dreessen (@toondreessen930431)
It has been a while since I published anything here… this one has been in the wings for a while so I thought I would finalize and get it out there. Lets make a case for investing in places for people,...
substack.com
August 14, 2026 at 11:02 AM
In praise of the tourist info centre.
Dream big, imagine a #BetterByWard
Let’s make #OurBestOttawa and be the city we aspire to be; grow the local #economy and celebrate our history, create our future
@jleiper.bsky.social
substack.com/@toondreesse...
Dream big, imagine a #BetterByWard
Let’s make #OurBestOttawa and be the city we aspire to be; grow the local #economy and celebrate our history, create our future
@jleiper.bsky.social
substack.com/@toondreesse...
Is there a single #BetterByward plan where the Byward Market is safe for the unhoused and semi-housed people who are there now? Actually, is there even one that doesn’t explicitly or implicity rely on “and of course they’ll have to go somewhere else if we want tourists?
June 11, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Is there a single #BetterByward plan where the Byward Market is safe for the unhoused and semi-housed people who are there now? Actually, is there even one that doesn’t explicitly or implicity rely on “and of course they’ll have to go somewhere else if we want tourists?
Decades of data and citie have demonstrated by example that removing car parking, pedestrianizing streets, building mobility lanes, etc, proves time and time again that cars do not spend money, people do.
#Ottawa #BetterByward #LivableCities
#Ottawa #BetterByward #LivableCities
Dalhousie Street businesses blindsided by parking removal | CBC News
Business owners on Dalhousie Street in the ByWard Market are speaking out against the sudden removal of street parking next to their businesses as OC Transpo attempts to ease traffic congestion.
www.cbc.ca
April 28, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Decades of data and citie have demonstrated by example that removing car parking, pedestrianizing streets, building mobility lanes, etc, proves time and time again that cars do not spend money, people do.
#Ottawa #BetterByward #LivableCities
#Ottawa #BetterByward #LivableCities
It might seem predatory until you remove the real problem - cars.
Instead, pedestranize the entire Market area, allowing deliveries in certain areas at certain times of the day. Then watch business boom!
#BetterByward
Instead, pedestranize the entire Market area, allowing deliveries in certain areas at certain times of the day. Then watch business boom!
#BetterByward
ByWard Market businesses blast 'predatory' bylaw enforcement | CBC News
Several business owners in Ottawa’s ByWard Market say aggressive bylaw enforcement is making it increasingly difficult to operate, with frequent parking tickets discouraging suppliers, performers and ...
www.cbc.ca
February 6, 2025 at 9:26 AM
It might seem predatory until you remove the real problem - cars.
Instead, pedestranize the entire Market area, allowing deliveries in certain areas at certain times of the day. Then watch business boom!
#BetterByward
Instead, pedestranize the entire Market area, allowing deliveries in certain areas at certain times of the day. Then watch business boom!
#BetterByward
I want the next mayor to use strong mayor powers used to make a #betterbyward.
Maybe by then Wellington will be closed to cars too if the federal land transfer goes through.
Maybe by then Wellington will be closed to cars too if the federal land transfer goes through.
July 19, 2025 at 1:39 AM
I want the next mayor to use strong mayor powers used to make a #betterbyward.
Maybe by then Wellington will be closed to cars too if the federal land transfer goes through.
Maybe by then Wellington will be closed to cars too if the federal land transfer goes through.
No where in the vision for a #BetterByward is consideration for a public washroom. That’s too bold, apparently
We could choose to do as montreal does and celebrate winter (places des arts) with seating, fire pits, music and places to linger. We could be a winter city for more than just driving. 11/
We could choose to do as montreal does and celebrate winter (places des arts) with seating, fire pits, music and places to linger. We could be a winter city for more than just driving. 11/
August 4, 2026 at 7:07 PM
No where in the vision for a #BetterByward is consideration for a public washroom. That’s too bold, apparently
We could choose to do as montreal does and celebrate winter (places des arts) with seating, fire pits, music and places to linger. We could be a winter city for more than just driving. 11/
We could choose to do as montreal does and celebrate winter (places des arts) with seating, fire pits, music and places to linger. We could be a winter city for more than just driving. 11/
We continue to fail to lead; we fail to think big; to be bold. We spent buckets of $ on a temp space in a #BetterByWard and it’s fine; but opens July 16 and closes Sept 27; so it misses tulip festival, Canada Day and a good chunk of summer. We close it before fall festivals and celebrations 10/
August 4, 2026 at 7:07 PM
We continue to fail to lead; we fail to think big; to be bold. We spent buckets of $ on a temp space in a #BetterByWard and it’s fine; but opens July 16 and closes Sept 27; so it misses tulip festival, Canada Day and a good chunk of summer. We close it before fall festivals and celebrations 10/
Imagine a #BetterByWard
Can you believe that we used to allow cars free run of this incredibly obvious people-first space? So many people out today after the Pride Parade.
June 29, 2026 at 12:54 PM
Imagine a #BetterByWard
Imagine a #BetterByWard: if NYC can do this with a broad thoroughfare, we can do this with a handful of smaller streets and creat #PlacesForPeople, watch the economy thrive and climate improve. @stephanieplante.bsky.social @jleiper.bsky.social @seandevine9.bsky.social @shawnmenard.bsky.social
The pedestrianization of Broadway through the heart of Manhattan just expanded, and it's glorious:
June 8, 2026 at 10:41 AM
Imagine a #BetterByWard: if NYC can do this with a broad thoroughfare, we can do this with a handful of smaller streets and creat #PlacesForPeople, watch the economy thrive and climate improve. @stephanieplante.bsky.social @jleiper.bsky.social @seandevine9.bsky.social @shawnmenard.bsky.social
Your choice #OttCity: 3 before and 1 potential after. Imagine a #BetterByWard, imagine a #PlaceForPeople, not parking
June 5, 2026 at 9:42 PM
Your choice #OttCity: 3 before and 1 potential after. Imagine a #BetterByWard, imagine a #PlaceForPeople, not parking
If we wanted to make a #BetterByWard, we have the talent, the tools, the budget if we wanted to. But what we have is special interest, motornormative thinking that will undermine success; it will miss potential for excellence
@stephanieplante.bsky.social
@stephanieplante.bsky.social
June 2, 2026 at 1:00 PM
If we wanted to make a #BetterByWard, we have the talent, the tools, the budget if we wanted to. But what we have is special interest, motornormative thinking that will undermine success; it will miss potential for excellence
@stephanieplante.bsky.social
@stephanieplante.bsky.social
In #OttCity, motornormative thinking keeps us in cars; we’ve become convinced places like a #BetterByWard can’t thrive without cars and parking; sparks street is often held up as example, forgetting it too thrived until suburban malls & high rise offices w/concourses & perceived security lockdowns
They want us to be afraid. And angry too. And they definitely want us to stay dependent on cars. THAT’S the real conspiracy. #UrbanTruth
June 2, 2026 at 10:28 AM
In #OttCity, motornormative thinking keeps us in cars; we’ve become convinced places like a #BetterByWard can’t thrive without cars and parking; sparks street is often held up as example, forgetting it too thrived until suburban malls & high rise offices w/concourses & perceived security lockdowns
Our beautiful courtyards are the best part of the Market; we could fill a #BetterByWard with art, beauty, #PlacesForPeople and make a thriving, economically vibrant, destination for residents and tourists. Thanks @ncc-ccn.gc.ca for prioritizing the courtyards!
May 30, 2026 at 10:10 PM
Our beautiful courtyards are the best part of the Market; we could fill a #BetterByWard with art, beauty, #PlacesForPeople and make a thriving, economically vibrant, destination for residents and tourists. Thanks @ncc-ccn.gc.ca for prioritizing the courtyards!
Build a #BetterByWard and watch the economy grow. Watch businesses thrive while creating #PlacesForPeople not parking.
@stephanieplante.bsky.social
@jleiper.bsky.social
@shawnmenard.bsky.social
@seandevine9.bsky.social
@stephanieplante.bsky.social
@jleiper.bsky.social
@shawnmenard.bsky.social
@seandevine9.bsky.social
“Local stores next to the protected bike-lane have seen a 49% increase in sales, compared to an average of 3% for Manhattan as a whole.”
(Among MANY other public benefits.)
Want To Make More Money? Build A Business On A Bike Lane.
#CityMakingMath via @fastcompany.com
#BikeLanesMeanBusiness
(Among MANY other public benefits.)
Want To Make More Money? Build A Business On A Bike Lane.
#CityMakingMath via @fastcompany.com
#BikeLanesMeanBusiness
Want To Make Money? Build A Business On A Bike Lane
Research from New York City notes that newly installed protected bike lanes do more than keep bikers safe--they raise the income of the stores they are in front of.
www.fastcompany.com
May 27, 2026 at 3:41 PM
Build a #BetterByWard and watch the economy grow. Watch businesses thrive while creating #PlacesForPeople not parking.
@stephanieplante.bsky.social
@jleiper.bsky.social
@shawnmenard.bsky.social
@seandevine9.bsky.social
@stephanieplante.bsky.social
@jleiper.bsky.social
@shawnmenard.bsky.social
@seandevine9.bsky.social
In #OttCity the #Autowa motor-normative thinking keeps imagining “closing the market to cars” when it’s really about making a #BetterByWard as a #PlaceForPeople; change the langage and create better outcomes for all. #OpenStreets
May 27, 2026 at 9:41 AM
In #OttCity the #Autowa motor-normative thinking keeps imagining “closing the market to cars” when it’s really about making a #BetterByWard as a #PlaceForPeople; change the langage and create better outcomes for all. #OpenStreets