As residents worry about safety, city moves to revitalize Ottawa's ByWard Market

Near the market stalls displaying fresh vegetables and vendors selling handmade goods are signs of distress, such as people with ripped clothing laying on the ground near downtown shelters, or visibly using drugs.

"There have been some serious changes in the last decades," said Bigras, who is president of the Lowertown Community Association. As the new district authority assumes responsibility, it will receive $200,000 in one-time funding towards redesigning streets and public spaces in the market. "Every single ward has to have emergency housing," said Bigras "Then you're not going to be sending everyone into one small space that has become violent and unsafe."

But those who are living in poverty, who struggle with mental illness and drug use, are not responsible for the overall safety concerns in the market, he said. "Those officers are going to be trained in intervention. They're going to be trained to deal with people in distress and provide assistance. Even if things are escalating, they'll be there to intervene," he said.

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