BOOK AN EVENT

Activation Spaces

About Us

The ByWard Market is one of the most recognizable and historic areas in the city and is considered to be the birthplace of Ottawa. Established by Lieutenant Colonel John By in 1826, Byward Market was developed to accommodate a large public market and gathering place for residents. Complete with public washrooms, the ByWard Market Building serves as a meeting point and centre of activity for the area. There has been a strong growth in residential efforts in recent years, opening the neighbourhood as a commercial, industrial, and residential hub of Ottawa.

What we offer

  • Prime activation spaces in the heart of Ottawa’s historic ByWard and Parkdale Markets.

  • Coordination support with the City of Ottawa

  • Event logistics and planning support

  • Labour and equipment rentals

  • Marketing and promotional support

  • Area business outreach

Fees & Rates

Activations in partnership with BMDA are organized into three categories – each having its own pricing structure. The activation category determines the fee to be applied to the rental and is based upon what the group is doing in the facility.

1. Community Markets:

Community Markets may include flea markets, flower markets, garage sales or other types of street vending and are open to the general public. Community Markets fall under the immediate mandate of BMDA and are encouraged through a competitive pricing structure. Complete vendor list must be provided two weeks before the event date.

Community Markets are charged $50.00 per vendor per day. Aside from the booking fee and optional rentals, this is the only charge payed to BMDA directly.

 2. Corporate Events:

Corporate events are any form of event or social activity used primarily for promotional purposes and may be private or open to the public. Corporate events are charged a standard $5.00 per square foot per day. Square footage of activation is determined by Ottawa Markets according to the area needed for installation as well as for proper spacing for pedestrians and traffic. Corporate events require a 25% non-refundable down payment upon booking.

3. Festivals (to be coordinated with Event Central):

Pricing for festivals, block parties, and musical performances is determined based on the expected physical and auditory grandeur of the event. Please contact an BMDA representative for more details.

Depending on the size of the event, BMDA reserves the right to hire an in-house sound technician at the expense of the organizer ($35/hour - + Equipment).

Booking Fee: $250.00

A standard booking fee (non-refundable) is charged to support:

  • Application review

  • Permitting

  • Guiding through necessary city applications/considerations

  • Site walk with BMDA staff 


Equipment Rental Rates:

  • 10x10 pop-up canopy with weights - $15/day

  • 10x20 pop-up canopy with weights - $20/day

  • 6ft Folding Table - $5/day

  • Folding Chair - $5/day

  • E500 Jackery (portable battery) - $20/day

  • Honda 7000W Generator - $100/day

    • Includes one tank of fuel. Additional fuel at $2 per litre as needed.