Back in February, Live Nation announced that Ottawa’s ByWard Market will soon be home to a brand new music venue. This venue is sure to invite many new artists to make a tour pit stop in the nation’s capital.
The Ottawa Citizen reported that Ottawa’s History venue will be a sister venue to another one of the same name in Toronto and has been invested in by famous Canadian rapper Drake. History is set to take over the former Chapters location on Rideau Street, which was purchased by the National Capital Commission in 2023. The new venue is another milestone that will continue improving the city’s nightlife and is sure to draw in crowds of visitors to the downtown core.
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In a statement sent to Apartment613, Annabelle Coultier, the National Arts Centre’s spokesperson and Executive Director for Strategy and Communication, said she is “excited to see Ottawa’s music landscape grow.”
“More stages create more opportunities for artists and fans, for our live music, festivals and events community. It will reinforce Ottawa as a must-visit destination for live entertainment and unforgettable nights at the many performance venues in our nation’s capital. This benefits us all,” she added.
Photo from History Ottawa website.
But how are other local music venues feeling about this new development?
Stacie Sivyer, live music curator, social media manager, and bartender at The Rainbow, is looking forward to the possibility of an increase in visitors to the area thanks to History. The Rainbow is one of downtown Ottawa’s prominent venues, operating for over 40 years and nearly shutting down due to a lack of business from the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.
“Instead of people going out to the suburbs to see big name acts, they’re going to be coming downtown. People are creatures of habit, and if they start coming downtown for big shows, perhaps they will come downtown for smaller ones as well,” she commented.
However, Sivyer also says the venue’s overall impact on the city’s nightlife will depend on the number of shows they host.
“If it’s an occasional show a few times a month, then no, I don’t really see it being a major change,” she said. “But, the more people who are coming into the downtown core, the better it is for all of us who are part of the nightlife.”
Photo from History Ottawa website.
Meanwhile, Alex Yugin, owner of Avant-Garde Bar, says that although the new venue’s vision is “compelling” for the downtown core, the broader socio-economic challenges faced in the ByWard Market need more recognition.
“Given that the National Capital Commission (NCC) acquired the former Chapters bookstore building in this area, it is essential to acknowledge the deterioration of the neighbourhood due to increasing crime and homelessness, exacerbated by drug addiction issues,” Yugin commented. “Addressing these concerns is crucial before or alongside opening a new cultural venue.”
Yugin further explained that a more holistic approach would involve the NCC considering investments in social infrastructure, such as rehabilitation centres and housing initiatives, to support vulnerable populations in the area. He thinks these issues should be addressed properly before proceeding with a high-end venue like History.
“By addressing these social challenges, the ByWard Market area could become a safer and more attractive destination for visitors and businesses alike,” he added. “Ensuring that the local community benefits holistically will strengthen the long-term success of both the venue and the neighbourhood at large.”
While safety measures are a main concern, Yugin also said that more funding is important to keep venues afloat after many other businesses close from financial hardships.
Sivyer also noted how a reliable late-night transit schedule can improve the city’s nightlife with more parking spots. She hopes the influx of visitors because of History could help lead these changes.
“With more people comes better transit, more parking, [and] a ‘safer’ vibe,” she says.
Construction for History is already underway, with a plan to open in 2026.
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