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A local architect is challenging people to think about how the ByWard Market can be more pedestrian friendly through a concept he put together on his own time, simply because he loves the place.

Toon Dreessen, president of Architects DCA, unveiled his vision Tuesday at the central ByWard Market building, emphasizing the need to reduce car traffic in one of the city’s main tourist attractions.

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“When it’s dominated by parking, that’s the issue, and that’s where I’m really struggling,” Dreessen said.

He proposes closing some streets as a trial, such as ByWard Market Square and William Street and part of Clarence Street, and removing the surface parking. If parking garages fill up, maybe more people will take the Confederation Line LRT to the market, he said.

Using signs pointing to where people can leave their cars can combat motorists’ fear of losing parking, Dreessen said.

City hall has its own study happening on how to improve the market’s public realm.