Ottawa 2017's latest Signature Event 'Inspiration Village' is underway, but not without a few questions.
The event which launched on Saturday, saw a sea of people waiting for the ribbon to be dropped.
While many enjoy the idea of the event showcasing Canadian culture, the loss of 92 parking spaces has sparked growing frustration among business owners in the Byward Market.
The influx of traffic has caused some entrepreneurs to question the safety of pedestrians and their employees.
"I know that one of my employees was clipped by a car trying to get by, even before this event opened," said Phil Emond from Gordon Harrison Canadian Landscape Gallery.
He also raised concerns about the unloading area on York Street. "Now they've closed York Street. I had to call the City to complain to the Mayor," said Emond.
Denis Jiroux, owner of a vegetable stand in the Byward Market, told CFRA "If you have to wait an hour to turn around all over the city to get parking, might as well go somewhere else. We're losing about 50% of customers that want to come in."
On the flip side, Mathieu Fleury, councillor for the Rideau-Vanier ward, told CFRA's Kristy Cameron "It's a great addition to the Byward Market."
Fleury said while he sympathizes with Byward businesses, the City and Ottawa 2017 have hosted consultations where some owners failed to attend.
He added, "We are asked to invest in the Market, but everytime we do it will have an impact on someone. That's why it's so important to be active in your BIA."
Businesses in the area have started a petition and will present it to the City.
Inspiration Village will run until September.