By Ward was one of the five original wards represented on Ottawa City Council, created in 1855 out of parts of and which existed in Bytown. Originally it represented the area between Rideau Street and St. Patrick Street. Today this area is part of the By Ward Market, which is named for the historic ward. In 1952, the ward annexed Ottawa Ward to its north, encompassing the neighbourhood of Lower Town as well. The ward existed until 1972, when it merged with St. George's Ward to form By-St. George's Ward. This gave the Ward the Sandy Hill neighbourhood. The ward was named for Colonel John By.