Build Up Downtown
Working together to transform downtown ottawa into a vibrant hub and world-class destination.
Now is the time to invest in our urban core and create a more diverse, resilient, and vibrant downtown for everyone in our city, our national capital region, and our country. We have a unique opportunity to build up our downtown as a vibrant local hub and a destination for the world to enjoy.
Read the Press Release
Our Plan To Unlock The Potential
Together, with our economic partners, including the City of Ottawa, the Ottawa Board of Trade has engaged city building experts at the Canadian Urban Institute to design a Downtown Ottawa Action Plan. It is being built based on work and initiatives already underway, a review of current economic development plans, best practices from other large cities, data reports and community consultations.
The pillars for downtown transformation include:
Affordable, walkable amenity rich communities.
Public and private investment in infrastructure, public realm and placemaking.
Employment growth and economic diversification.
Safety and security for workers, residents, visitors, and vulnerable people.
Immediate Actions for Downtown
The final report and Downtown Ottawa Action Plan are being developed in partnership with the City of Ottawa, Ottawa Tourism, Invest Ottawa, National Capital Commission, OCOBIA and BOMA. The plan is being led by city building experts at the Canadian Urban Institute and will be comprised of immediate, medium, and long-term recommendations with accountabilities and desired outcomes. It will be complete in early 2024. Meanwhile, we will begin working on these immediate actions.
Employment Growth & Economic Diversification
Guarantee 10-Year PILT (payments in lieu of taxes) and support for transition of core from federal government.
Investment In Infrastructure
Fund transit gap from federal and provincial governments to enhance mobility to the core.
Investment In Public Spaces
Pilot incentive strategy to build more downtown residential and office to residential and alternative use conversions.
Safety and Security for All
Commit to a collaborative effort including experts in homelessness and support service providers, and funding from all levels of government to urgently address homelessness, mental health, and addictions.
Affordable, Walkable & Amenity Rich Communities
Prioritize Public Realm Investments and Create Downtown Animation Fund to enhance vibrancy.
The transformation of downtown Ottawa requires a whole-of-community approach. Together with the Federal Government, the province of Ontario, the City of Ottawa, and partners, we can ensure our downtown core remains a key driver of economic growth and community prosperity for all.
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