2025 has been an incredible year of contrast and momentum for the Ottawa Board of Trade and our business community. We started the year facing uncertainty around global markets, U.S. tariffs, and political change, and ended it with a renewed sense of confidence, collaboration, and shared purpose.
Business leaders, partners, and policymakers across the region have stepped up with a clear commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant, and more competitive Ottawa – for today and for the next generation.
Winter: From Uncertainty to Ownership
In January and February, members reconnected and reset through events like Ottawa’s Economic Outlook, Maximize Your Membership sessions, and Business After 5, positioning themselves to start strong in a shifting economic environment. At the same time, OBOT supported businesses in responding to new U.S. tariffs and trade dynamics, while also tracking major national developments such as federal investment in high-speed rail and their implications for our region.
By March, the tone had shifted from uncertainty to ownership, as formal statements on U.S. trade policy, updates on the Downtown Ottawa Champions Table, and heritage-meets-future programming underscored a growing recognition that Ottawa can and must drive its own economic destiny. Our Mayor’s Breakfasts and ongoing networking events continued to give members access to decision-makers and each other, reinforcing a strong, united local voice of business.
Spring: Building Vision, Leadership, and Voice
Spring 2025 was defined by bold vision and leadership. In April, OBOT issued a statement on the latest U.S. tariff developments, launched our “Build Up Ottawa” federal election priorities campaign, and opened Board nominations to engage local leaders in shaping OBOT’s long-term agenda. Events such as Pints and Politics and the City Building Summit brought together business, government, and community partners to align around a growth agenda for the capital.
In May and June, OBOT elevated local business leadership through the Forty Under 40 Awards, Women, Wit and Wisdom, a new issue of CAPITAL Magazine, and the inaugural Ottawa Energy Symposium. Our Annual General Meeting, Pillar Partner program relaunch, and newly formed policy councils sharpened our focus on productivity, sector strength, and regional competitiveness. Through targeted surveys and increased member engagement, OBOT continued to rebuild confidence in the Ottawa market and to clarify the opportunities ahead – infrastructure, innovation, and a future-ready workforce.
Summer: Investment, Innovation, and Placemaking
Summer brought visible signs of growth and transformation, including celebrating the opening of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa and advancing key urban redevelopment files such as Lansdowne 2.0, the ByWard Market, and LeBreton Flats. We showcased new tools and funding for members such as the Ontario Trade Together Fund, the Business Benefits Finder, and modernization grants – all of which help local businesses invest, digitize, and compete globally.
Behind the scenes, we deepened our policy work with federal and municipal pre-budget submissions, exclusive sector roundtables, and trade mission opportunities, including a growing focus on Ottawa’s role as a Defence Innovation Hub. Discussions about hosting the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank and securing targeted federal investments highlighted the potential of Ottawa’s defence sector, rooted in its diplomatic community and national institutions.
Fall: Data, Downtown, and Small Business
In the fall, we released new data on the state of downtown Ottawa and priorities for the National Capital Region Caucus, reinforcing the message that a healthy core is essential to a thriving city and broader region. Our 2025 Small Business Summit, SME Roundtables and accompanying report, and expanded OBOT Member Marketplace offerings focused on supporting local business owners, diversifying the economy, and helping members navigate evolving work patterns and return-to-office decisions.
Downtown revitalization remained a top priority, with a growing emphasis on safety, security, accessibility, and placemaking – creating a downtown that is a destination to visit, a neighbourhood to live in, and a hub to work and invest. We continued to work closely with partners and all levels of government on issues such as federal workforce presence, workforce strategy, and the repurposing of federal assets.
Year-End: A Pro-Growth Moment for Ottawa
The final months of 2025 showcased Ottawa’s growing influence and ambition. OBOT summarized key implications of the federal budget for members and launched the inaugural Ottawa Economic Scorecard, which gives our city a shared baseline for how we stack up against other major Canadian metropolises. We unveiled a modernized OBOT website, launched a new issue of CAPITAL Magazine and led an Ottawa Day advocacy mission at Queen’s Park in Toronto alongside our Pillar Partners and Ottawa Unlimited partners – signaling a strong, cohesive Ottawa story in the provincial and national conversation.
November and December featured marquee moments, including the launch of the Business Council of Ottawa, the Best Ottawa Business Awards, and the largest Mayor’s Breakfast in the series’ history, where Prime Minister Mark Carney outlined his vision for Canada and highlighted the critical role of Ottawa and the National Capital Region. OBOT also led candid conversations about safety, security, inclusion, and resilience in the downtown core, making clear there is no room for complacency as workplaces return downtown and as Ottawa pursues a more vibrant and diverse urban centre.
Looking Ahead: Ottawa’s Next Chapter
As 2025 closes, Ottawa stands at a pivotal moment. With a pro-growth prime minister, premier, and mayor, OBOT is operating in an environment of unprecedented alignment and collaboration between all levels of government and the business community.
Our 2026 priorities are set: support member businesses to succeed, advocate for a competitive and predictable business environment, and build a stronger, unified voice of business that accelerates economic growth across the National Capital Region.
The work ahead will focus on advancing private sector partnerships and positioning Ottawa as a global capital for business, diplomacy, innovation and leadership.
On behalf of our dedicated Ottawa Board of Trade team, happy holidays. Together – with our members, partners, and civic leaders – we will not simply respond to change; we will create the next economic chapter for our community in 2026 and beyond. We will build a more prosperous, resilient, and inclusive capital for all.