OBOT’s Beginnings
In the years between 1832 and 1857, the National Capital Region was a burgeoning lumber town whose population grew from 4,000 to well over 10,000. During this time, shipments of dry goods, tea, sugar, wines and liquors, salted fish, wheat, flour, beef, pork, oak, iron, and more arrived via the Rideau Canal.
In 1847, Bytown became a legally designated town, and just seven years later, in 1854, it was incorporated as a city.
On June 10, 1857, an Act of Parliament launched the Ottawa Board of Trade. The Board’s mandate was to protect and advance economic prosperity, industrial opportunity, and quality of life throughout our region.
The association began with 50 members and was led by John Bower Lewis — the second Mayor of Bytown, the first Mayor of Ottawa, and a Member of Parliament from 1872 to 1873.
Forward-Thinking Business Development
From the very beginning, the Ottawa Board of Trade understood that building a thriving community required dedication, thoughtful planning, and active engagement to drive meaningful results. As our city’s population continued to grow, new buildings, homes, schools, hospitals, bridges, and roads were constructed.
The Ottawa Board of Trade contributed to improvements such as the first public abattoir and a proper system of garbage collection. By arousing public opinion, the Board facilitated the introduction of tap water to residents via the Thomas C. Keefer plant in 1875.
Into the 20th century, the Ottawa Board of Trade remained relentless in its pursuit of opportunities to help our region advance, thrive, and grow. Maintaining and expanding railways and highways was a priority, as was the widening, levelling, and straightening of existing local roads.
During the 1930s, when jobs and money were scarce, the Board launched the Ottawa Junior Board of Trade to develop future leaders aged 20-35.
Turning its attention to public safety, it conducted a survey of traffic and parking conditions, followed by a survey of housing conditions.
Investing in Existing and Future Industries and Businesses
At the municipal level, the Ottawa Board of Trade’s influence grew. In 1954, it played a key role in organizing and funding the Eastern Ontario Board of Trade, later renamed the Eastern Ontario Development Association (EODA), whose mandate was to encourage industrial location in Ottawa.
The Board successfully proposed that the City not only provide the association a grant, but also adopt it as its industrial agent. In the years that followed, the Board collaborated closely with the EODA, municipal leaders, and other stakeholders to champion initiatives aimed at attracting new industries and fostering economic growth.
Adaptable to the Most Pressing Historical Issues
Long before the age of Internet searches and instant information, the Ottawa Board of Trade served as a vital hub for both local and foreign enquiries. These included requests for directions to businesses, introductions to potential clients, questions about the costs of housing or schooling, and appeals for advice or assistance to resolve business problems.
There were also requests for contacts in the business world in other cities or countries, and enquiries from tourists who wanted to know what to see, what to do, and where to stay.
The sheer number of committees in earlier years is a testament to how much work was being taken on. These included committees dedicated to the following:
- Community development
- Industrial exploration
- Agriculture
- Civic affairs
- Traffic
- Tourism
- Fire prevention
- Department stores
- Specialty shops
- The Public Appeals Review Board
- Special events
- Motor vehicle fleet training
- Provincial affairs
- National affairs
- Membership
- Forestry (reforestation)
Fast-Forward to the Digital Age and Amalgamation
In 2000, there was an amalgamation of the municipalities of Ottawa, Vanier, Nepean, Kanata, Gloucester, and Cumberland, the townships of Rideau, West Carleton, Goulbourn and Osgoode, and the village of Rockcliffe Park to form a new City of Ottawa.
In 2018, after several attempts since the city’s amalgamation, three Chambers of Commerce consolidated to form the new Ottawa Board of Trade.
In 2019, OBOT staff and volunteer teams collaborated together to create a governance and organizational structure that would strengthen the voice for business in Ottawa.
In 2020, we welcomed a new President and CEO and launched a strategic plan for growth and impact that would support the Ottawa business community to reach its full potential as a globally recognized, iconic city.
When COVID-19 struck in mid-March 2020, we quickly pivoted to focus on supporting local businesses, prioritizing advocacy, collaboration and leadership through the crisis.
Since 2020, the Ottawa Board of Trade has been deeply involved in advocating for local businesses, leading policy discussions, and fostering economic growth in the National Capital Region. We’ve prioritized issues such as downtown Ottawa’s transformation, housing affordability, and infrastructure investment, and have led high-profile events like the City Building Summit, Ottawa’s Economic Outlook, and roundtables with government leaders. We also launched the Ottawa Unlimited partnership, uniting with Invest Ottawa and Ottawa Tourism to drive collaboration, boost innovation, and position Ottawa as a global destination for talent and investment.
The Ottawa Board of Trade continues to serve as a crucial connector between businesses, governments, and community partners, carefully ensuring that Ottawa’s business interests are represented and advanced at every level.
Note: Every attempt has been made to research and present accurate information to tell the Ottawa Board of Trade’s story. Any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions are therefore unexpected and unintentional.