Championing the Future, Tackling Today’s Challenges
Downtown Ottawa is the economic, civic, and cultural anchor of the National Capital Region. As the seat of federal power and a hub for business, tourism, and hospitality, its vitality is essential to the prosperity of the entire city.
But downtown is also at a crossroads. On one hand, shifting workforce patterns, rising vacancies, and social challenges are creating pressure on businesses and threatening municipal revenues. On the other, there is a bold opportunity to transform the core into a more dynamic, inclusive, and economically diverse district.
OBOT’s work reflects both realities through two distinct advocacy streams:
The Downtown Vibrancy Office
The Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda, launched in 2023, guides action to create a city core that is desirable, resilient, robust, and inclusive through approximately 60 clearly defined steps to implementation.
This transformative plan reimagines the city’s core by:
- Adding 40,000 new residents to the core
- Creating 50,000 new jobs
- Attracting $500 million in private investment, unlocking $1.3 billion in new annual economic activity
As the lead of the Downtown Vibrancy Office, OBOT helps shepherd progress on this Action Agenda forward alongside a broad coalition of public, private, institutional, and civic leaders.
We work tirelessly to build confidence in Ottawa’s future. The downtown is not dead or dying — it is the heart of a renewed, thriving capital city.
OBOT’s Downtown Transformation Policy Council
At the same time, we know that downtown businesses face urgent, day-to-day challenges that must be addressed to unlock that future. Issues of safety, access, cleanliness, and mobility directly affect employees, customers, and operations. For businesses, these are not abstract concerns; they shape whether downtown is a place where people want to be.
The OBOT Policy Downtown Transformation Council is focused on:
- Advocating for coordinated interventions on safety and public realm management
- Ensuring reliable access and mobility for employees, customers, and deliveries
- Championing business voices in the dialogue about downtown’s transformation
Why Both Matter
Revitalizing Ottawa requires a two-track approach: confidence and growth to inspire investment, and practical interventions to support today’s downtown businesses. Safety, access, and day-to-day conditions are the foundation; growth and transformation are the vision.
By holding space for both of these tracks, OBOT is ensuring that businesses are supported today while the city builds toward a stronger tomorrow.
OBOT in Action
July 21, 2025 – The Globe & Mail – The City of Ottawa Risks Being Hollowed Out by the Federal Government
July 23, 2025 – CTV News Ottawa – Ottawa Board of Trade Warns of Worsening Downtown Economy as Federal Cuts Loom
July 23, 2025 – CTV News Ottawa – Feds Urged to Support Downtown Ottawa
July 24, 2025 – 580 CFRA Radio – Ottawa Board of Trade Warns of Worsening Downtown Economy as Federal Cuts Loom
Shape downtown transformation in Ottawa.
