Downtown Transformation

Downtown Ottawa is the economic, civic, and cultural anchor of the National Capital Region. As the seat of federal power and a key hub for business, tourism and hospitality, its vitality is essential to the city’s prosperity. Yet today, shifting workforce patterns, rising vacancies, and declining foot traffic are placing unprecedented pressure on the downtown core — threatening over $66 million in annual municipal revenue and weakening Ottawa’s economic engine. 

In response, a broad coalition of public, private, institutional, and civic leaders came together to develop a roadmap for renewal. Living Capital: An Agenda for Aligned Action outlines a bold, actionable plan to transform downtown Ottawa into a more dynamic, inclusive, and economically diverse district. The plan includes more than 60 concrete actions we can collectively take to transform downtown into a vibrant and leading capital city. 

We will work to attract 40,000 new residents, create 50,000 jobs, and attract $500 million in investment that can unlock over $1.3 billion in new annual economic activity. Reviving growth in Ottawa requires more than recovery — it demands a shared commitment to reimagining downtown as a thriving, round-the-clock community where people live, work, visit, and invest.

Shape downtown transformation in Ottawa – become an OBOT Pillar Partner and join our Policy Council today.