New plan to revitalize downtown Ottawa calls for $500 million fund
CTV
A new plan to "revolutionize" downtown Ottawa over the next 10 years is calling for a $500 million investment from all levels of government and the private sector to fund initiatives to make the "downtown desirable."
A new plan to "revolutionize" downtown Ottawa over the next 10 years is calling for a $500 million investment from all levels of government and the private sector to fund initiatives to make the "downtown desirable."
The Ottawa Board of Trade released the new 'Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda' at Ottawa City Hall on Wednesday, calling for new public realm on Sparks Street and the ByWard Market, new housing, improving transit options and boosting marketing efforts "nationally and internationally" to boost economic activity and enhance downtown's image.
"The Downtown Ottawa Action Agendaaims to reimagine and rejuvenate Downtown Ottawa, making it more diverse, resilient, and vibrant for generations and challenges to come," the Ottawa Board of Trade said in a media release.
"Under the plan, Downtown Ottawa will see the addition of 40,000 new residents and the creation of 50,000 jobs by 2034, transforming the cityscape into a bustling hub of activity and innovation."
The future of downtown Ottawa has been a hot topic since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, as hybrid work policies allow people to work from home instead of offices in the core. Starting in September, the federal government will require workers to be in the office a minimum of three days a week.
The new action agenda says it wants to make downtown desirable by increasing the number of residents downtown, repurposing federal buildings for new uses and "make downtown resilient."
The action plan recommends five immediate actions, including:
