Business leaders call on governments to make downtown Ottawa a 'top priority'
The Ottawa Board of Trade has unveiled a 'roadmap to transformation' for downtown Ottawa, and is calling on all three levels of government to declare the core "their top priority."
Business leaders held a media conference in downtown Ottawa Friday morning to announce a 5-pillar action plan, with the objective of mobilizing all stakeholders to join in building a "roadmap to transformation for our downtown core."
"Downtown Ottawa serves as the heartbeat of our region and has a direct impact on businesses, citizens, and visitors alike," the Ottawa Board of Trade said on Twitter.
"The absence of a focused plan could result in a negative ripple effect on the property tax base and the ability to provide essential services."
The Ottawa Board of Trade wants the city of Ottawa and the Ontario and federal governments to work together on a plan to ensure downtown Ottawa remains a "key driver of economic development and community prosperity."
The 5-pillar action plan for a 'Vibrant and Resilient Downtown' includes:
- Create affordable, walkable amenity rich communities
- Flexible and efficient government regulation and approvals
- Public and private investment in infrastructure
- Support growth of private and public sector employment
- Ensure safety and security for employers, residents, tourists
"The time has come for unparalleled collaboration and support from all levels of government and stakeholders. Urgent action is necessary to prevent further deterioration of the downtown core and avoid irreversible consequences," The Ottawa Board of Trade said on Twitter.
Traffic has been slow to return to downtown Ottawa following the COVID-19 pandemic, as the federal government and several businesses move to hybrid work models to allow employees to work from home part time.
"Ottawa is Canada’s capital, and a preferred destination for tourists. It makes sense to involve all levels of government to collaborate on our downtown core," Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said on Twitter. "It’s win-win-win."
Last month, the federal government unveiled plans to dispose of 10 buildings in Ottawa and Gatineau as it looks to reduce its office footprint and shifts to a hybrid work model.
The buildings include the L'Esplanade Laurier east and west towers in downtown Ottawa, the Brooke Claxton Building near Tunney's Pasture and the 1500 Bronson Building and Annex, the former CBC building.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Florida deputies who fatally shot U.S. airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says
Deputies responding to a disturbance call at a Florida apartment complex burst into the wrong unit and fatally shot a Black U.S. Air Force airman who was home alone when they saw he was armed with a gun, an attorney for the man's family said Wednesday.
Air Canada ranks near bottom on customer satisfaction: survey
Air Canada ranks below most other major North American airlines on customer satisfaction, with airfares a particular sore point, according to a new survey.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.