New task force exploring ways to revitalize downtown Ottawa post-pandemic
Ottawa Centre MPP Yasir Naqvi has unveiled a new task force to explore ways to revitalize downtown Ottawa following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Downtown Ottawa Revitalization Task Force will look to address challenges to affordable housing, reinvigorate local businesses by catalyzing the return of residents and businesses, a more sustainable environment and creating more inclusive community spaces that promote Indigenous reconciliation.
"We need to take a deep look at the future of downtown Ottawa with all relevant and interested voices around the table," Naqvi said.
"With the continuation of hybrid working arrangements, and need for more affordable housing in the area, it is important to create a space for people with diverse backgrounds and expertise to come together to develop new ideas and strategies to reimagine the downtown of Ottawa's capital city."
The task force is made up of representatives of not-for-profit and for-housing developers, local business improvement area representatives, tourism stakeholders, Indigenous leaders and affordable social housing advocates. Coun. Catherine McKenney and Mathieu Fleury and a representative from the mayor's office will have an observer role with the task force.
"We need to build consensus on a way to move forward to bring activity back to Canada's national capital, and we're all excited to see what we can come up with as a group representing many different voices within our community," Claridge Homes Vice President Neil Malhotra said.
The Downtown Ottawa Revitalization Task Force will begin meetings in August, and recommendations will be shared with the federal and municipal government.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Maple Leafs fall to Bruins in Game 3, trail series 2-1
Brad Marchand scored twice, including the winner in the third period, and added an assist as the Boston Bruins downed the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series Wednesday
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
New Indigenous loan guarantee program a 'really big deal,' Freeland says at Toronto conference
Canada's Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland was among the 1,700 delegates attending the two-day First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) conference that concluded Tuesday in Toronto.
'Life was not fair to him': Daughter of N.B. man exonerated of murder remembers him as a kind soul
The daughter of a New Brunswick man recently exonerated from murder, is remembering her father as somebody who, despite a wrongful conviction, never became bitter or angry.