Ottawa's 'night mayor' will have a $160,000 budget in 2024
Ottawa's new 'night mayor' will have a budget of $160,000 in 2024 to begin developing the city's nightlife economy and try to shake off the reputation as the town that fun forgot.
Council approved a new Ottawa Nightlife Economy Action Plan in the spring, which will aim to support the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. economy and nightlife in Ottawa. One of the recommendations calls for the city to establish a 'Nightlife Commissioner Office', with the so-called 'night mayor' working with businesses, city officials, regulators and the public to deliver a new plan to support the city's nightlife.
The 2024 draft city of Ottawa budget recommends a $160,000 budget to implement the Ottawa Nightlife Economy Action Plan.
- Ottawa Budget 2024: $5.8B draft budget tabled
- 7 things that will cost you more in Ottawa in 2024
- Ottawa Police to hire 25 more officers in 2024
- Patio fees in Ottawa going up next summer after pandemic break
"The Nightlife Commissioner will be responsible to lead and deliver most of the recommendations in the Plan in collaboration with Economic Development Services and external partners," the budget says.
The new 'night mayor' will be tasked with how to enhance Ottawa's nightlife economy, and make the city vibrant year-round. The 'nightlife economy' focuses on leisure, live entertainment and cultural activities during that 12-hour period, and not just on bar and restaurant activity. The city has not appointed a commissioner for the Nightlife Commissioner Office.
The first phase of the Ottawa Nightlife Economy Action Plan includes promoting city-wide and neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood participation of residents, visitors and businesses in the nightlife economy. Phase 2 in 2024 to 2026 will include establishing a Nightlife Ambassador Council and developing a city-wide Nightlife Safety and Security Plan for nightlife workers and participants.
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
- Sign up now for our nightly CTV News Ottawa newsletter
New York City launched an Office of Nightlife in 2017, while Washington, D.C. first appointed a 'night mayor' in 2018. Amsterdam, London, England, and Prague, Czech Republic are among the cities around the world with a 'night mayor.'
The city of Toronto has a Night Economy Ambassador, while Vancouver has announced plans for a new 'Night Office' to reimagine the city's nightlife and boost the hospitality sector.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Quebec man, 81, gets prison sentence after admitting to killing wife with Alzheimer's disease
An 81-year-old Quebec man has been sentenced to prison after admitting to killing his wife with Alzheimer's disease.
Pat King found guilty of mischief for role in 'Freedom Convoy'
Pat King, one of the most prominent figures of the 2022 'Freedom Convoy' in Ottawa, has been found guilty on five counts including mischief and disobeying a court order.
Canada's tax relief plan: Who gets a cheque?
The Canadian government has unveiled its plans for a sweeping GST/HST pause on select items during the holiday period. The day after the announcement, questions remain on how the whole thing will work.
Canada issues travel warning after 6 people die from tainted alcohol in Laos
The Canadian government is warning travellers following the deaths of at least six people in the mass poisoning of foreign tourists in Laos after drinking tainted alcohol.
BREAKING Jury convicts men of human smuggling in case of frozen migrant family in Manitoba
A jury has found two men guilty on all charges related to human smuggling in a case where a family from India froze to death in Manitoba while trying to walk across the Canada-U. S. border.
Canada's new income tax brackets in 2025: What you need to know
The Canada Revenue Agency has released updated federal income tax brackets for 2025, reflecting adjustments for inflation. Here’s the breakdown.
Measles outbreak: Canada sees highest number of cases in past nine years
Thirty new measles cases were reported this week in Canada, bringing the total number in Canada to 130 in 2024.
Unruly passenger duct-taped after trying to open a plane's door mid-flight
An assertive group of cross-country travellers pinned and duct-taped an unruly passenger mid-flight, after he allegedly tried to open a plane door at 30,000 feet.
Matt Gaetz says he's not returning to U.S. Congress next year
Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who withdrew from consideration as U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general on Thursday, said Friday he will not be returning to U.S. Congress next year.