Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson said Wednesday he'll hold a youth summit, create the Order of Ottawa and form a new committee to prepare for Ottawa's role in Canada's 150th birthday celebrations.
Watson made the promises as part of his first ever State of the City address, in which he reinforced the need to diversity the city's economy to shield it from federal public service cuts.
"Now, more than ever, we need to take our economic development destiny in our own hands," Watson said. "The days of relying on the Government of Canada to be the primary engine of this community's growth are behind us."
The youth summit, modeled after last year's senior's summit, will be chaired by Rideau-Vanier councillor Mathieu Fleury in the fall.
"We will also ask our city's youth for their advice on issues ranging from employment to transportation, to art and culture and ways to eliminate bullying in our society," Watson said.
Watson said he'll work with council to renew the city's civic appreciation awards and rebrand them the Order of Ottawa.
As well, he announced figure skater and "Ottawa's most decorated athlete" Barbara Ann Scott is donating her entire collection of Olympic and world championship medals, other awards and memorabilia to be displayed at City Hall.
Looking a bit longer-term, Watson said councillors Katherine Hobbes and Rainer Bloess will co-chair committee aimed at bringing events to Ottawa for Canada's 150th birthday in 2017.
"Quebec City was extremely successful in 2008 as it used its 400th anniversary as a magnet to attract more and bigger events to their city," Watson said. "I want to ensure that our city - the nation's capital - owns 2017."
He also said tenders for light-rail construction will be awarded in the fall and the renovation of Lansdowne Park should hopefully start this year.
You can read the full text of Watson's speech at his website.
