Mayoral candidate Jim Watson unveiled the first part of his economic plan for the City of Ottawa on Monday, which would set deadlines for approving building permits and boost tourism and green energy in the capital.

Under his leadership, Watson says the city would ensure business owners receive building permits and other necessary paperwork within a set time frame, or they'd be free.

"If we can't meet those standards as a city, then we should not be penalizing the individuals: A. by dragging our feet; and B. by giving them their site plan late and then charging them the full price," he said.

Watson, who is the former president and CEO of the Canadian Tourism Commission, says tourism is also a huge employer in the city, and he wants Ottawa to capitalize on Canada's 150th birthday celebration, which will take place in less than seven years.

"Ottawa should be the epicentre for these celebrations," he said.

Watson also plans to make Ottawa a leading destination for education, boost Hydro Ottawa's green energy development, and lead the city with an attitude of collaboration, not confrontation.

"I've seen employees, I've talked to councillors who feel it's a very unpleasant experience around city hall these days," Watson said.

Although Watson is critical of the city's record, one of his rivals says the city is far from standing still.

Coun. Alex Cullen, who is also running for mayor, says moving forward with a plan to build light rail and clean-up the Ottawa River will both generate lots of jobs.

"The notion that this city is coasting, well maybe some of its current leadership is coasting, but what's before us is really invigorating," said Cullen.

Meanwhile, Mayor Larry O'Brien, who hasn't indicated if he'll run again, said both he and Watson recognize the importance of economic development in the city, and city staff is currently developing a new economic policy.

"I expect he'll be supportive of its direction," O'Brien said in a statement to CTV Ottawa.

There are currently nine candidates in the race for mayor. O'Brien maintains he won't announce whether he'll run for re-election until June. Residents go to the polls on Oct. 25.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Norman Fetterley