A city with a diversified and prosperous economy

Imagine an Ottawa where entrepreneurs can seamlessly make their dreams a reality, where our communities and main streets are vibrant and pulsing with economic activity, and where the downtown core is an active hub of innovation and culture.

We’re taking steps to achieve our goal of encouraging and facilitating economic growth, prosperity, diversification and resiliency across the city. A city with a diversified and prosperous economy would provide equitable access to opportunity for all and make Ottawa a destination of choice to live, work, play, invest, learn, and visit.

For small business owners and entrepreneurs, we want doing business in Ottawa to be a breeze without red tape or start-up barriers. Modernizing business licensing by-laws, providing online tools and resources and developing a one-stop shop service are some of the ways we’re looking to streamline processes and enhance the experience overall.

We’re working with our economic development partners to revitalize the downtown core and ByWard Market so that it delivers increased economic activity and is an inviting and safe place for residents and visitors.

We’re going to leverage special and economic districts which each have an important role in Ottawa’s identity, culture, and economy. Districts like Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, Lansdowne Park, Bayview Yards, the Kanata-North Business Park, and The Ottawa Hospital new Civic Campus will be more than just places on a map; they will be thriving economic generators.

By attracting new Canadians, post-secondary students, and high caliber sector specific talent, we will ensure that Ottawa remains a competitive, diverse, and attractive place to live and work.

Our vision for Ottawa’s future is one that prioritizes innovation, collaboration and inclusivity. To bring these goals to life, we need the voices and ideas of our community, our residents, you!

It’s your city and your ideas. Do you have creative ideas on how we can serve you better and save money when it comes to the services and opportunities that will diversify our economy and support increased prosperity? If you have suggestions, you can let us know by sharing your ideas at the feedback link below.

Related:

• Financial literacy helps empower black youth
• Ottawa’s BIAs are making lists and checking them twice
• Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards

Note that we will not be able to respond to all suggestions as we expect to receive many ideas. Please be assured that all suggestions are being reviewed and considered within the department responsible for the idea.

To report a location-specific problem or to submit a service request, please use the City of Ottawa online report or request tool or call 3-1-1 (613-580-2424 or 1-866-261-9799) to speak with a Client Service Representative.