Ontario Investing $20 Million to Revitalize Downtown Ottawa

Dec 6

New Deal investment will support safety and economic growth

December 04, 2024

OTTAWA — As the next step in the government’s historic Ontario-Ottawa New Deal, Ontario is investing $20 million over three years to revitalize Ottawa’s downtown and ensure the nation’s capital’s unique character and attractions continue making it a tourism destination for Canadians and international visitors.

“Through our New Deal, our government is taking action to ensure Ottawa is a premier destination for tourism and a safe, vibrant place for those who call it home,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “Through our investments and partnership with the city, we’re making our national capital safer and helping attract visitors, jobs and investment for the long term.”

“Ottawa’s downtown, including the ByWard Market, is vitally important to the local economy and quality of life for our residents,” said Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. “This investment of $20 million from the Provincial Government is a boost to our revitalization efforts in the Market. This important funding will enhance the safety, vibrancy and economic growth of our downtown core.”

Revitalization initiatives include:

$1.05 million over three years for community safety initiatives by the Somerset West Community Health Centre that support people experiencing homelessness, substance use or mental health challenges and provide job-skills training.
$11.8 million over three years to transform William Street into a permanent pedestrian-only street and to enhance the ByWard Market, including to make ByWard Market Square into a seasonal street open to traffic and parking most of the year and pedestrian-only in the summer. Completion is expected by fall 2026, leading up to the 200th anniversary of the ByWard Market.
$3.85 million over three years to improve signage and other street-specific upgrades.
$1.5 million to Invest Ottawa to attract new investment from international and local companies to help stimulate sustainable, long-term economic growth.
$1.35 million over three years for marketing and promotion to attract residents, visitors and new businesses downtown, and develop a culture and entertainment district, which would be launched in 2026 as part of 200th anniversary commemorating the founding of Ottawa.

The initiatives also include $450,000 for a new Downtown Vibrancy Office that will be managed by the Ottawa Board of Trade and build business and investor confidence by implementing additional revitalization projects.

“As a leading jurisdiction for the research and development of critical technologies, Ottawa is an ideal destination for domestic and multinational companies looking to expand their operations,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through Invest Ottawa, our government is ensuring the Ottawa Region remains at the forefront of industry collaborations and strategic investments that will drive economic growth and create new, good-paying jobs across key sectors.”

The New Deal is helping ensure Ottawa’s sustainable, long-term growth and prosperity. To date, Ontario has made local investments to enhance public safety, address increased numbers of asylum seekers and people experiencing homelessness through emergency shelter operations. Work continues on transportation initiatives, such as a three-phased assessment of potential provincial ownership of Ottawa Road 174, a new interchange at Highway 416 and Barnsdale Road, and providing funding to repair and upgrade major connecting routes and rural roads critical to keeping the people, goods and services of Ottawa moving.

Quick Facts

The agreement between the province and city invests in Ottawa’s unique needs as national capital and regional economic hub, helping ensure the city’s sustainable, long-term growth and prosperity. Ontario is providing up to $543 million in operating and capital funding tailored to fuelling Ottawa’s economic recovery and accelerating revitalization of the downtown core. Funding will further support upgrading and building essential road and highway infrastructure to support the local economy and drivers across Ottawa’s large suburban and rural footprint.
Ottawa is Canada’s national capital and Ontario’s second largest municipality, with a growing population of more than one million residents. Ottawa is geographically four times larger than Toronto, encompassing interconnected urban, suburban and rural areas. The city is an important interprovincial gateway to Quebec and Eastern Canada and is uniquely reliant on the public administration sector.

Quotes

"Small businesses are the backbone of Ontario’s economy, representing 98 per cent of all businesses and employing nearly 2.5 million people. Our Small Business Enterprise Centres are vital to their success and provide them with the support they need to scale and grow. SBEC’s are an integral part of our small business ecosystem and ensuring they have the resources they need to carry out this very important work is paramount. I am thrilled that Ontario is dedicating $1.5 million over three years in Invest Ottawa as part of the New Deal for Ottawa. This investment is key to ensuring Ontario remains the best place to live, raise a family, and start a business."
- Nina Tangri
Associate Minister of Small Business

"We extend sincere thanks to the Government of Ontario for this critical funding for our region. It will catalyze powerful foreign direct investment and business expansion, driving economic growth in key sectors across Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. As a global tech and business hub with the highest concentration of tech talent in North America, our region represents a wealth of expertise, capability, and economic opportunity for our province. Ottawa is a magnet for global high-growth tech firms and talent that create multi-generational jobs, revenue, and economic impact. Together with partners across our community, we look forward to attracting new companies, investment, and business opportunity by harnessing the full potential of Canada’s Capital. This will fuel new jobs and further increase Ottawa’s impact as an economic engine for the province."
- Sonya Shorey
President and CEO, Invest Ottawa

"The Ottawa Board of Trade commends the Ontario government for this significant investment in downtown Ottawa as an important economic driver in our region and our province. This commitment builds on the collaborative work we’ve undertaken with the city and key economic partners to launch the Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda. It also demonstrates the power of working together at all levels of government to drive positive change. The new Downtown Vibrancy Office will be instrumental to implementing revitalization projects and boosting investor confidence. We’re eager to continue our partnership with the province, the city, and local stakeholders to transform Ottawa’s downtown into a more diverse, resilient and vibrant city core, one that attracts residents, businesses, and visitors alike."
- Sueling Ching
President and CEO, Ottawa Board of Trade