The new Ottawa Convention Centre officially opens
Posted Apr 12, 2011 03:14:02 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Ottawa’s Convention Centre has officially opened for business.
Government and convention centre officials gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday afternoon.
Mayor Jim Watson was joined by Premier Dalton McGuinty in a ribbon cutting ceremony where both applauded the efforts of everyone from past mayors and government leaders to construction workers and the hospitality staff.
Watson said the centre will have a major impact on the local economy, bringing in conventions of a size Ottawa hasn’t been able to host in the past.
And he said the downtown location is key to the success of the centre because it brings guests to the core, mere steps from hotels, restaurants and other attractions. And the striking exterior has added to the Ottawa skyline, he said.
From the inside, he said the view is something to celebrate.
“It’s spectacular, you know, you’re not going to find a better view of some of the most important symbols in our country: Parliament Hill, the Cenotaph, the UNESCO World Heritage canal, the National Arts Centre,” he said.
“This is a spectacular building and I’m very proud that we’ve officially opened the convention centre.”
McGuinty said he loves the statement the building makes, adding that it demands people look at it and pay attention to it.
The centre cost more than $170 million dollars but is expected to bring in millions this year alone in conventions and tourist dollars to Ottawa.
It also employs more than 400 people.
