Ottawa ‘night mayor’ position passes committee level

The finance committee has approved a plan further develop Ottawa’s nightlife economy and image, including the implementation of a ‘night mayor’ position.

The city says the aim of the proposed Ottawa Nightlife Economic Action Plan is to create a more vibrant, diverse, inclusive, viable, safe and well-managed nightlife across the city over a 12-hour period, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

In 2023, the plan would include the following:

• Establish the framework for a Nightlife Commissioner Office for implementation in 2024 and the creation of a new position for ‘night mayor’
• Promote citywide and neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood participation of residents, visitors and businesses in the nightlife economy
• Consider changes to support the nightlife economy through reviews of city by-laws, policies, procedures and services.

As for the ‘night mayor’ position, the city says the person hired would act as a liaison between the city and local businesses. It’s an idea that’s already being used in several cities around the world, including Washington, New York and London.

Now that the action plan has passed the committee level, the proposal will go to council for a final vote on Wednesday, May 7.