Ottawa city council approves plan to bolster nightlife economy, including ‘night mayor’ position
Posted May 11, 2023 09:31:47 AM.
Last Updated May 11, 2023 09:33:27 AM.
Ottawa city council has approved a plan further develop Ottawa’s nightlife economy and image.
The aim of the 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.
The city says the person hired to the night mayor position would act as a liaison between the city and local businesses.
As it stands, Ottawa’s economy is bolstered by $5.5-billion annually in daytime spending, but that drops off dramatically, only generating $1.5-billion at night.
