Ontario Investing $20 Million to Revitalize Downtown 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.

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