Yasir Naqvi

Photo: The Downtown Ottawa Revitalization Task Force issued its final report on how to make the downtown a vibrant space.

Downtown Ottawa Revitalization Task Force

Final Report released!

After a year of dedicated effort, I am thrilled to announce that the Downtown Ottawa Revitalization Task Force has released its comprehensive report with recommendations to reimagine our downtown to become a vibrant and people-first space.

The task force’s comprehensive report is a testament to the power of community engagement and collaboration. Ottawa residents have spoken and their input is woven into the fabric of these recommendations. I look forward to advocating for the implementation of these proposals at the federal level, ensuring our downtown becomes a place where everyone is excited to live, work and visit.

The task force, which is composed of affordable housing advocates, not-for-profit and for-profit housing developers, Indigenous leaders, sustainability advocates, tourism and economic development stakeholders, and local business improvement area representatives has meticulously crafted a vision for a renewed downtown based on extensive feedback and input from Ottawa residents and stakeholders.

The task force report, “Envisioning a Great Downtown,” presents a comprehensive suite of recommendations that tackle the challenges faced by Ottawa’s downtown communities. The report recommends various short-, medium- and long-term solutions to our community’s challenges within the themes of Living, Shaping, Playing and Doing Business that can be implemented by each order of government.

Additionally, the report outlines possible solutions to known challenges downtown, such as the lack of affordable housing, tackling the chronic homelessness challenge, reinvigorating local businesses in a hybrid work environment by encouraging the return of residents and tourists, providing ideas for a more sustainable urban environment, and creating more inclusive community spaces that promote Indigenous reconciliation.

Finally, the task force report also looks into three transformative projects that our community should seriously explore. These projects include a revitalization and redevelopment of the Jackson Building, the old Ottawa Public Library and l’Esplanade Laurier.

The task force spent the last year actively seeking feedback from a variety of external actors, including Ottawa residents through a large-scale online public consultation where hundreds made their voices heard. Additionally, the task force held workshop discussions with interested groups of stakeholders throughout the report development process.

Moving forward, the task force is committed to utilizing the report as a powerful advocacy tool, fueling joint and individual efforts at all levels of government and within the community, with the goal of ensuring that recommendations are not only acknowledged but also implemented to bring about positive, long-lasting change.

To read the full report, visit YasirNaqviMP.ca. If you would like a printed copy mailed to you, give my office a call and let us know!