Downtown Ottawa Forum 2026: A Living Capital

Downtown Ottawa is a dynamic neighbourhood. It is also the economic engine, cultural showcase, and first impression of Canada’s Capital. Its success influences job creation, talent attraction, tourism, entrepreneurship, creativity, and our global competitiveness. And it generates revenue that is critical to deliver city services for all. Revitalizing the core is central to building a more diverse, resilient and vibrant Ottawa and a thriving National Capital Region.

We are at a defining moment. Changes to federal work patterns and priorities, evolving expectations around safety and security, and major shifts in how people live, work, and gather have created urgent challenges and unprecedented opportunities. The purpose of this forum is to align leaders, assess the current agenda against emerging trends, and accelerate action for the renewal of our core.

This half-day, high-impact forum will convene business owners, developers, arts and culture leaders, policymakers, innovators, residents, civic and economic partners - because the future of downtown belongs to all of us. Whether you operate a business, invest in the region, work in public policy, shape culture and design, or care deeply about Ottawa’s prosperity, this is where your voice and leadership matter.

What to Expect:
The Forum will define the downtown agenda and design dynamic conversations on:

• Economic revitalization and investment strategies needed to restore confidence and drive growth
• Safety, well-being, and public confidence, including what cities can do to create welcoming, people-first spaces
• Placemaking, arts, culture, sports, and nightlife as catalysts for a thriving, 24/7 downtown destination
• Ideas from global cities successfully reinventing their cores and what Ottawa can adapt and accelerate
• The power of partnerships, celebrating recent wins and showcasing cross-sector collaborations that are already moving the dial

Attendees will take away fresh insights, actionable ideas, and new alliances. Sponsors will be recognized as champions of our future, demonstrating visible leadership at a moment when momentum matters most.

Why You Should Be There:
Downtown renewal is not an abstract idea; it impacts our everyday lives and our very near future. It is a shared responsibility and a shared opportunity. This is a chance to influence the decisions, investments, and partnerships that will shape Ottawa’s trajectory for decades. How we how show up today matters to the next generation.

There are lots of ways to make a difference. You can attend, sponsor, or bring your team. Your participation signals your commitment to building a downtown that is safe, vibrant, economically strong, culturally rich, and nationally competitive.

Join the most important downtown conversation of the year and shape the future Ottawa.

Sponsorship opportunities available here.