September 17, 2026

Welcome to Capital Connect, your source for business insights, community updates, and opportunities shaping Ottawa’s economic future. Want even more access? Ottawa Board of Trade members receive early access to events, exclusive resources, and additional benefits designed to help businesses connect, grow, and lead in a separate, member-exclusive newsletter.

Introducing More Ottawa: A Focused Set of Priorities Ahead of the Municipal Election

Ottawa has momentum. Let's meet the moment.

The upcoming municipal election on October 26 is an opportunity to think about what Ottawa needs to keep growing, competing, and prospering.

The Ottawa Board of Trade's More Ottawa campaign is focused on the conditions that will allow our city to realize its full potential - from housing and transit to economic competitiveness and a downtown worthy of Canada's capital. 

Over the coming weeks, we'll be asking candidates to respond to a focused set of priorities and demonstrating what strong municipal leadership can look like. 

More ambition. More action. More Ottawa. 

OBOT Hosts Inaugural Ottawa Infrastructure Forum

An Opportunity To Build A City To Match Our Ambition

At the Ottawa Infrastructure Forum 2026 on Tuesday, leaders from business, government, development, transportation, housing, construction, and tourism came together to explore the investments and decisions that will shape the future of Canada’s capital.

Ottawa has major projects underway, significant public and private investment, strong economic assets, and ambitious ideas for its future. Turning that potential into progress will require faster execution, long-term planning, coordination across jurisdictions, earlier engagement with businesses, and an approach that connects housing, mobility, utilities, public spaces, and economic development.

With roughly half a million new residents expected over the next 25 years, the decisions we make now will determine how well Ottawa accommodates growth, attracts investment, supports businesses, and strengthens our quality of life.

As Ottawa approaches its 200th anniversary, we have an opportunity to build a city that matches our ambition.

Read our Ottawa Infrastructure Forum 2026 recap for insights from the day and how we can move from plans to projects to build a stronger, more connected, and more competitive National Capital Region.

Mark Your Calendars:

Join Us at an Upcoming Event

Unlocking Government Funding Opportunities for Business Growth

September 29, 2026 | Virtual

Join BDO GrantMatch and the Ottawa Board of Trade for an informative webinar designed to help businesses better understand and capitalize on today's government funding opportunities. During this session, BDO GrantMatch's funding specialists will provide an overview of the Canadian government funding landscape, highlighting federal, provincial, and regional grant and incentive programs available to support business growth, innovation, productivity improvements, workforce development, sustainability initiatives, and capital investments.

What to Expect:

• A live Q&A session will provide participants with the opportunity to ask questions specific to their business objectives and funding challenges.
• Additional resources and information on how to connect with the BDO GrantMatch team to explore funding opportunities and build a long-term government funding strategy for their organization.

Whether your business is planning investments in technology, equipment, expansion, training, research and development, or sustainability initiatives, this webinar will provide valuable insights into navigating Canada's evolving funding landscape.

Ottawa Board of Trade Mayoral Debate 2026

October 1, 2026 | University of Ottawa

 As Ottawa prepares to elect its next Mayor, join the Ottawa Board of Trade on October 1 as you hear from the top-polling mayoral candidates in a timely and engaging debate focused on the issues that matter most to Ottawa's business community.

This debate will provide business leaders, community stakeholders, and residents with an opportunity to hear the candidates' perspectives on the opportunities and challenges shaping Ottawa's future. Grounded by the Ottawa Board of Trade's Municipal Election Advocacy Agenda, the discussion will focus on the issues that matter most to Ottawa’s business community.

This is your opportunity to hear directly from the candidates seeking to lead Ottawa through its next chapter and gain valuable insight before casting your vote. 

Ottawa's Next Chapter: An Economic Leaders Panel

October 6, 2026 | Ottawa Art Gallery

The election may determine who leads our city, but building Ottawa’s next chapter will take all of us.

On October 6, we’re bringing together an exciting panel of business and economic leaders to look beyond the campaign and explore what Ottawa needs to do next to strengthen our economy, attract investment, and create a more competitive, connected, and vibrant capital city.

Hear from:

• Megan Cornell, Associate General Counsel at General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada
• Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism
• Kelly Rhodenizer, Senior Vice President, Development at Colonnade BridgePort
• Moderated by: David Coletto, Founder and CEO of Abacus Data

Together, they will explore the opportunities and challenges facing Ottawa, from competitiveness and infrastructure to talent, housing, and downtown revitalization, and what it will take to turn our region’s potential into long-term economic growth.

Candidates for Mayor and City Council will be invited to the event, giving attendees a chance to meet with them ahead of the election. While this is not a candidate forum or debate, it is an opportunity for those seeking public office to hear the perspectives of Ottawa's business leaders and better understand the priorities that matter most to the organizations and industries that drive our local economy.

More Ottawa Municipal Election Regional Roundtables

October 13, 2026 | Virtual Roundtables

Ottawa’s next chapter will be shaped by decisions made across every part of our city.

As part of our More Ottawa municipal election campaign, the Ottawa Board of Trade is bringing candidates together for a series of virtual Regional Roundtables focused on the priorities, opportunities, and challenges facing communities across Ottawa.

Moderated by Rick Chase, Vice President and Partner at Gifford Carr, the conversations will explore what it will take to accommodate growth, strengthen our economy, and improve quality of life. From downtown renewal and transportation connectivity to infrastructure readiness, innovation, rural economic development, and access to opportunity, each roundtable will focus on the priorities unique to its part of the city.

Join the conversation in your area:

• Central | 10:00 a.m.
• East | 11:30 a.m.
• West | 1:00 p.m.
• South | 2:30 p.m.
• Rural | 4:00 p.m.

These conversations will go beyond what candidates support to explore how they plan to deliver results, where greater collaboration is needed, and how progress should be measured through 2030.

Business After 5: Escape Manor Halloween Takeover

October 20, 2026 | Escape Manor Lounge

On October 20, join the Ottawa Board of Trade at Escape Manor Downtown for a special Halloween edition of Business After 5, bringing Ottawa’s business community together for an evening of connection, conversation, and a little spooky fun.

Step away from the inbox, bring your best networking game, and connect with business and community leaders from across Ottawa in one of the city’s most entertaining venues. Expect a lively atmosphere, plenty of opportunities to meet someone new, and a few Halloween surprises along the way.

Sponsored by: Hiboo Networks

Submit Your Best Ottawa Business Awards Nominations Now!

Time is running out to submit your Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs) nominations!

Each year, the BOBs celebrate the businesses, entrepreneurs, and executives whose leadership, innovation, growth, and community impact are helping shape the future of our city's economy. Whether it's an emerging company making waves or an established organization leading its industry, the awards recognize excellence at every stage of business.

With more than 25 award categories, including CEO of the Year, CFO of the Year, Newsmaker of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, there's an opportunity to recognize the people and organizations making Ottawa a stronger, more vibrant place to live, work, and do business.

Know a business or leader that deserves to be recognized? Submit a nomination today and help celebrate the very best of Ottawa's business community.

Interested in Submitting A Nomination, But Not Sure Where to Start?

Join the Ottawa Board of Trade and Ottawa Business Journal on September 21 for a free informational webinar designed to help you feel confident and prepared before submitting a nomination.

Whether it’s your first time participating in the BOBs or you’re looking for a refresher, this session will help you navigate the nomination process.

Sponsored by: Vectors Group

Ottawa 200 Block Party

Ottawa is turning 200, and our community is coming together to celebrate!

On Saturday, September 26, the Ottawa 200 Block Party will take over Marion Dewar Plaza at Ottawa City Hall for a free, all-ages celebration featuring live music, cultural performances, interactive art, family-friendly activities, local food and drink, and more.

As we mark this important milestone, it is an opportunity to celebrate the people, communities, businesses, and stories that have shaped Ottawa over the past 200 years, while looking ahead to the next chapter of our city.

We encourage Ottawa’s business community to get out, support local artists, vendors, and community organizations, and celebrate everything that makes our city a great place to live, work, build a business, and belong.