Show Your Support For Investment in Lansdowne 2.0

We all know that Ottawa is at a turning point. The way people live, work, and connect in our city is changing rapidly and we are competing globally for talent, investment, ideas, and attention. If we want to lead in that race and want to be the capital of choice and an economy that is inclusive, resilient, and future-ready, then we must be bold in our city-building and invest in the kind of capital city we aspire to be. That’s exactly what Lansdowne 2.0 represents. This is not just another project - it is a powerful catalyst, a destination, an employment generator, a tourism draw, and a downtown anchor. It supports small businesses, attracts major events, and creates a sense of place that reflects the pride and potential of our people.

The Ottawa Board of Trade and our Ottawa Unlimited Partners - Ottawa Tourism and Invest Ottawa - are aligned and unwavering: Lansdowne 2.0 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. One to spur downtown renewal and a boldly signal to the world that Ottawa is open for business, driven by ambition, and ready to lead on the global stage. Last month, we were proud to submit a joint letter of support for investment in Lansdowne 2.0 to the City of Ottawa on behalf of our organizations, our partners, and the broader business community. This project represents more than just infrastructure. It’s a catalyst for economic growth, downtown revitalization, innovation, and cultural vibrancy.

We invite you to join us in showing your support by virtually signing our letter to the City. Your voice can help shape the next generation of growth, jobs, and opportunity in Ottawa. Together, we can show that the business community stands united behind a vision of Ottawa as a world-class, competitive capital city. Let’s lead boldly, and build a city for the future.

Celebrating Ottawa Bluesfest Kicking Off This Weekend

The Ottawa Board of Trade extends our warmest congratulations to Ottawa Bluesfest, one of our valued OBOT members, as they prepare to kick off the start of another festival!

From small venues to large festivals, live music contributes thousands of jobs, millions of visitors, and billions in economic impact across Canada. Here in Ottawa, our vibrant festival scene is a powerful economic engine, contributing over $200 million in direct spending annually. These events support local businesses, create employment opportunities, and showcase our city as a premier destination for arts and culture.

At OBOT, we recognize the immense value that live music and festivals bring to our community. They foster innovation, strengthen our social fabric, and drive growth for entrepreneurs, artists, and small businesses alike.

Watch a replay of the June Mayor's Breakfast featuring Mark Monahan, Executive Director of Ottawa Bluesfest, here

ByWard Reimagined: Your Input Is Valued

Design concept: William is pedestrianized

(Photo Credit: ByWard Market Public Realm Plan, p. 35). 

The City of Ottawa is seeking your input on the upcoming redesign of William Street and ByWard Market Square, which will begin to reimagine the ByWard Market and strengthen its role as a premier destination within the nation’s capital for many years to come.

The redesigned public spaces within the ByWard Market will prioritize the visitor experience by creating a destination that is welcoming, safe, comfortable, and walkable.

• William Street is one of the most visited areas of the ByWard Market and, once completed, will be an important corridor between Rideau and Clarence Streets that will draw visitors into the heart of the Market. The street will be designed with the goal of enhancing the visitor experience in the Market core, as a promenade with space for street activations, street trees, extended outdoor commercial areas and infrastructure to support events.
• ByWard Market Square will be reinforced as the heart of the outdoor public market and will be activated with space for seating, street trees, street activations and outdoor commercial areas. Infrastructure will be provided to program the space as an “outdoor living room”.
• Safety, security, and accessibility: Accessibility will be carefully considered so that visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy the ByWard Market. The safety and security of visitors will be considered in the design of the public spaces to ensure that visitors feel safe and comfortable at all times of the day and night.
• Businesses and vendors: The newly redesigned spaces will provide greater support to local businesses and will be designed with flexibility in mind. Businesses will be able to extend into the public realm with retail stands, outdoor patios and more.

As part of our involvement Downtown Action Agenda, we highlighted the need to focus on catalytic anchors for downtown, including investment in the Byward Market realm. Everyone has a stake in a vibrant downtown: join the conversation, share feedback, and help lead the change.

For over 168 years, the Ottawa Board of Trade has championed our city as the best place to live, work, learn, play, visit, and invest. By supporting local businesses at every stage—from start to scale—we’re building a collaborative and sustainable future for everyone.

Why OBOT?



• As the leading advocate for Ottawa’s business community, OBOT is your voice at the table, driving policies and initiatives that support your success.
• We lead efforts to remove barriers, reduce costs, and create new opportunities, all while uniting businesses to revitalize our National Capital Region.
• OBOT’s membership model is tailored to meet the unique needs of Ottawa’s diverse business community, providing members with access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and a platform to influence the city’s economic agenda.

Maximize your membership, connect with fellow leaders, and help shape a brighter, more prosperous future for Ottawa—today and for generations to come. Become a member today

August 6, 2025 | REDBLACKS Summer Rush

The Ottawa Board of Trade is a proud community partner of the REDBLACKS Summer Rush! Join over 400 guests for an evening of networking, food, football, and fun.

The guest list will include some of Ottawa’s brightest up and coming stars in the business and professional world. Many past Forty Under 40 recipients will be in attendance, including Kara Higdon, Director of Business & Community Partnerships at OBOT, adding to the networking opportunities during the evening.

Expand your network and raise money in support of the REDBLACKS Back to School Initiative.

Use the code OBOT at checkout to save! Simply apply the code under the Order Summary section before completing your purchase.

August 19, 2025 | Ottawa's Best Networking Golf Tournament

Time is running out to book your spot! Ottawa's Best Networking Golf Tournament is over 70% sold out! Join the Ottawa Board of Trade and Ottawa Business Journal at the GreyHawk Golf Club as we take over two 18-hole courses. Connect with local business leaders as you enjoy this fun-filled day on the greens. Limited spots available - book yours today!

SPONSORED BY OBOT MEMBER: OTTAWA TOURISM | ROGERS CENTRE | INVEST OTTAWA

Skills Bridge: Unleashing LMS at Scale

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and the Ottawa Board of Trade, invite you to explore Skills Bridge, a program developed to help businesses upskill and reskill employees.

Skills Bridge, powered by Magnet, was created by the OCC in partnership with the Diversity Institute and funded by the Future Skills Centre and the Government of Canada to address skills gaps in small—to medium-sized businesses.

Until September 2025, you and up to 10 employees can access over 65 courses at no-cost in areas such as Management, Customer service, Sales and Marketing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Digital Skills (Excel, SEO, Social Media, and E-Commerce), and more!

What can you expect?

• Top-notch courses tailored to upskilling your employees in areas such as Sales, EDI, Management, Digital Skills, Sales and Marketing and more.
• Flexible learning—anytime, anywhere, at your own pace.
• Easy management and tracking of your employees’ course progress through a custom dashboard

*Please note that the number of free licenses is finite, so take advantage of this opportunity and register early.