UPDATE: Province provides $20M for downtown revitalization, tourism in Ottawa (OBJ)
December 4, 2024 - The Ottawa Business Journal (OBJ)
Ottawa business leaders are calling today’s provincial funding announcement for Ottawa a good step in the right direction toward revitalization, but more work will need to be done.
The Ontario government announced this morning that it is advancing its “New Deal” for Ottawa with a $20-million investment in tourism and downtown revitalization efforts over the next three years.
The funding, part of the $543-million “New Deal” announced earlier this year by the premier, will contribute to multiple revitalization initiatives downtown, including $1.5 million to Invest Ottawa to attract new investment from international and local companies to help stimulate sustainable, long-term economic growth; $1.05 million for community safety initiatives by the Somerset West Community Health Centre; $11.8 million to turn William Street into a permanent pedestrian street; $3.85 million to improve signage and other street-specific upgrades; and $1.35 million for marketing and promotion to attract visitors and develop a culture and entertainment initiative, launching in 2026 as part of Ottawa’s 200th anniversary celebration.