Can the night mayor and night council make Ottawa more fun?

In partnership with

Good morning,

You’ll have to forgive today’s newsletter if there are any truly egregious spelling errors — I’m fighting a very nasty cold. As I finish this, I plan on returning to the comfort of my bed and sleeping it off. 

Sleeping is usually for the evening, but that’s not the case if you’re involved in Ottawa’s nightlife. Our big story today breaks down what’s going on with the night mayor, a new nightlife commission that needs members (that could be you!), as well as a deep dive into what night mayors have done in other cities.

Will the night mayor be successful? Can Ottawa break its, in my opinion, wrong, reputation as a no-fun city? Read on to find out.

— Geoff Sharpe, Lookout managing editor

PS - If you find this newsletter valuable, please consider forwarding it to your friends. New to the Lookout? Sign up for free.

Wednesday: 17 🌡️ 16 | 🌧️

Thursday: 21 🌡️ 11 | 🌧️

Friday: 21 🌡️ 11 | ⛅

ENTERTAINMENT

Calling all nightlife enthusiasts — the city needs your help

Even those of you who aren’t night owls will find the latest story of interest…

What happened: The city announced the next step in its Nightlife Economy Action Plan, to bring on a nightlife council to support the recently hired night mayor. The group would “provide feedback on the commercial and cultural vibrancy of Ottawa’s nightlife economy and the advancement of nightlife management best practices, policies, safety programs, and promotion,” according to the city. 

It will include 18 members, with 12 selected by application. These people can be residents, business owners or workers in the industry. Six organizations will also have representatives on the nightlife council, from Ottawa’s nightlife economy. These positions are not paid. 

Background: Ottawa’s first nightlife commissioner Mathieu Grondin was appointed back in June, and came from Montreal. He previously founded MTL 24/24, a group that advocated to improve nightlife in Montreal, and helped bring in its own night council, according to OBJ. 

• In that story, Godin outlined a number of things Montreal did to succeed in fostering better nightlife, such as strengthening the local scene and not just focusing on big events, empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs to come up with new ideas, and increasing dialogue with different partners and levels of government. 

To learn more about Grondin’s plans, you listen to an interview he did with CBC. 

Mayor’s priorities: To understand how the night mayor could reshape the city, it’s worth looking at the mayor’s promises about revitalizing the downtown core during the election. A core component of that was reviving the ByWard Market by increasing walkways, car free-zones, and building a 1,500 to 2,000-seat music and event venue that is already part of the mandate of the nightlife council, according to CityNews. 

• The executive director of the Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas, Michelle Groulx, told CityNews back in April 2023 that the city does have nightlife, but one of the key challenges is educating people about it, and breaking an established reputation that Ottawa is no fun.

Zoom out: Amsterdam was one of the leaders when it came to establishing the night mayor position. Their position is more about bringing together businesses and residents to all work together, according to the Guardian. One thing they’ve done is take pressure off the inner city by opening venues further outside the downtown core, though that’s unlikely a solution for Ottawa where the downtown core is struggling, and the lack of transit infrastructure like Amsterdam.

• One successful experiment has been 24-hour clubs, where people are able to leave at different times, rather than creating a mad scramble once it closes. 

Closer to home: Over in Montreal, the city plans to experiment with 24-hour drinking zones, according to BBC. In Vancouver, bars close at 3 am and in Toronto it’s 2 am. The city councillor behind the plan believes that it is an opportunity for more economic growth, and helps the cultural scene. One point of friction is that the Metro closes at 1:30 am and that there isn’t the infrastructure to support late-night activities. 

What it means: The challenges for night mayor Grondin are massive. The downtown core is dealing with so many issues beyond the need to just have fun. The other problem will be just how much impact he and the nightlife council can make without much budget and real executive. 

• But every crisis can be an opportunity. Mayor Sutcliffe has repeatedly stated the downtown core is facing serious challenges — could there be a chance the night mayor and his recommendations be a part of that solution?

Thought-bubble: The problem of downtown cores and revitalization, through something like improving nightlife, is a problem not just in Ottawa, but in cities across Canada. Vancouver is undertaking a revitalization of their Granville Entertainment District, as well as ending a ban on new liquor venues and large liquor establishments in residential areas, amongst other things. 

Think you’d be a good fit? You can apply here.

SPONSORED BY ALL ABOUT CHANGE

Stories about activism from people changing the world.

All About Change podcast features in-depth conversations with changemakers on important issues like prison reform, grassroots activism, disability rights, and more. Hear first-hand stories about activism, change, and courage from people changing the world: from a teen mom turned Planned Parenthood CEO, NBA player Jason Collins coming out publicly, to Geena Davis on Hollywood’s role in women’s rights. Join Jay as he interviews iconic guests who’ve harnessed their experiences to better the world.

Listen wherever you get podcasts.

OTTAWA BY THE NUMBERS

🐕️ 50%: The increase in the number of reported dog attacks since the start of the pandemic. There were 562 in 2020 and 843 in 2023. [CBC]

🏗️ 336: The number of affordable units being built by Ottawa Community Housing, at a development in Gladstone Village, bordered by Somerset and Preston. [CTV]

THE AGENDA

👮 In 2024 there were 20 homicides and 40 shootings according to the Ottawa Police Services. In total, violent crimes are higher this year, while shootings are down. In 2022 and 2023 there were only 15 homicides in total for each year. [CBC]

🛍️ Ottawa’s new garbage collection process begins on Sept. 30, with the goal of reducing the amount of trash produced, to extend the life of the dump. This includes three items, including bags, with the ability to purchase more. But one expert thinks, given that 80 per cent of households already are generating around three items of garbage, it won’t have much impact, and the program may require more changes in the future. [CBC]

🏒There are mixed messages from the Senators president Cyril Leeder and owner Michael Andlauer when it comes to public funding for the new arena. Leeder said that he didn’t think the city would cover the cost of the new arena, while Andlauer said it could not happen without public support. Of course, with the city facing a $120 million deficit, it’s unlikely there would be much support for the city to help fund the private arena. [Ottawa Citizen]

🎢 Speaking of hockey, there are different ideas floating around for what to do with the Canadian Tire Centre, including an entertainment district or a theme park. Currently, the Senators have no plan for the arena, though Kanata South councillor Allan Hubley believes there’s no desire to tear it down. [CTV]

🚨 Four people were assaulted on Monday on a LRT train near Bayview Station and a bus at around 10:50 am. The individual, Errol Rose, also uttered hate-filled comments and has been charged with 14 counts, including assault, mischief, aggravated assault and possession of a weapon. [CityNews]

🛣️ Smythe Road from Riverside Drive to Ottawa Hospital Riverside Campus intersection to the east will experience road closures and reductions until the late fall, as a new cycling safety is improved. This will take place from 9 am to 3 pm and after 6 pm. [CityNews]

🅿️ The return of more federal government office workers to the office to three days a week is causing demand to spike for parking, making it harder for commuters to find a spot. Many are struggling to get monthly passes. Public Services and Procurement Canada said it’s in discussions with parking companies  Impark and BGIS to better manage demand. [CBC]

🏈 It looks like Jeremiah Masoli will be starting for the Redblacks this weekend. He’ll face off against the Roughriders, with Due Brown dealing with an ankle injury. [TSN]

HOME OF THE WEEK

It’s been a while since we showcased a home from Rockcliffe. And you know if it’s Rockcliffe, it’s going to be a nice one…

But even this may be a bit too much. With four bedrooms, six (!) bathrooms, this place screams luxury. I’m especially partial to the kitchen, with what appears to be two ovens. Oh, and did I forget to mention it has a pool?

You may want another family to move in, given its size, and the price tag… 

House of The Week is a home selected by the Lookout team and is not a paid advertisement. All ads are labelled as such. If you’re a realtor who wishes to feature your home in our newsletter, please contact our sales team.

LUNCH TIME

Yi Ryo’s pan fried soup buns are the star

Looking for a new mid-week lunch spot? Our food editor Ralf has you covered. Here’s a place you can check out downtown this week.

For restaurants, the last few years have been like an epic weather event that left some devastation in its wake. Many of our favourite restaurants did not make it to the other side. But as with some storms, new things arrive in the aftermath and now Ottawa is seeing new eateries popping up here and there.

Yi Ryo is the latest to open its doors in the heart of downtown. This Chinese spot is modest in both size and menu and you’ll love the prices.

MUSIC SHOWS

Apollo Suns, Wednesday 7:15 pm: Award-winning nine-piece band from Winnipeg combine instrumental jazz, rock, and psychedelic music. At Avant-Garde Bar, 135 Besserer St. Tickets $10

Futura Free, Thursday 8 pm: Pop-punk and indie rock hooks blended with the ethereal atmosphere of shoegaze and dreampop. At House of Targ, 1077 Bank Street. Tickets $15.

Virginia to Vegas, Friday 7 pm: Nearly one billion global streams of infectious pop choruses and electronic hooks. At the 27 Club, 27 York St. Tickets $22.50. 

Dave Solazzo & The Bridge, Friday 8 pm: Acclaimed, versatile jazz pianist from Central New York. At Montgomery Scotch Lounge, 750 Gladstone Ave. Tickets $10. 

Fernie, Friday 8 pm: 26-year-old Montreal singer transforms his past struggles into unflinching, cinematic R&B. At the National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street.  Tickets $15.

Listings are provided by OttawaGigs.ca, the best place to discover live music in Ottawa. Check out Ottawagigs.ca for full listings across the city.

SPONSORED BY INTERNATIONAL INTRIGUE

Want to understand the world in under five minutes?

Looking for news outside of just Ottawa? You may like International Intrigue.

It’s a free global affairs briefing created by former diplomats to help leaders like you understand how geopolitics, business and technology intersect. They deliver the most important international news and analysis in <5-minute daily briefing that you’ll actually look forward to reading.

Sign up for free today.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• Ryan Reynolds visited Nash Coté last week, an Ottawa boy who’s receiving treatment for cancer. He has a radiation mask he designed like Deadpool’s mask, which prompted the actor to meet him. [Citizen]

• Considering therapy? Shepherd Psychotherapy on Gilmour Street is accepting new clients! View their therapists here. [Sponsored]

• Our food editor says this Ottawa breakfast spot is a generational family favourite.

• Speaking of restaurants, you can get our free Ottawa food and drink newsletter instantly by clicking this link. It’s delivered every Tuesday. 

• I love this Reddit thread of a future business owner soliciting ideas from the public on how he plans to design a downtown coffee shop. 

• This free newsletter shows you how to build healthier phone habits, and focus on the things that matter (a great tool for anyone who scrolls endlessly). Subscribe for free in one click. [Sponsored]

Want to have your announcement featured? Learn how here.

OTTAWA GAMES

Well that was a popular Ottawa Quiz on Monday! Congrats to Wilma, Jason, Pat, Jill, Erin, Darcy, Megan, Brenda, Dennis and Karen, who all guessed that the Senators are purchasing 10 acres from the NCC.

Can you guess the location of today’s Ottawa Guesser? I’ll give you a hint, it’s in Hintonburg. Reply with your answer and your name to be featured in the newsletter.