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As Ottawa emerges from the pandemic and the illegal convoy occupation, our downtown core stands at a critical crossroads. The proliferation of hybrid work models, exacerbated by unaffordable housing, increased mental health difficulties and problematic open drug use, has cast a shadow over our national capital. Today’s status quo is unacceptable, and it is well past time that businesses, community and governments of all levels came together to solve our downtown’s urgent crisis.
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That’s why, in Fall 2022, I initiated the Downtown Ottawa Revitalization Task Force to study, consult and come up with creative ways to bring vibrancy back to our downtown. For the past year and a half, this dedicated group of experts — small businesses, community members, Indigenous representatives, tourism stakeholders and government representatives — has worked tirelessly to address the multifaceted challenges facing downtown Ottawa. Through extensive engagement with residents and small working groups of different sectoral stakeholders, the task force has crafted a comprehensive vision for renewal.
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The task force’s recently released final report is not just a document; it’s a call to action — a roadmap for revitalization. At its core are bold recommendations aimed at reshaping our urban landscape and revitalizing our downtown core. From repurposing vacant office buildings into vibrant residential hubs; to fostering safer streets and creating inclusive community spaces; the report offers tangible solutions to our most pressing challenges.
The task force’s report digs deep into possible solutions to address the many needs of our downtown. From addressing the housing shortage and homelessness; to promoting economic growth and creating more space for greenery; to enhancing community well-being and building new vibrant cultural assets, the task force report seeks to find solutions to our most pressing issues.
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For example, by repurposing vacant office buildings into new, vibrant residential spaces, we can help address housing shortages while bringing people back to live in our downtown. Moreover, fostering safer streets and promoting active transportation through municipal, provincial and federal investments will create a more inviting environment for residents, workers and visitors alike.
But the journey toward revitalization does not end here. Implementing the many recommendations of the Task Force will require the collective efforts and attention of government, business, community organizations and residents.
As the MP who represents downtown Ottawa, I know that the government of Canada — the largest employer in the region and the main tenant of many downtown office buildings — has a major role to play in implementing the task force’s report. One of the major areas I am committed to pursuing, based on the task force’s work, is the acceleration of the government’s disposal timeline for surplus real property.
Additionally, I will continue working in partnership with my municipal colleagues to invest in the creation of new programs that can incentivize office conversion projects, beautify our streetscapes, fund the health services our under-housed neighbours need to succeed, and invest in creating strategic entertainment and cultural value within our downtown.
As we stand on the precipice of change, let us seize this opportunity to reimagine Ottawa’s downtown. Let us embrace innovation, collaboration and inclusivity as we chart a course toward a brighter, more vibrant future. Together, we can build a downtown that we are proud of — a downtown of a G7 country’s capital city where people are excited to live, work, play and visit. The time for action is now.
Yasir Naqvi is the Liberal MP for Ottawa Centre and the convener of the Downtown Ottawa Revitalization Task Force.
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