Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, known for its quiet, bureaucratic image, may soon get a nightlife makeover. Hired in June, Mathieu Grondin, the city’s first “night mayor” and nightlife commissioner, is on a mission to make Ottawa a vibrant after-dark destination within the next decade. Grondin, who hails from Montreal, believes Ottawa’s residents can enjoy an exciting nightlife and aims to change the city’s reputation as “boring.”
Ottawa’s nightlife economy, which generates about $1.5 billion annually and supports 4,600 businesses and 38,000 jobs, already has the foundation for a thriving scene. However, Grondin says communication about events and activities in Ottawa is inefficient, making them less known to residents. His plans include creating new initiatives, strengthening existing events, and positioning Ottawa as a nightlife hub for visitors.
Looking ahead, Grondin plans to launch a volunteer “nightlife council” to address nightlife-related issues, including e-scooter programs, ride-share zones, and bike lockers. By 2025, he hopes to introduce a safety and security plan and an online platform to boost awareness of Ottawa’s nighttime offerings.
Support for Grondin’s initiatives is strong, with over 500 applicants for the nightlife council positions. Derrick Simpson, a local community leader, and Zachary Dayler of the ByWard Market District Authority, both believe these efforts signal Ottawa’s shift toward a more dynamic, modern city. With plans for a new music venue and NHL arena in the ByWard Market and LeBreton Flats area, the city’s downtown is expected to become more active and lively.
Grondin notes that the recent Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda, released by the Ottawa Board of Trade and Canadian Urban Institute, aims to bring 40,000 new residents to the downtown core by 2034, further energizing the city’s nightlife.
