Having a healthy, vibrant city is everybody’s business. The more we support its infrastructure and the “Ottawa experience”, the more people will want to live here, work here and do business here; in short, everyone wins.
The Community Champions Program is an exciting new partnership initiative that invites businesses, community organizations, foundations and individuals to sponsor facilities, programs, services and community initiatives in return for a variety of marketing and promotional opportunities, as well as year-round recognition for their contribution to improving the lives of Ottawa residents where they live, work and play.
These partnerships will help the City to deliver programs and services and better value to City taxpayers.
The minimum annual investment to become a Community Champion is $5,000 towards sponsorship of a City facility, program, service or activity. In addition to receiving direct marketing benefits related to the sponsored program, Community Champions are recognized year-round through print and electronic advertising, direct mail, media, Council recognition ceremonies, on-site signage, website promotions and other benefits, all aimed at communicating to the public the impact that your investment has had on City of Ottawa residents.
The table below provides a breakdown of the various levels of recognition according to your level of investment.
| Annual investment | Level of recognition |
|---|---|
| $75,000 and over | Community Champion "Leader" |
| $35,000 to $74,999 | Community Champion "Builder" |
| $10,000 to $34,999 | Community Champion "Supporter" |
| $5,000 to $9,999 | Community Champion "Patron" |
Research has shown that Canadians look more favourably upon organizations that support the activities they see as worthwhile. The Community Champions Program allows you to connect with your customers or other city residents in an authentic and meaningful way through your recognized support of City of Ottawa facilities, programs, services, community initiatives and events.
By getting involved in the Community Champions Program, you are demonstrating social responsibility and making Ottawa a better place in which to live, work and play. At the same time, you will benefit as a business by leveraging City of Ottawa channels to market your products and services.
Community has stood at the forefront of Cardel Homes’ vision. Cardel expanded its operations from Calgary to Ottawa in 1996 and has since become one of the city’s most sought-after builders. Their strong relationships and roots within the Ottawa community goes beyond bricks and mortar by supporting initiatives that bring people together.
Meridian Credit Union is the largest credit union in Ontario with 4 locations in the Ottawa region. Each year, over 90 branches participate in nearly 400 community events, programs and initiatives with non-profit partners. Nearly 50% of Meridian employees support over 450 community organizations through volunteering, donating and fundraising activities.
Richcraft is a family-owned real estate development and commercial property leasing company located in Canada’s National Capital. The company was incorporated in 1983 by owner and president, Kris Singhal.
With more than 6,000 homes built in the region, Richcraft is one of Ottawa’s leading builders.
"Richcraft is an active sponsor of community initiatives. This made the decision to work with the City of Ottawa to build a new and exciting community facility in Kanata - the Richcraft Recreation Complex – an easy one.
By paying for the right to have Richcraft’s name associated with this facility, we heightened our brand awareness and support of the community of Kanata - where we have been building homes for more than 25 years - while helping the City offset the cost of creating a needed recreation complex. From our standpoint, the affiliation has been nothing less than a win-win endeavour."
Coca-Cola in Canada operates in all ten provinces, and employs 6,300 people in more than fifty facilities, including seven production facilities across Canada. We offer a wide variety of beverage brands, many of which come in no-calorie and low-calorie options.
"In exchange for an annual sponsorship payment and a percentage of sales, Coca-Cola will provide all cold beverages sold at the City of Ottawa. In addition, they will provide in-kind product on an annual basis, such as beverages for the City’s Summer Camp program, as well as to neighbourhoods in need. The company supports fitness programs and offers low-calorie beverage choices."
Nearly six decades after building its first home, Minto has become well known as into an integrated real estate development, construction and management company with operations in Ottawa, Toronto, London, Calgary and Florida.
Ontario's 2012 Home Builder of the Year has built more than 70,000 new homes, manages more than 15,000 residential rental homes and apartments, operates a four diamond suite hotel and furnished suites and carries a commercial portfolio of more than three million square feet of office, retail and industrial space.
A leader in community building, Minto has always been passionate about creating healthy, vibrant communities for inspired living.
The decision to partner with the City of Ottawa and pay for the rights to name the Minto Recreation Complex – Barrhaven was easy. A 160,000 square foot multi-purpose facility with a LEED Silver design rating, that will serve more than one million projected visitors in an area surrounded by Minto homes is a winning combination as the future of the customers we serve depends on an active, engaging lifestyle and a healthy planet.
Swim Ottawa is a non-profit organization that promotes pre-competitive and competitive swimming for all Ottawa residents and eligible non-resident participants.
As a City of Ottawa partner aiding in the purchase of starting blocks at Brewer Pool, Swim Ottawa can continue to develop swimmers of all ages from pre-competitive to competitive through to the Masters level.
Approved By: City Council
Approval Date: April 3, 2024
Effective Date: April 3, 2024
The City of Ottawa recognizes and supports advertising on City property, at City programs, and in City media as a revenue generating strategy and as means to enhance programs or services.
The purpose of this policy is to provide a framework for City staff to explore, enter into, administer and manage advertising opportunities and agreements.
This policy applies to agreements and opportunities with external parties to place advertisements on City property, in City programs, and on City real and digital media.
The following are exempt from the provisions of this policy:
All agreements that pre-date, and/or are in place prior to the approval date of this policy are considered exempt and therefore valid under the applicable negotiated terms and conditions.
Elected Officials
The following entities are governed by their own respective policies and procedures:
The General Manager of Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services is authorized to approve exceptions and minor variances to this policy.
The City of Ottawa will:
All agreements between the City of Ottawa and the advertiser:
All advertising content developed as a part of an agreement with the City of Ottawa:
For Advocacy Advertisements
Billboard, Digital and Social Media Advertising
Qualified parties for an advertising agreement with the City of Ottawa may proceed in a non- competitive process as long as there is compliance with the provisions of this policy, and when:
The City of Ottawa retains the right to implement a competitive process to enter into an advertising agreement for exclusive, unique or limited opportunities.
The City will not enter into advertising agreements with parties that:
The City may enter into advertising agreements with parties that either produce distribute, or promote alcohol, or cannabis products if:
City employees are authorized to enter into advertising agreements that do not exceed their pre-authorized limits identified within Delegation of Authority By-law.
The City’s Sponsorship and Advertising Unit is responsible for providing guidance and reporting on advertising agreements.
For City employees, failure to comply with this policy may result in penalties under the applicable legislation and regulations and/or disciplinary actions under the City of Ottawa Discipline Policy up to and including termination.
For advertisers, contraventions of this policy may result in termination or penalties as outlined in the agreement.
Accessibility Policy
Accessibility Design Standards
Accountability and Transparency Policy
Bilingualism Policy
Code of Conduct for Members of Council and Related Policies
Communications Policy
Community, Fundraising and Special Events Policy
Election-Related Resources Policy
Election-Related Blackout Procedures
Employee Code of Conduct
Equity and Diversity Policy
Lobbyist Code of Conduct
Lobbyist Registry
Social Media Policy
Sponsorship Policy
Visual Identity Usage Policy
Province of Ontario, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA)
Ad Standards, Canadian Code of Advertising Standards
City of Ottawa, Delegation of Authority By-law
City of Ottawa, Lobbyist Registry By-law
City of Ottawa, Permanent Signs on Private Property By-law
City of Ottawa, Procurement By-law
Ontario, Heritage Properties, Ontario Heritage Act
Ontario Human Rights Commission, Ontario Human Rights Code
As per the Records Management Policy, Official Business Records generated as a result of the execution of this policy must be declared as such in the appropriate SharePoint site, RMS (Records Management System) or approved business system.
Advertising and Advertisement(s) — Any message, the content of which message is controlled directly or indirectly by the advertiser expressed in any language and communicated in any medium. (Canadian Code of Advertising Standards, October 2016.)
Advocacy Advertisement(s) — Is a promotional message designed to advance, or advocate against, a particular cause or viewpoint, position, perspective or direction on community, social and/or political issues.
Advertising Display Material — The material containing the message displayed on the sign.
Billboard — A large, outdoor, advertising sign on City property that is anchored to the ground and where the image on the sign face is printed on paper, plastic or vinyl and pasted on the sign structure.
City Program — Any activity that is operated by the City and includes any City events.
City Property — All City-owned and controlled properties and facilities, including but not limited to, indoor and outdoor recreation fields; open spaces and boulevards; buildings and rooms; furniture; equipment and fixtures; vehicles; Transit, property and vehicles.
City Media — Any outlet used by the City to carry and deliver advertisements that includes, but is not limited to, direct mail; print (e.g., newspaper, brochure, flyer, magazine); digital media (e.g., web, email, social media, mobile media); television; radio; and billboard or message board.
Digital Billboard — A large outdoor board on City property that displays information or images on a digital or electronic screen.
Digital Screen — An electronic visual display used in City Facilities for the presentation of images, text, or video for participants in City programs and the general public.
Heritage Designated Properties — All City of Ottawa historical buildings, districts and landscapes that are protected under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Lobby — Any communication with a public office holder by an individual who is paid or who represents a business or financial interest with the goal of trying to influence any legislative action including development, introduction, passage, defeat, amendment or repeal of a by- law, motion, resolution or the outcome of a decision on any matter before Council, a Committee of Council, or a Ward Councillor or staff member acting under delegated authority (City of Ottawa Lobbyist Registry By-law).
Memorandum of Understanding — A formal agreement between two or more parties that expresses a convergence of will between the parties, indicating an intended common line of action. An MOU is not typically a legal commitment and is a less formal document than a binding contract. They are used in situations where the parties cannot create a legally enforceable agreement and are often the first step in moving toward a legal contract.
Organization — An organized body of people with a purpose, especially a business, society, association, non-profit etc.
Sign — Any visual medium used to convey information by way of words, pictures, graphics, emblems or symbols; any device used for the purpose of providing direction, information, identification, advertisement, or the promotion of a product, activity, or service; or a mural sign, which may include Digital Billboard Signs, Poster Panel Billboard Signs and Tri-vision Billboard Signs.
For more information on this policy, contact:
Partnership Manager, Corporate Advertising, Sponsorship and Donation Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services Department
Tel: 613-580-2424, ext. 24761
CorporatePartnerships@Ottawa.ca
Approved By: City Council
Approval Date: April 3, 2024
Effective Date: April 3, 2024
The City of Ottawa supports sponsorship agreements as a revenue generation strategy as well a means to enhance the programs or services provided by the City. By supporting a program or community initiative, sponsorships enhance the experience of direct participants and help to improve the overall quality of life in our community.
External parties benefit from City sponsorships by showcasing their brand, receiving greater visibility, broader reach, and fostering a positive impact by serving the community.
This policy provides a framework for City staff to explore, execute, administer, and manage sponsorship opportunities and agreements by:
The policy applies to sponsorship relationships between the City and external parties that contribute either financially or in-kind to City programs, events, services, infrastructure or facilities.
The following are exempt from the provisions of this policy:
Elected Officials
Office of Protocol and Intergovernmental Affairs
Heritage designated properties as it relates to naming rights
Public-private partnerships (P3)
State of Emergency
City Parks
Public Art
Sponsorship agreements that pre-date this policy
The following organizations are governed by their respective policies and procedures:
The establishment of all forms of sponsorships:
Unsolicited sponsorship proposals received by the City:
All pouring rights and vending agreements:
All content developed as a result of a sponsorship agreement:
Sponsorship agreement between the City of Ottawa and parties will:
Sponsorship naming rights for major municipal infrastructure including administrative buildings, recreation complexes, full-services community centres, swimming pools, arenas, gymnasiums, large community halls, theatres, museums, and cultural facilities will require City Council approval.
Sponsorship naming rights for secondary amenities within major municipal infrastructure, including lobbies and common areas, small meeting rooms, kitchens, specialized studios, and patios, can be approved under delegated authority by the General Manager of Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services with concurrence of the Ward Councillor.
Sponsorship Naming rights for small municipal infrastructure serving primarily a local need, including field houses, individual outdoor sports fields and amenities within parks, outdoor sports courts and rinks can be approved under delegated authority by the General Manager of Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services with concurrence of the Ward Councillor.
Any sponsorship agreement that includes naming rights for City owned infrastructure or major asset:
External parties may be considered for a sponsorship agreement with the City of Ottawa through a competitive process as long as there is compliance with the provisions of this policy.
Non-competitive sponsorships may be considered for the following opportunities when:
The City will not enter into sponsorship agreements with external parties that:
The City may enter into sponsorship agreements with external parties that either produce distribute, or promote alcohol, or cannabis products if:
City employees are authorized to enter into sponsorship and naming agreements that do not exceed their authority set out within the Delegation of Authority By-law.
The City’s Sponsorship and Advertising Unit is responsible for providing guidance and reporting on sponsorship and naming agreements.
For City employees, failure to comply with this policy may result in penalties under the applicable legislation and regulations and/or disciplinary actions under the City of Ottawa Discipline Policy up to and including termination.
For partner organizations, contraventions of this policy may result in termination or penalties as outlined in the agreement.
Accountability and Transparency Policy
Accessibility Policy
Advertising Policy
Bilingualism Policy
Code of Conduct for Members of Council and Related Policies
Communications Policy
Community, Fundraising and Special Events Policy
Commemorative Naming Policy
Donation to the City for Community Benefit Policy
Employee Code of Conduct
Equity and Diversity Policy
Lobbyist Code of Conduct Lobbyist Registry
Public-Private Partnerships Policy
Public Art Policy
Visual Identity Usage Policy
Public Health, Healthy Eating
Province of Ontario, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA)
Ad Standards, Canadian Code of Advertising Standards
City of Ottawa, Delegation of Authority By-law
City of Ottawa,Lobbyist Registry By-law
City of Ottawa, Permanent Signs on Private Property By-law
City of Ottawa, Procurement By-law
City of Ottawa, Code of Conduct for Members of Council By-law
Ontario, Heritage Properties Ontario Heritage Act
Ontario, Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act
Ontario Human Rights Commission, Ontario Human Rights Code
As per the Records Management Policy, Official Business Records generated as a result of the execution of this policy must be declared as such in the appropriate SharePoint site, RMS (Records Management System) or approved business system.
Commemorative — Shall refer to the official naming of a municipal street, park, part of a park, facility, or part of a facility, to commemorate a person, persons, family, landmark, cultural icon or tradition.
Donation — A voluntary monetary or property transfer such as securities, gift or, services in- kind that is made without acceptance of any benefit of any kind accruing to the donor or any individual or organization designated by the donor. A donation is eligible for an official charitable donation receipt. It is also referred to as “corporate giving.”
Donations for Community Benefits — Donations for community benefits encompass projects, cash, assets or activities that provide a public good (Donation to the City for Community Benefit Policy).
Heritage Designated Properties — all City of Ottawa historical buildings, districts and landscapes that are protected under the Ontario Heritage Act, for example the Aberdeen Pavilion and the Horticulture Building.
In-kind Donation — A gift of goods or property other than cash such as capital property (including depreciable property) and personal-use property. A donation-in-kind does not include a gift of services (Donation to the City for Community Benefit Policy).
Infrastructure — Physical structures (facilities and corridors) that form the foundation for development. Infrastructure includes: sewage and water systems, septage treatment systems, stormwater management systems, waste management systems, electricity generation facilities, electricity transmission and distribution systems, communications/telecommunications, transit and transportation corridors and facilities, oil and gas pipelines and associated facilities.
Lobby — Any communication with a public office holder by an individual who is paid or who represents a business or financial interest with the goal of trying to influence any legislative action including development, introduction, passage, defeat, amendment or repeal of a by-law, motion, resolution or the outcome of a decision on any matter before Council, a Committee of Council, or a Ward Councillor or staff member acting under delegated authority (City of Ottawa Lobbyist Registry By-law).
Memorandum of Understanding — A formal agreement between two or more parties that expresses a convergence of will between the parties, indicating an intended common line of action. An MOU is not typically a legal commitment and is a less formal document than a binding contract. They are used in situations where the parties cannot create a legally enforceable agreement and are often the first step in moving toward a legal contract.
Naming Rights — A type of sponsorship in which an external partner receives the right to name an asset, or venue (e.g., sports facility or part of a facility; an ice pad within a multi-pad facility) for a fixed term. Commercial naming rights of a City asset or venue, which is the naming right sold or exchanged for significant investment under a set-term arrangement.
Organization — An organized body of people with a purpose, especially a business, society, association, non-profit etc.
Pouring rights — A type of sponsorship in which a corporation, organization, or individual purchases the exclusive right to supply beverages at City facilities in exchange for monetary and/ or other considerations over a set term.
Preferred Supplier Agreements — Multi-year contracts between the City and external firms in which the firms agree to provide value-added support to the City in exchange for preferred status. Examples of value-added support include discounted pricing as well as monetary, and/or goods and services.
Public private partnerships (P3) — Is defined in the Public-Private Partnership Policy as a project where there is a contractual agreement between the City and a private entity for the provision of infrastructure and services in which:
P3 agreements are exempt from the provisions of this policy.
Sponsorship — A mutually agreed to arrangement involving the City and a person or organization whereby external resources are provided. The sponsorship can be in the form of monetary, in-kind contributions, event branding, programming, in-market activations, digital assets, advertising or naming rights and may include sponsorship benefits such as brand recognition, public acknowledgement or other promotional considerations.
Examples of sponsorship include:
Sponsorship Agreement — A written, binding agreement between the City of Ottawa and one or more external partners that permits sponsorship for a set term.
May include:
State of Emergency — Is declared under the authority of the Mayor to provide the ability to City staff to deploy more resources to an emergency situation, including through requests for assistance to other jurisdictions or levels of government.
Responsibility of directing an emergency response belongs to the City of Ottawa’s Emergency Operations Centre Control Group (EOCCG), led by the City Manager.
The City of Ottawa’s declaration of an emergency does not have a fixed end date but, rather, continues in effect until terminated by the Mayor, City Council or the Premier of Ontario, in accordance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
For more information on this policy, contact:
Partnership Manager, Corporate Advertising, Sponsorship and Donation Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services Department
Tel: 613-580-2424, ext. 24761
CorporatePartnerships@Ottawa.ca
