Apply now to join Ottawa’s new Nightlife Council

Published on
September 23, 2024
Business, economy and innovation

If you participate in Ottawa’s nightlife economy, there may be a seat for you on the first-ever Ottawa Nightlife Council.

Applications are now being accepted for membership on the Ottawa Nightlife Council. The application form can be found on ottawa.ca until Friday, October 11.

The Nightlife Council will be a department-led working group of up to 18 people. The council will provide advice and feedback to the Nightlife Commissioner’s Office on the vibrancy of Ottawa’s nightlife economy and the advancement of nightlife best practices, policies, safety programs, and promotion.

The Nightlife Council will include representatives from six organizations already actively involved in Ottawa’s nightlife economy including the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition and Ottawa Tourism.

The remaining at-large members will be residents, business owners and workers who participate in Ottawa’s nightlife economy. These at-large members will be selected by the City’s Nightlife Commissioner following an application review process that considers standard eligibility requirements, relevant background and experience, and community profiles and themes.

Membership on the Nightlife Council is voluntary and unpaid. The membership term will be two years. The council will meet four times a year with the first meeting taking place before the end of 2024.

Establishing a Nightlife Council is part of Ottawa’s Nightlife Economy Action Plan.

Facts about Ottawa’s nightlife economy

  • An estimated $1.5 billion is spent annually on nightlife activities in Ottawa. This is approximately 30 per cent of the daytime consumer spend.
  • Approximately 84 per cent of nightlife spending comes from Ottawa residents and 16 per cent from visitors.
  • Ottawa’s nightlife-related businesses employ more than 38,000 workers, including more than 25,000 in food services and 5,000 in arts sectors.
  • Ottawa has approximately 4,600 nightlife-related businesses.

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401). or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.