Is Ottawa beginning its nightlife renaissance?
The City of Ottawa made waves in local media this month, announcing the launch of its search for the inaugural Nightlife Commissioner; a role envisioned to transform the city’s nocturnal scene. This move follows the approval of the Ottawa Nightlife Economy Action Plan, designed to bolster the 6pm to 6am economy.
The chosen candidate, aptly dubbed the “night mayor,” will command a substantial salary of nearly $112,000 annually. Responsibilities include steering the Nightlife Economy Action Plan, creating partnerships, and addressing the diverse needs of stakeholders in Ottawa’s nightlife industry, which employ over 38,000 people, according to the city.
Inspired by global counterparts like New York City, Washington D.C., Amsterdam, and Prague—all of which have embraced the concept of a “night mayor” or equivalent—Ottawa aims to redefine its nightlife narrative, hoping for a downtown renaissance focused on safety and diverse cultural activities.
Applications for the groundbreaking position are open until March 1, with the 2024 municipal budget allocating a total of $160,000 for implementing the nightlife action plan.
Preferred candidates are bilingual with a bachelor’s degree in relevant field and five years experience in the public or not-for-profit sector.
Visit ottawa.ca to read the complete job posting and apply before March 1, 2024.