Arab Canada News

News

Discover the new "night mayor" of Ottawa

Discover the new "night mayor" of Ottawa

By Mohamed nasar

Published: June 11, 2024


The Mayor Mark Sutcliffe introduced Grondin as the new "Nightlife Commissioner" of Ottawa today Tuesday, who will be tasked with helping to shape the city's nightlife and shedding its image as "the city that forgot the fun."

Grondin said, "I believe Ottawa is the city that will remember the fun."

He noted, "I have extensive experience in nightlife management, and this role is about policy making. I spent the last five years as a strategic partner with the City of Montreal developing the nightlife economy in Montreal." "This is my expertise - I have traveled around the world, and I have been studying nightlife management in other cities."

The council voted last year to present a new action plan for Ottawa's nightlife economy, focusing on entertainment, live performances, and cultural activities from 6 PM to 6 AM, looking beyond just bar and restaurant activities. The strategy will focus on "safety, tourism/cultural industry initiatives, economic development, and vibrant commercial areas."

The new nightlife economy plan also includes establishing a "Nightlife Commissioner’s Office," with the Nightlife Commissioner tasked with working with businesses and city officials.

He stated, "Ottawa's economy is at a major turning point right now." "We face significant threats, but I also believe we have some unique and exciting opportunities ahead of us."

He emphasized that he looks forward to working with staff on Ottawa's new nightlife economy action plan and will listen to and talk with many stakeholders in the coming weeks and months.

Grondin told reporters at Ottawa City Hall, "I am not the Night Mayor, but I feel humbled and excited to stand before you as the first Nightlife Commissioner of Ottawa," adding that he will be moving to Ottawa for this position.

He added, "I feel fortunate to have the support of the Mayor's office and the city's senior leadership and the Economic Development Services team as I lead the implementation of the nightlife economy action plan and identify new opportunities to drive economic, cultural, and after-hours prosperity."

Grondin said, "I won't tell you today what needs to be done downtown. I just got here, it’s my second day on the job."

He emphasized, "I want to take the time to feel the rhythm of the city; give me a few months and we will discuss this later at the end of the summer."

The City of Ottawa presented Grondin's experience in a memo to the council.

Sheila Doherty, the Interim Director of Economic Development Services, stated: "Mathew is widely recognized as a global leader in nightlife advocacy with over 10 years of experience focusing on issues and opportunities related to nightlife management and the nightlife economy."

"Since 2017, he has served as the founder and General Director of the MTL 24/24 organization, a non-profit advocating for improving nightlife in Montreal, and the salary for the Nightlife Commissioner is $112,000 per year."

When asked why he wanted to become the first Nightlife Commissioner in the city, Grondin said, "I wanted this job because cities need to create this position to nurture nightlife."

"It is important for cities to have a vibrant cultural life at night; it’s a great way to retain the workforce, and social youth drives commercial and cultural growth, and Ottawa is the leader, at the forefront of nightlife management in Canada."

Comments

Related

Weather

Today

Friday, 04 July 2025

Loading...
icon --°C

--°C

--°C

  • --%
  • -- kmh
  • --%