Mathieu Grondin, a Montreal native, has been tasked with revitalizing Ottawa’s after-dark culture. The City of Ottawa, often called the “city that fun forgot,” announced its new nightlife commissioner today at a morning press conference.
Montreal’s vibrant night scene is considered among the best in Canada. Grondin played a key role in leading two important studies that influenced the development of Montreal’s nightlife policy. In 2021, he launched MTL au Sommet de la nuit, an international forum focused on nighttime governance. The event, held annually between 2021 and 2023, attracted over 600 attendees, including speakers from more than 30 cities worldwide. Grondin was also the director of Montreal 24/24, an organization dedicated to enhancing the city’s development by introducing the night as a new frontier for innovation.
The new nightlife commissioner spoke to the press, saying, “Ottawa is a world-class city with a nightlife economy framework that is leading the way among Canadian municipalities. I look forward to championing the Nightlife Economy Action Plan and supporting a nightlife culture that is exciting, inclusive, safe, and well-managed for all.”
Currently, the capital’s nightlife only attracts 16 percent of its revenue from people outside the 613, meaning that 84 percent of the money spent on nighttime entertainment comes from residents. This sector generates $1.5 billion annually and is served by 38,000 workers.
The ByWard Market area is the go-to for a night out in Ottawa. However, the addiction crisis and homelessness crisis have created safety concerns and have forced some businesses to shorten their operating hours and close earlier out of concern for staff.
To tackle the issue, Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs has begun implementing a new community policing strategy for the Lowertown Rideau area, while the rebranded ByWard Market District Authority is working to promote arts and events in the historic neighbourhood. Hopefully, with the appointment of Grondin, the city will implement a multifaceted strategy to get people back downtown for a night out.
Grondin will spend some time getting to know the city’s “beat” and will announce his plan for 2025 at the end of the year. It is an ambitious task, but Grondin says, “I think Ottawa is the city that fun is about to remember.”
Photo: Courtesy the City of Ottawa
