About
About Ottawa at Night
Ottawa at Night is an initiative led by the City of Ottawa Nightlife Office, as part of the 2023-2026 Nightlife Economy Action Plan.
Have a nightlife business?
Visit the Business section for everything you need to know about licenses, permitting, bylaws, safety and more.
Heading out for the night?
Use the Venues directory to find nightlife spots with the vibe you’re looking for, have a look at the Insider section for more detailed info on Ottawa’s nightlife scene or check out the Safety section for info on making your evening out a safe one.
Every day has a tonight. Enjoy yours!
About the Ottawa Nightlife Council
The creation of the Ottawa Nightlife Council is a recommendation contained in the Nightlife Economy Action Plan adopted by City Council in 2023.
The Nightlife Council is composed of stakeholders invited by the Nightlife Office (NLO) to provide feedback on the commercial and cultural vibrancy of Ottawa’s nightlife economy and the advancement of nightlife management best practices, policies, safety programs, and promotion.
The Nightlife Council’s mandate is to:
- identify shared objectives for the development of commercial and cultural vibrancy at night;
- identify systemic barriers to commercial and cultural growth;
- propose actions and initiatives for consideration by the NLO (see #2 below); and
- support the implementation of actions and initiatives undertaken by the NLO and contribute to ongoing evaluation and impact measurement.
The Nightlife Council is a department-led working group that provides advice to City staff. It may not direct City staff or make binding decisions on behalf of the municipality or the NLO. Any Nightlife Council recommendation, supported by the NLO, that requires action by City officials or City Council must be approved by the appropriate internal departmental / City leadership, and, when deemed necessary, approved by City Council.
The Nightlife Council is composed of a minimum of twelve (12) members and a maximum of eighteen (18) members and is led by the Nightlife Commissioner. Participation on the Nightlife Council is by invitation and is voluntary (no remuneration provided).
Six (6) seats are allocated to key economic development organizations engaged in the nightlife economy. These seats will be reviewed every two-years to evaluate sectoral priorities, relevance, contribution and support for the nightlife economy and the work of the NLO.
The remaining Nightlife Council at-large members (minimum 6 seats to a maximum 12 seats) are appointed by the NLO for a two-year term. At-large members completing a two-year term may reapply to the Nightlife Council for a second two-year term. At-large members completing two (2) terms must take a one (1) term (two-year) break to be eligible to reapply to the Nightlife Council.
Nightlife Council members must demonstrate adherence to the following eligibility requirements:
- Shall be at least 18 years of age;
- Shall be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
- Shall be a resident and/or work within the National Capital Region;
- Shall not be a child, parent, family member or spouse/partner of a member of City Council; and
- Shall not be an employee of the City of Ottawa, its agencies, or corporations or their subsidiaries.
As a condition of participation on the Nightlife Council, members:
- Demonstrate respect for communities, organizations and individuals as well as for City of Ottawa employees and elected officials;
- Contribute constructively to discussions;
- Avoid conflicts of interest; and
- Support the priorities and recommendations of the NLO and the Nightlife Economy Action Plan.
In November 2024, the City of Ottawa formed its first-ever Nightlife Council. The Nightlife Commissioner appointed 12 at-large members selected from more than 500 on-line applicants. They join representatives from six organizations already actively engaged in Ottawa’s nightlife economy.
At-Large Members:
1. Aidan Kallioinen – Associate Vice-President, University and Government Relations, Carleton University Student Association
2. Alex Sirois – Managing Partner, Ottawa Venues
3. Christopher Wong – Co-Director, Asinabka Film & Media Festival
4. Claudia Balladelli – Co-Founder & Executive Director, Axé Worldfest
5. Eric Vance – Drag Performer and Co-Owner, Glittershaker Events
6. Feza Lugoma – DJ and Co-founder, Pass the Vibes
7. Lisa Zbitnew – Owner & Operator, Bronson Centre Music Theater
8. Mat Beausoleil – Critic and consultant for the food, beverage, and travel industry
9. Michaela Domenico – Founder & Project Manager, Safe Raving
10. Patrick McCormack – Founder, Cranium Festival, Capital Rap Battles
11. Rachel Weldon – Director, Debaser and Pique
12. Richard Laplante – Owner & CEO of White Rabbit Events
Economic Development and Cultural Industries Organizations Members:
13. Arts Ottawa – Cassandra Olsthoorn, Co-Executive Director
14. ByWard Market District Authority – Zach Dayler, Executive Director
15. Vanier Business Improvement Area – Nathalie Carrier, Executive Director
16. Ottawa Festival Network – Tara Shannon, Executive Director
17. Ottawa Music Industry Coalition – Melanie Brulée, Executive Director
18. Ottawa Tourism – Kelleagh Alexander, Director of Experience Development
The recruitment process for the 2027-2028 Nightlife Council will take place in the fall of 2026.