Can Ottawa Become 'Cool'?

Amid recent talk amongst Canadian officials about the future of Canada's capital city, Ottawa, some say the government city is too square to become an international destination. But others see a way for Ottawa to "swagger".

1 minute read

April 22, 2007, 11:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"How does Ottawa become a swagger-worthy city?"

"A city 'with swagger' suggests a town that rocks; where people look around and find reasons to say 'Cool, huh?'"

"That's what happens in places like Providence, Rhode Island; San Antonio, Texas; Quebec City; Barcelona and Copenhagen. Is Ottawa next? While some observers see potential here to notch it up, others say there's no way for a government town to put a swagger in its step."

"It's a tough challenge, says Ottawa architect Ron Keenberg. 'The problem in Ottawa is what people do for a living. We're a city populated by people who went for the safe thing and joined the government. In Ottawa, everything is safe. People don't swagger.'"

"'Still, Ottawa is actually becoming a pretty city and a healthy city. In summer, it's totally buzzing with people.'"

"What ruins Ottawa's financial district are the street-deadening activities on main floors, such as banking and office tower lobbies. He says the city can boost buzz with tax incentives: higher taxes for office use of main floors and no taxes for restaurants and bars with sidewalk cafés, and by allowing metered parking on both sides of downtown streets."

Thursday, April 19, 2007 in The Ottawa Citizen

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business

Large spinning swing ride at Chicago's Navy Pier.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip

Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

July 3 - Streetsblog Chicago

Aerial view of downtown San Antonio, Texas at night with rotating Tower of the Americas in foreground.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion

The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

July 3 - Governing