Ottawa Report - The Case for Downtown Revitalization - October 2026

The purpose of this report is to provide an evidence-based analysis of downtown revitalization through a systems approach that recognizes the interconnected relationship between commercial real estate and downtown.

Building upon the framework in the Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda, a cross-collaboration report between the Ottawa Board of Trade and the Canadian Urban Institute, this CBRE report examines the factors that have shaped downtown Ottawa to its current state, providing an overview of the current progress. It will then evaluate the implications of downtown revitalization through the lens of the retail, office, and multifamily sector. Insights from a wide range of stakeholders with expertise and a vested interest in downtown Ottawa have informed the analysis and are acknowledged throughout and at the end of the report.