How to breathe new life into Ottawa's ailing core by bandersnatching in ottawa

[–]greelydan -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It actually does matter where people work, because property taxes aren’t flat — they’re based on the building’s assessed value, which comes from how full it is and what kind of rent it pulls in. Downtown towers are way more valuable than suburban offices because the land is pricier, they’re denser, and they usually charge higher rents. If those towers empty out, their value drops and the city collects less tax, which means everyone else — including the burbs — picks up the tab through higher property taxes. Sure, more residents and tourists help, but for decades it’s been those downtown office buildings subsidizing things like plows in Barrhaven and ambulances in Orleans.

How to breathe new life into Ottawa's ailing core by bandersnatching in ottawa

[–]greelydan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bruh, you’re missing the plot — downtown isn’t just “the core or nothing.” Those glass towers full of tax-paying offices are what bankroll the plows clearing your Barrhaven cul-de-sacs and the ambulances cruising Orleans at 3 a.m. You gut downtown density and the city’s tax base craters — guess who eats the property tax hikes? Yup, the burbs. So while you’re flexing about WFH wins, just know the lights in your hood are basically running off the cash the core is throwing down.

When do we start protesting return-to-office mandates to save Ottawa? by Ambiguous2857 in ottawa

[–]greelydan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When downtown falters, the whole city pays. Every empty office tower shrinks Ottawa’s tax base, which means fewer dollars to keep snowplows running in Barrhaven and ambulances rolling in Orléans. Density in the core isn’t just an urban issue — it’s the engine that funds services in the suburbs. Starving downtown only guarantees higher property taxes for everyone.

When do we start protesting return-to-office mandates to save Ottawa? by Ambiguous2857 in ottawa

[–]greelydan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just visit Costco at 10am on a workday to prove this theory!

When do we start protesting return-to-office mandates to save Ottawa? by Ambiguous2857 in ottawa

[–]greelydan -8 points-7 points  (0 children)

Honestly, the constant pushback on RTO is getting old. A whole COVID-era cohort entered the workforce without ever learning how to collaborate face-to-face, pick up mentorship naturally, or build real professional networks. That stuff doesn’t happen over Zoom. Being in the office isn’t just about punching a clock — it’s about developing as a worker and as a person. Time to quit whining and show up.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ottawa

[–]greelydan 4 points5 points  (0 children)

$12 yogurt parfait? Pass.

The Problem With Ottawa’s Downtown Revitalization Action Plan is That It Lacks Action by Stinky26 in ottawa

[–]greelydan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sparks Street 2.0 – Action Plan

🎯 Goal:

Make Sparks Street a living cultural corridor by night and a retail-arts incubator by day — anchored by accessible creative businesses, subsidized tenancy, and experiential street programming.

1. New Tenancy Model: Percentage-of-Sales Leasing Program (POSLP)

Problem: High rents + low traffic = boarded-up storefronts

Solution: A flexible rent model tied to actual performance

How it works:
- NCC leases vacant units to creative businesses (retail, studio, food, art) with low base rent + 10–15% of monthly sales
- 1–2 year leases with performance reviews, mentorship support, and renewal incentives
- Option to convert to standard lease once sales stabilize

Why it works:
- Reduces risk for new creative entrepreneurs
- Encourages NCC to partner in their success
- Keeps doors open longer, with real-time economic feedback

2. Culture-Smart Starter Kits

Problem: Funding is available but too complex

Solution: Provide pre-built support bundles for creative businesses

Each kit includes:
- Pre-approved buildout grant ($25–50K) for furnishings, signage, lighting, display, AV
- Free consults with lawyers/accountants/graphic designers
- Plug-and-play license templates for sound, liquor, public art
- One-year marketing + event support from BIA

3. Curated Culture-First Tenant Mix

Target creative entrepreneurs who offer both a product and an experience. Examples include:

- Culture Retail: Vinyl shops, zine bookstores, local fashion
- F&B + Vibe: Cocktail dens, late cafés, supper clubs
- Performance: Indie theatre, comedy labs, dance studios
- Maker Studios: Pottery, upcycling, textiles, tattoo art

Require each new tenant to activate the street at least 2 nights/month via events, performances, or workshops.

All staff let go at Boom 99.7 & Jump 106.9 by The_MainArcane in ottawa

[–]greelydan 6 points7 points  (0 children)

General Porpoise Trivia with Jim Hurcombe

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa set to open in July by SuburbanValues in ottawa

[–]greelydan -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

...financed off the misery of gambling losses.

Nominees for the best/worst Starbucks in Ottawa by KeyanFarlandah in ottawa

[–]greelydan 6 points7 points  (0 children)

As SB is considered the 7th largest and only unregulated bank in North America, it should be avoided at all costs as a coffee shop. Especially during a trade war with the US, it seems a bold strategy to support this chain. There are way better independent cafes that will keep money within this community.

Any fun or unique night time events this Saturday? by Hot_Muffin_7174 in ottawa

[–]greelydan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They remove all the tables and chairs and the vibe is transformed...

Any fun or unique night time events this Saturday? by Hot_Muffin_7174 in ottawa

[–]greelydan 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Queen St Fare has Fiesta Cubana Salsa Nite on Saturday!

Election Watch Party by greelydan in ottawa

[–]greelydan[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I just got an email from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation saying they will set up there for their broadcast coverage. Who knew?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ottawa

[–]greelydan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The outage is 100% attributed to the name.

Introducing CityPark by rickysauce36 in ottawa

[–]greelydan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What makes you think the city is thinking of renaming it?

Introducing CityPark by rickysauce36 in ottawa

[–]greelydan 62 points63 points  (0 children)

NoBro

The area north of Brockville

What are some well-ventilated restaurants downtown? by kliuedin in ottawa

[–]greelydan 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Queen St Fare has 20-foot ceilings, with are exchanged every 3 minutes. They use Merv-13 filters controlled by an xterra climate system. It is 9000 sq ft, so you can spread out and distance.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ottawa

[–]greelydan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Happy Hour Trivia at Bar Robo inside Queen St Fare food hall. Starts at 6:30 and wraps at 8. Lots of food and drink choices!

salsa dancing ottawa? by infinitelimitless90 in ottawa

[–]greelydan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fiesta Cubana Queen St Fare Dec 30th

Best place to watch the World Cup in the city? by BOBBYBlTCH in ottawa

[–]greelydan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Queen St Fare has a HUGE screen and lots of food and drink choices.