Ottawa’s downtown core is seeing a surge in activity after sunset, with more people heading out in the evenings and staying later, according to a report from city staff. The report presented to the finance and corporate services committee found that despite ongoing economic challenges downtown, including commercial vacancies and shifting work patterns, businesses are seeing a growing number of visitors outside of traditional working hours. Evening visits reportedly have climbed sharply over the past two years, up 8.8 per cent from 2023-24 and a further 5.1 per cent to 5.7 million in 2025. The report found the increase was mainly driven by new restaurants and evening activities, including the Metcalfe Plaza and other attractions. Once a vacant parking lot, the Metcalfe Plaza now hosts various live shows and events. The City of Ottawa also appointed nightlife commissioner Mathieu Grondin in 2024 to help bring life to the city’s after-hours activities. At the Nelson Pub & Eatery on Laurier Avenue in Sandy Hill, server and bartender Kaitlyn Knight says she’s seeing the change play out in real time. “People are just looking for a good time, people love music and socializing,” Knight said. “Anything we can do to drive that we definitely try to do here at the Nelson.” Knight says the momentum isn’t limited to early evening crowds. “We don’t usually get out until after midnight anyways and it’s still a booming crowd,” she added. “Even after midnight, people are still out there having a good time.” Rideau-Vanier Coun. Stéphanie Plante, whose ward includes the ByWard Market, says the uptick is a positive sign as Ottawa continues its post-pandemic recovery. “We want to get back to those pre-COVID numbers, we know people want to get outside, we know they want to hang out and have fun and I’m glad they’re doing it,” Plante said. She adds the city is working to support that demand, pointing to upcoming events and activations, including the return of Metcalfe Plaza programming and plans tied to major events. “I know a lot of people are really excited, for example, about the World Cup and going to see that on a big screen as well,” Plante said. Knight is already trying to meet that demand, introducing weekly karaoke nights. The Nelson recently extended its hours to keep up with the growing crowds. “We have it start at 9 p.m. every Thursday and we’re allowed to stay open and serve alcohol until 2 a.m. so if the place is booming and people are having a great time, we’ll keep it going,” she said. Looking ahead, the city says more announcements tied to downtown nightlife and programming are expected through 2026, including the return of Nuit Blanche Ottawa later this year.
