Mayors of Ottawa and Gatineau Pledge to Work Together

Mayors of Ottawa and Gatineau Pledge to Work Together 
on Challenges and Opportunities for National Capital Region

As the mayors of Ottawa and Gatineau, we pledge to work together to capitalize on shared economic opportunities, to highlight the critical challenges faced by our cities, which are emblematic of a larger crisis impacting municipalities across Canada, and to advocate for support from other levels of government. 

Ottawa and Gatineau are two cities in two different provinces, but we are one economic region. We will work together to promote our shared economic interests.

And as the two municipalities that make up the National Capital Region, Ottawa and Gatineau share several key challenges and priorities that are increasingly faced by municipalities nationwide. 

Our downtown cores are experiencing profound changes. The economic implications of these shifts are significant. We recognize that the way people live, work, and travel is evolving. However, while these changes take place, we must protect our two local economies and our downtown cores. 

We call on the federal government to take immediate action to support our two cities at this critical time. We believe that a comprehensive plan is necessary for both Ottawa and Gatineau: a plan that provides financial resources to adapt to these new realities, supports economic growth, and ensures that essential services are not compromised. 

As we continue to navigate these unprecedented challenges, we urge all levels of government to work together and recognize the critical role that cities play in the national and provincial economies. Municipalities across Canada are bearing the brunt of this financial strain, and it is imperative that we work together to find sustainable solutions that will ensure the long-term viability and prosperity of our cities.                   

Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa

Maude Marquis-Bissonnette,  Mayor of Gatineau