Twelve recommendations to help Ottawa’s rural businesses succeed

The City wants to hear from rural business people about our draft Economic Development Rural Plan.

Doing business in the country can be a little different than doing business in other parts of the city. Sometimes, it can be very different indeed. That’s why we’re developing an Economic Development Rural Plan to provide businesses in rural Ottawa the services and supports they need to succeed.

We have consulted directly with business owners, community organizations and Business Improvement Areas to gather ideas for the plan. Now, we want to hear from you.

Please review the Economic Development Rural Plan on EngageOttawa, fill out the survey and let us know what you think about the plan. It includes 12 recommendations that include:

• Establishing a rural business liaison position
• Improving access to City and partner business support services
• Maintaining and strengthening City dialogue with rural businesses
• Encouraging networking and collaboration between rural businesses
• Promoting rural Ottawa as a destination for film, tourism and special events

Everyone’s opinion is valuable, but we especially want to hear from you if you run a business in the rural area – be it agricultural, industrial, retail or tourism oriented – or if you regularly conduct business in the rural part of one of these wards:

• Orléans East-Cumberland (Ward 1)
• West Carleton-March (Ward 5)
• Orléans South-Navan (Ward 19)
• Osgoode (Ward 20)
• Rideau-Jock (Ward 21)

One of Ottawa’s most distinct features is its large rural component. Eighty per cent of the city is made up of rural lands – the largest of any city in Canada! Learn more about Ottawa’s Diverse Economy by visiting the City’s website.