From a pool of more than 500 applicants, 12 community members have been selected to help Ottawa’s new nightlife commissioner inject energy into the city after dark.
On Monday, the members-at-large for the city’s nightlife council were announced. The 18-person council, whose members are unpaid volunteers, consists of 12 general members serving two-year terms, as well as representatives from six local organizations.
The city received more than 500 applications from community members from all walks of life across the city.
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“We had standard eligibility requirements; they had to check different boxes,” nightlife commissioner Mathieu Grondin told OBJ. “We started with those, then we looked at experience and background and finally considered the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion. Nightlife is a very diverse sector.”
Applicants included business owners, festival directors, venue operators, students, artists, performers and more.
Grondin said the goal during the selection process was to create a diverse mix that reflects a variety of expertise, experiences and interests in the nightlife economy, including hospitality, arts and culture, tourism, and public health and safety.
“We had really strong candidates – we really could have picked a lot more than just 12,” he said. “They were residents that wanted more nightlife options, not just downtown, but in the suburbs and rural areas. I also heard from executive directors and CEOs, associations, not-for-profits, and businesses. They all understand the importance of the nightlife economy to quality of life, talent and economic growth.”
While applicants had different ideas and visions for the city, Grondin said almost all had one thing in common.
“Most people wanted to fight the perspective that Ottawa is boring,” he said. “Most were really against that idea and know that Ottawa has lots of stuff to do and we need to amplify that … I’m encouraged by the enthusiasm for advancing nightlife priorities demonstrated by the stakeholders across the city.”
The community members are:
- Aidan Kallioinen, associate vice-president, university and government relations, Carleton University Student Association
- Alex Sirois, managing partner, Ottawa Venues
- Christopher Wong, co-director, Asinabka Film and Media Festival
- Claudia Balladelli, co-founder and executive director, Axé Worldfest
- Eric Vance, drag performer and co-owner, Glittershaker Events
- Feza Lugoma, DJ and co-founder, Pass the Vibes
- Lisa Zbitnew, owner and operator, Bronson Centre Music Theatre
- Mat Beausoleil, critic and consultant for food, beverage and travel industry
- Michaela Domenico, founder and project manager, Safe Raving
- Patrick McCormack, managing director, Cranium Festival and Capital Rap Battles
- Rachel Weldon, director, Debaser and Pique
- Richard Laplante, owner and CEO, White Rabbit Events
Economic development and cultural organization members are:
- Cassandra Olsthoorn, co-executive director, Arts Ottawa
- Zach Dayler, executive director, ByWard Market District Authority
- Brad Fougere, executive director, Ottawa Coalition of BIAs
- Tara Shannon, executive director, Ottawa Festival Network
- Melanie Brulée, executive director, Ottawa Music Industry Coalition
- Kelleagh Alexander, director of experience development, Ottawa Tourism
Members will serve two-year terms, which are set to begin in 2025, with an introductory session to be held before the end of 2024. Initial discussions will focus on next steps for implementing the nightlife action plan. Safety and security, Grondin said, is likely to be high on the list.
In addition to identifying priorities and building consensus, Grondin said the council will help his office stay attuned to public opinion.
“They are my eyes and ears on the ground,” he said. “I can’t be everywhere and they all gather to different communities. They can amplify the voices of their own community and they can also help me amplify the work we will be doing as part of the nightlife office here. It’s like a two-way street.”
