Today, the City of Ottawa formed its first-ever Nightlife Council. The Nightlife Commissioner Office appointed 12 at-large members selected from more than 500 on-line applicants. They join representatives from six organizations already actively engaged in Ottawa’s nightlife economy, including the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition and Ottawa Tourism.
The Nightlife Council for this inaugural two-year term includes the following volunteer members: At-Large Members 1. Aidan Kallioinen – Associate Vice-President, University and Government Relations, Carleton University Student Association 2. Alex Sirois – Managing Partner, Ottawa Venues 3. Christopher Wong – Co-Director, Asinabka Film & Media Festival 4. Claudia Balladelli – Co-Founder & Executive Director, Axé Worldfest 5. Eric Vance – Drag Performer and Co-Owner, Glittershaker Events 6. Feza Lugoma – DJ and Co-founder, Pass the Vibes 7. Lisa Zbitnew – Owner & Operator, Bronson Centre Music Theater 8. Mat Beausoleil – Critic and consultant for the food, beverage, and travel industry 9. Michaela Domenico – Founder & Project Manager, Safe Raving 10. Patrick McCormack – Managing Director, Cranium Festival & Capital Rap Battles 11. Rachel Weldon – Director, Debaser and Pique 12. Richard Laplante – Owner & CEO of White Rabbit Events Economic Development and Cultural Industries Organizations Members 13. Arts Ottawa – Cassandra Olsthoorn, Co-Executive Director 14. ByWard Market District Authority – Zach Dayler, Executive Director 15. Ottawa Coalition of BIAs – Brad Fougere, Executive Director 16. Ottawa Festival Network – Tara Shannon, Executive Director 17. Ottawa Music Industry Coalition – Melanie Brulée, Executive Director 18. Ottawa Tourism – Kelleagh Alexander, Director of Experience Development The at-large members reflect a range of ages, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives but share a commitment to supporting the Nightlife Commissioner Office in growing Ottawa’s nightlife economy. Establishing a Nightlife Council is part of Ottawa’s Nightlife Economy Action Plan. It is a department-led working group that will provide advice and feedback to the Nightlife Commissioner Office on the vibrancy of Ottawa’s nightlife economy and the advancement of nightlife best practices, policies, safety programs and promotion. Membership on the Nightlife Council is voluntary and unpaid. The membership term is two years. The council will meet four times a year with the first meeting taking place before the end of 2024. For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401). or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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