New portal maps Ottawa’s cultural resources

On 26 June 2014 Mayor Jim Watson officially launched a new web portal on ottawa.ca that maps, describes and showcases more than 2, 000 cultural resources in Ottawa.

“Ottawa has a vast and diverse array of cultural assets that contribute greatly to the health, economic prosperity and vibrancy of our city and its neighbourhoods,” said Mayor Watson.

“For example, this new web portal, Ottawa XYZ, will be an important tool as we prepare for Canada’s 150th birthday party. Anyone who plans to celebrate in Ottawa during 2017 will be able to explore the breadth and scope of our cultural treasures as they plan their vacations, conferences and events, and to incorporate our cultural assets into their schedules.”

The new portal, which offers an interactive map, is already showcasing more than 2,000 performance and exhibition spaces, cultural festivals, public art, cultural organizations and businesses, and natural and built heritage sites. The portal includes a “contribute” tab where the public can post suggested additions and revisions to the featured assets.

“Council’s Renewed Action Plan for Arts, Heritage and Culture placed a high priority on identifying, mapping, promoting and connecting our cultural resources,” said Community and Protective Services Committee Chair Mark Taylor. “This web-based tool we now have is a living document that will be frequently updated and expanded. I look forward to seeing its growth and development as individuals, organizations and businesses contribute their information and stories.”

The City received $64,750 from the Province of Ontario’s Creative Communities Prosperity Fund to help develop and implement an interactive online map that identifies the city’s cultural resources — urban, suburban and rural; public-sector, non-profit and privately owned.