Ottawa is getting a new much-needed midsized concert venue in HISTORY

[Ottawa correspondent Ross MacDonald was there for the announcement. – AC]

Ottawa has been frequently tagged as a sleepy government town, or the city that fun forgot. But since being elected in 2022 mayor Mark Sutcliffe has been working very hard to shake those old clichés.

And on 19 February Mayor Mark Sutcliffe gained a huge ally: Live Nation Canada. In collaboration with Canadian superstar Drake, and the National Capital Commission (NCC), Live Nation is transforming a former Chapters bookstore into HISTORY Ottawa, similar to the venue in Toronto’s east end.

Live Nation Canada’s President of Music is Ottawa native Erik Hoffman, who presented their plan at the official groundbreaking: “Today we take an important step forward in putting Ottawa even more concretely on the touring map. Today’s announcement exemplifies exactly where Ottawa sits right now as a true music city with great music fans ready for so much more.”

Some information about HISTORY Ottawa:

• A 2,000 person live music venue which can also host corporate, private, community, or cultural events.
• Located in the ByWard Market area of the city’s downtown core, the cultural heart of Ottawa.
• Opening early 2026.
• Two-story venue with general admission on the main floor along with a seated area, private boxes, and VIP areas on the upper floor overlooking the stage.
• With premium seating and services available, the venue will deliver an intimate, high-end HISTORY experience for both fans and artists, complete with state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and exceptional hospitality.

Ottawa will now be able to attract artists that don’t want to play at a small pub, but may not fill an arena: “Live Nation Canada is bringing HISTORY to Ottawa to fill a gap in the market and to continue to develop the city’s music and entertainment landscape.”

In close proximity to HISTORY Ottawa, there are a plethora of restaurants, hotels, parking, and public transit which can entice patrons into spending more time in Ottawa’s trendiest area.

When asked if HISTORY Ottawa will be subject to an 11pm curfew that many other venues are obligated to follow, Live Nation’s president Erik Hoffman replied: “no, the entrances/exits do not face any residential buildings. Not that every show will end at 1am, but HISTORY will not be subject to a curfew.”

Ottawa residents will know the building as the former Chapter’s store directly across the street from The Rideau Centre. The site is perfectly located in the heart of Ottawa’s ByWard Market with a parking garage close by and excellent access from public transit; there is an LRT station just across the street.

This is not Live Nation’s first foray into running concert venues in Canada. However, this is the first one in Eastern Ontario. Other Live Nation run venues include:

• Budweiser Stage, a 16,000-person capacity bowl on the Toronto waterfront at Ontario Place.
• The new Rogers Stadium, a 50,000-person capacity outdoor arena at Downsview Airport in North-West Toronto.
• HISTORY (Toronto), a 2,500-person capacity theatre in East Toronto, also in partnership with Drake.
• The KEE to Bala, a 1,200-person capacity venue in the town of Bala on Lake Muskoka.

As mayor Mark Sutcliffe said: “we are excited to expand the HISTORY brand here in Ottawa!”