Ottawa Memorial Auditorium unveils strategic plan focused on branding, revenue and facility upgrades

Director Tiffany Evans presented the Ottawa Memorial Auditorium's updated strategic plan on March 5, asking the commission to acknowledge months of work by staff, the OMA advisory board and community partners and provide input on priorities.

Evans said the plan centers on three themes ' budget, awareness and viability ' and identifies five focus areas: branding and awareness; facility and infrastructure improvements (including ADA upgrades, kitchen remodel and repaired lower-lobby restrooms); revenue growth through expanded rentals (podcast/recording spaces), sponsorships and grant pursuit; community and stakeholder engagement including closer ties with Ottawa University; and a long-term vision to position OMA as a regional cultural destination. Evans said the auditorium seats 800 in the main hall and that the basement exhibition hall holds about 200 people; the mezzanine can host smaller meetings.

Evans described progress since the 2017 plan, noting completed upgrades (LED stage lighting, projector and screen, seat replacement, marquee, concessions improvements) and new fundraising and membership efforts that raised $10,000 last year. She requested the commission acknowledge the report and provide guidance on priorities. Commissioners and members of the public praised the report's thoroughness and asked operational questions about rental capacity and marketing; the chair acknowledged the report for the record and moved on to the next agenda item.

Evans noted that OMA receives a portion of funding from city property taxes and that larger capital needs may require future commission consideration in the capital planning process.