PRESS RELEASE
BERNARD COUCHMAN UNVEILS THE OTTAWA GROWTH PASS — OPENING DOORS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
OTTAWA, ON — October 2, 2026 — What if Ottawa's existing recreation centres, arenas, pools, libraries, sports fields and cultural facilities could do more to develop the next generation?
Mayoral candidate Bernard Couchman is proposing the Ottawa Growth Pass, a youth-development initiative designed to expand affordable access to opportunities for students, athletes and artists across Ottawa.
The concept is simple: recognize commitment, encourage development and make better use of municipal facilities that have available capacity.
The proposed program would:
Support students: Provide eligible students with discounted access to fitness, learning and development opportunities.
Develop athletes: Recognize progression from community and school sports through university, amateur, national, Olympic and professional levels.
Advance young artists: Help emerging musicians, performers and creators access rehearsal space, studios, cultural programs and professional development.
Recognize commitment: Consider years of participation and increasing levels of training and development when determining eligibility.
Support registered clubs: Explore discounted facility rentals during available periods.
Create high-performance opportunities: Explore designated facility access for emerging elite athletes and Olympic hopefuls.
A digital Growth Pass could verify Ottawa residency, organizational membership, participation history, development level and eligible facility access, using existing City systems wherever possible.
The proposal also envisions partnerships with Ottawa Public Library to connect young people with study spaces, technology, research, workshops and career resources.
“Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not always equally accessible. Ottawa has facilities, organizations and resources that can help young people grow. Let's connect those resources and give our next generation a pathway to achieve more.”
The proposal would prioritize available off-peak capacity and build on existing municipal programs, subject to financial analysis, eligibility rules and City approval.
BERNARD COUCHMAN
Candidate for Mayor of Ottawa — 2026 A greener city.
KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE. PUT IT TO WORK. MEASURE THE RESULT.
H2OBoy.