Ottawa city facts: who runs it, why it is the capital and what it is known for
This page collects Ottawa's civic basics: Canada's capital, chosen by Queen Victoria in 1857, a city of 1,017,449 people in the 2021 Census, run by a mayor and 24 ward councillors.
68 built lists. 6,781 list records. Data: . Method
Want to know who to call about your street? Start with the 24 wards and city council. Settling a trivia argument? Try how Ottawa became the capital, or the facts and figures section. New arrivals usually want what Ottawa is known for, and the Ottawa and Gatineau section explains the National Capital Region.
Questions
When did Ottawa become Canada's capital?
Queen Victoria chose Ottawa in 1857. The section on how Ottawa became Canada's capital covers the rest of that story.
How many people live in Ottawa?
1,017,449 in the 2021 Census, which makes Ottawa Ontario's second-largest city.
Who runs Ottawa?
A mayor and 24 ward councillors make up city council. The mayor and municipal election section has the date of the next vote.
Does fromOttawa cover Gatineau too?
Yes. The ranked lists draw on Ottawa and Gatineau businesses: 68 lists and 6,781 list entries, pulled 2026-10-29.