3 things Ottawa Tourism wants for Canada's capital by 2017

The CEO of Ottawa Tourism, Dick Brown, believes changes need to be made to improve tourism in Canada's capital city and he's making his recommendations public ahead of a meeting with the federal government.

On TuesdayBrown spoke with Robyn Bresnahan, host of CBC Radio's Ottawa Morning, about his priorities for Ottawa before Canada turns 150 in 2017.

The three requests are listed below.

1. NCC takes back control of Winterlude and Canada Day

The two events "belong" in the National Capital Commission, according to Brown.

The NCCcontrols assets used for the events and the CanadianHeritage department'sspecialty in commemorative national events doesn't align with Winterlude and Canada Day festivities, he said.

2. LeBreton Flats needs an entertainment centre

A major entertainment centre, similar to the Canadian Tire Centre inKanata, would boost business in the urban core, he said.

Brown thinks it should includean arena to hostmajor sports and entertainment events throughout the year.

Two of the proposals the NCC is considering for theredevelopment of LeBreton Flats include an arena.

3. New portrait gallery at former U.S. embassy

The former U.S. embassy building on Wellington Streetacross from Parliament Hillhas been abandoned for several years.

Ottawa MP Catherine McKenna has said she will consult the public on what should happen to the building. A new portrait gallery is one of the options.

• You can hear the entire conversation with Dick Brown here.