Invest Ottawa launched today and the organization (formerly known as OCRI) made this choice for a new logo:

The first thing that struck me is the use of the Peace Tower. One of the things Mayor Jim Watson and others have mentioned over the last several weeks is the need to diversify the economy so we aren’t relying so heavily on the federal government as our economic engine.

I fully admit I have no expertise in branding, but I find it interesting we are still using the Parliament Buildings as the visual connection for investing in our city economy. There is no doubt Parliament is probably the most recognizable representation of “Ottawa,” and we will never not be associated with being primarily a government city, but I wonder if this just further reminds us we are economically dependent on the feds, too.

I have no alternative logo to offer. It’s just an observation.

Invest Ottawa provides this explanation:

Invest Ottawa’s new logo features a rising graph icon made from the shapes of two private sector buildings and the Peace Tower, an internationally known Ottawa landmark. A curved overlay of color highlights the growth that the City of Ottawa has experienced and projects positive, dynamic changes for the future.