It’s back.
No, not pollen season. It’s CommunityVotes Ottawa season.
If you live in Ottawa and run a business — or know someone who does — your inbox has probably started pinging with “please vote for me” messages. Like clockwork, it’s the time of year when your favourite hairdresser, auto shop, or bakery posts a hopeful link and asks for your click. You know the drill.
I’ll admit it: being nominated for anything feels nice. A little dopamine hit that makes you feel seen. But let’s be honest — CommunityVotes Ottawa isn’t exactly the Order of Canada. It’s a marketing contest, and a cleverly disguised one at that.
So, how does it work?
With CommunityVotes Ottawa, anyone can nominate a business. Including the business itself. (That’s already a red flag, no?) Then, it’s a free-for-all. You drum up votes however you can — emails, social media blasts, maybe a poster or two. Winners in each of the hundreds of categories get bragging rights… and a chance to buy their own award plaque for around $40.
Yes, you heard that right. Winners pay for their own trophies. Want a printed certificate? That’ll cost you too. Want more visibility during the contest? There’s a fee for that as well. Their FAQ spells it all out — sort of.
While it’s not technically a scam, it feels like a giant pay-to-play ego trip. Legal? Sure. Ethical? That’s debatable.
But is it wrong?
No — not entirely. Let’s be fair. CommunityVotes Ottawa does give small businesses some exposure, and if used wisely, it can be a marketing opportunity. But the problem is it sells the illusion of prestige. It’s not about being the best in your category — it’s about who can rally the most voters, the fastest.
And in a city the size of Ottawa, with over 1,000 businesses listed, the odds of standing out without paying for an ad package are slim. It’s like entering a three-legged race while your competitors are wearing jetpacks.
Follow the money
With categories ranging from Best Bridal Boutique to Top Towing Service, the list is exhausting — and profitable. Even if just 100 of the “winners” in Ottawa buy plaques at $39 each, that’s nearly $4,000. Add in upsells like framed certificates, web ads, and “enhanced visibility” packages, and it’s easy to see who the real winner is: CommunityVotes Ottawa itself.
The company behind the contest — CommunityVotes Inc. — is incorporated in Ontario but gives out very little information about its operations. You won’t find a name, phone number, or mailing address on the site. All they’ll say is they’re “an independent platform to let the community be heard.” Sounds nice, but that’s not transparency. That’s marketing fluff.
Popularity doesn’t mean excellence
Let’s also talk about what this kind of contest doesn’t do. It doesn’t measure skill. It doesn’t check credentials. It doesn’t ask “why” someone was nominated. It’s not merit-based — it’s momentum-based. It rewards who can push the hardest, not necessarily who does the best work.
For a more meaningful approach to local recognition, I’d look at something like the Ottawa Board of Trade’s Business Excellence Awards or the Faces Magazine Awards — yes, even that one has its flaws, but at least it includes some public presence and editorial oversight.
Or, you know, maybe just ask your customers how you’re doing.
Look — I’m not trying to be a buzzkill.
If you or someone you know wins one of these CommunityVotes Ottawa things, that’s great. Celebrate it. Post about it. Take the win.
Just don’t confuse it with a sign from the universe that your business is better than all the rest. Because unless every voter actually tried out all 15 poutine joints in the “Best Poutine” category, it’s not a true competition — it’s a digital popularity parade.
So if you message me asking for a vote and I don’t reply, it’s nothing personal. I’m just saving my clicks for something that feels more… real.
