ABSTRACT
The case of Ottawa, Ontario, is an excellent forum for exploring the relationship between culture and structure. The power of the Ottawa case is that external change or 'shocks' are inescapably a part of any discussion of current local culture. The first set of case study interviews occurred in September 1999 and focused on economic development policy and process. A second set of case study interviews took place in March 2001, shortly after the January amalgamation. A third set of interviews was conducted in November 2003 to assess the progress of amalgamation after two years. Finally, audit materials from the City of Ottawa's city manager and the Audit and Consulting Services Department were collected and reviewed. Individual interviews were conducted with major elected and administrative officials in the former city of Gloucester, the new City of Ottawa and individuals involved in the transition process.
