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 Tuesday Brown 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

Canadians gather on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on July 1 each year in a giant celebration to mark the country's birthday. (Geoff Robins/AFP/Getty Images)

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

The NCC controls assets used for the events and the Canadian Heritage department's specialty in commemorative national events doesn't align with Winterlude and Canada Day festivities, he said.

2. LeBreton Flats needs an entertainment centre

The NCC has sought proposals for two parcels (in red) and ideas on two additional parcels of land (in yellow) for Lebreton Flats, in the western area of Ottawa's urban core. (National Capital Commision)

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

Brown thinks it should include an arena to host major sports and entertainment events throughout the year.

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

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

The former U.S. Embassy at 100 Wellington Street, which is across the street from Parliament Hill in Ottawa, remains abandoned. (Google Streetview)

The former U.S. embassy building on Wellington Street across from Parliament Hill has 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.