Instituted in 2012, the order is administered by the incumbent mayor of Ottawa for a high level of achievement and significant contributions to the city.

The order was established in 2012 by then-mayor Jim Watson to recognize achievement by citizens of Ottawa in various fields.

[1] Any resident of Ottawa who has made significant contributions to the community through career and volunteer work is eligible.

[2] Recipients of the order receive a medal bearing the city's coat of arms on a green and blue ribbon, echoing the colours of the civic flag.

[1] As an unofficial award lying outside the Canadian order of precedence (decorations and medals), neither the medal nor its ribbon may be worn or mounted with Canadian honours.