Capital Magazine Fall-WInter 2025

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THE OBOT PERSPECTIVE

BUILDING A BOLD OTTAWA

Ottawa’s story has always been one of collaboration. A place where innovation meets inclusion. And bold ideas become shared prosperity.

Today, that spirit is driving a new chapter of confidence and growth. Across our region, business, government, and community leaders are working together to shape the future of a capital city that reflects the very best of Canada.

Momentum is building in every sector. Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, clean technology, and energy innovation combined with renewed investment in national defence and infrastructure distinguishes Ottawa as an emerging powerhouse of productivity and purpose.

The launch of Ottawa Unlimited, a partnership between the Ottawa Board of Trade, Invest Ottawa, and Ottawa Tourism, signals a new era of collective ambition and optimized resources, positioning our capital among the most dynamic cities in the world.

The execution of the Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda is turning vision into reality, championing a diverse, resilient, and vibrant city core where innovation is lived, not just imagined. We all know that when our downtown thrives, so does our entire region.

The Ottawa Board of Trade is advancing policies that unlock the full potential of our capital: reinvesting in federal assets, building a modern workforce strategy, and establishing Ottawa as Canada’s Defence Innovation Hub. These priorities are not just about infrastructure, they are about identity. They reflect our belief in a diverse, competitive economy built on excellence, entrepreneurship, and trust.

Thanks to our OBOT Pillar Partners and Policy Councils, for ensuring Ottawa can unite and empower the voices that are shaping a sustainable, future ready capital. Together, we are profiling true leadership and defining why Ottawa is the place to invest, build, and belong.

Bold cities are built on bold partnerships. Ottawa is leading the way.

Yours in prosperity, Sueling

Sueling Ching | President & CEO

Ottawa Board of Trade

CAPITAL is both a print and digital publication of the Ottawa Board of Trade and is co-published twice a year in partnership with TAAG. Visit capitalmag.ca.

CAPITAL is designed to tell the story of Ottawa, our nation’s capital city with a thriving business community and culture scene. It highlights our opportunities and strengths, our future focused plans and the businesses and leaders that are working together to make it happen. CAPITAL inspires the local community to become ambassadors and promote what we have to offer. And it is a great way to attract people to our city—to live, work, play, learn, visit and invest.

OTTAWA BOARD OF TRADE

Sueling Ching, President & CEO 275 Slater Street, Suite 500 Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5H9 613-236-3631 www.ottawabot.ca

PUBLISHER: TAAG CORPORATION

Andrew Abraham, CEO & Founder 7th Floor, 251 Bank Street Ottawa, Ontario K2P 5M3 613-234-8468 taag.ca

CAPITAL TEAM

Editorial Directors Sueling Ching, OBOT Stephanie Naday, OBOT Melanie Williams, TAAG

Managing Editor Danielle Valois dvalois@taag.ca

Creative Director Leslie Miles

Writers Jennifer Campbell Erika Cuccaro Ludovic Viger

Advertising Sales Manager Stephan Pigeon

ADVERTSING OPPORTUNITIES

We are seeking local businesses and organizations to be sponsors— to use this platform to support our local economic ecosystem, build their brand, promote their business, highlight their team, and demonstrate their commitment to our amazing city. You can do this through traditional advertising or sponsored content. To explore options and see our Media Kit, please contact Stephan Pigeon: spigeon@taag.ca or at 819-209-3344

ISSN 2371-333X.

OTTAWA IN MOTION: Innovation,

Partnership, and the Next Chapter of a Modern Capital

OTTAWA IS ON THE RISE. Canada’s capital is stepping confidently into a new era, one defined by innovation, collaboration, and purpose-driven investment. Across every corner of our city, a quiet revolution is taking shape as business, government, and community leaders come together to reimagine what a modern capital can be.

This is a city on the move, where creativity meets conviction. From the laboratories of Area X.O to the boardrooms of Kanata North, from the revival of our downtown core to the cultural vibrancy of our neighbourhoods, Ottawa’s momentum is unmistakable. It’s a movement powered by people—entrepreneurs, policymakers, artists, builders, and changemakers—each contributing to a shared vision of

prosperity that is inclusive, sustainable, and distinctly Canadian.

In this issue of CAPITAL, we explore the stories that define this moment of transformation.

In “The Innovation Capital,” we examine how Ottawa is positioning itself as the hub of Canada’s next economy, where AI, clean technology, cybersecurity, and defence innovation converge to shape a more secure and competitive nation. With one of the highest concentrations of tech talent in

This is a city on the move, where creativity meets conviction. From the laboratories of Area X.O to the boardrooms of Kanata North, from the revival of our downtown core to the cultural vibrancy of our neighbourhoods, Ottawa’s momentum is unmistakable.

North America and a global reputation for excellence, Ottawa is not just adapting to change, it’s driving it.

In “Downtown Transformation,” we turn our focus to the heart of the city. Once the symbolic centre of government, downtown Ottawa is evolving into a vibrant, people-powered district where business, housing, and culture coexist. Guided by the Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda and the vision of A Living Capital, renewal is visible on every block—new homes, new venues, new reasons to gather and belong.

In “The Great Canadian Reset: Ottawa Edition,” guest editor Ludovic Viger explores how local co-operatives, credit unions, and social enterprises are reshaping economic success. Their stories remind us that true prosperity is shared prosperity— and that Ottawa’s legacy of community leadership continues to inspire new models for inclusive growth.

Energy and defence are also central to Ottawa’s resurgence. Our feature on “The Next Economy” highlights how investment in clean energy and national security is fueling a new wave of opportunity. These industries are not just strengthening our economic foundations; they are aligning innovation with purpose, ensuring that Ottawa remains a city that protects, powers, and propels Canada forward.

What ties these stories together is partnership. Ottawa Unlimited, the joint initiative of the Ottawa Board of Trade, Invest Ottawa, and Ottawa Tourism, embodies this spirit. Together, these organizations are amplifying Ottawa’s global profile, showcasing a capital that is not only beautiful but bold; not only historic but future focused.

Every great city has a moment when possibility becomes progress. For Ottawa, that moment is now. The challenges of the past few years have sparked creativity, collaboration, and confidence like never before. Businesses are reinvesting. People are returning downtown. Institutions are modernizing. And the next generation of innovators and investors are discovering that the capital of Canada is also a capital of opportunity.

This issue of CAPITAL captures that evolution. It is a portrait of a city united by ambition and grounded in purpose. Ottawa is proving that when vision meets collaboration, transformation follows.

Welcome to the new chapter of Canada’s capital: Ottawa rising, resilient, and ready to lead.

Sueling Ching, President and CEO, Ottawa Board of Trade

The Fall is the favorite season for being outside and enjoying nature in all its splendour. There are many events to entice visitors to Ottawa in the autumn months, and the centrally located Cartier Place Suite Hotel is the perfect place to stay.

Enjoy the Suite Life in Canada’s Capital

The Cartier Place Suite Hotel is located a short walk to Parliament Hill and major sites. Within a 15-minute drive from the hotel, enjoy a beautiful hillside hike in Gatineau Park, and visit the historic ruins of the Mackenzie King Estate. There is a free shuttle to the Gatineau Hills from downtown Ottawa. Fall activities include: Ottawa Redblacks football games, Ottawa International Animation Festival, Ottawa International Writers Festival, Canada Army Run, National Peace Officers Memorial Run, Canadian Police Peace Officers Memorial service, and Remembrance Day Ceremonies. The Cartier Place Suite Hotel offers the perfect central downtown location to visit many sites. We are located one block from the picturesque Rideau Canal and trendy Elgin Street with its many boutiques and restaurants. Walk to the Byward Market and browse the handmade crafts and fragrant local produce stalls. Whether you visit for one night or for an extended stay, the Cartier Place Suite Hotel will take care of your every need. The hotel has been honoured with Hospitality awards throughout the years, including the Service Excellence Award from Booking.com and Hotels.com. Our pet friendly suite hotel is a favourite amongst families and business travellers and features complimentary WiFi

throughout the property.

Each spacious suite has a private balcony, full kitchen, combined dining/living room and separate bedrooms. Enjoy our restaurant, the indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, exercise room and children’s playroom. For the fun in all of us, the garden patio area offers a shuffleboard court and children’s playground.

Cartier Place Suite Hotel provides an ideal venue for meetings and events. There are many local activities that will delight you and your family in our beautiful city of Ottawa. We invite you to stay with us and enjoy one of the many specials and packages our hotel has to offer including, stay 2 nights and the 3rd night is free*. Once you stay with us you’ll understand why guests return time and time again.

KKrystal’s Story: From Caregiver Back to Daughter

rystal grew up in Ottawa. Like many of us, she works hard, loves her family, and cheers for her favourite sports team. But for years, she carried a heartbreaking burden: her mom’s struggle with alcoholism and homelessness.

Despite every effort, from calling housing offices to trying to engage MPs, to help her mom find assistance, nothing seemed to work.

Krystal eventually welcomed her mom into her home, but her mom’s addiction made it impossible to maintain this living situation.

With nowhere else to turn, Krystal made the painful decision to bring her mom to Shepherds of Good Hope’s transitional shelter in the heart of Lowertown.

“It tore my heart into a million pieces,” Krystal recalls. “I thought, I cannot believe I did this to my own flesh and blood.”

Months later, in August 2024, everything changed. Krystal had never stopped advocating for her mother. One day, Krystal got the call that changed her life:

“We’d like your mom to join The Oaks family.”

The Oaks is one of Shepherds of Good Hope’s six supportive housing residences, with 24/7 care provided by staff and nurses. On August 12, her mom moved in.

Not long after, a nurse said the words Krystal will always remember;

“You no longer have to be her caregiver. You can go back to being her daughter.”

The relief was indescribable. Her mom was safe. Krystal could simply be her daughter again.

Krystal’s mom is one of 339 people who have a supportive home of their own at Shepherds of Good Hope.

While every story is different, and no two outcomes are the same, stories like Krystal’s and her mom’s showcase the importance of safe, supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness.

Right now, more families are waiting for that life-changing call: “We’ve found you a home.”

Learn more about supportive housing, and how you can support Krystal, her mom, and others at www.sghottawa.com

OTTAWA: INNOVATION HUB OF THE NATION

OTTAWA HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE COUNTRY’S EPICENTRE FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS, BUT ITS ECOSYSTEM HAS GROWN TO INCLUDE DOZENS OF OTHER TECH SUBSECTORS AND IT’S POISED TO BECOME NO. 1 IN CANADA FOR TECH INNOVATION AND TALENT.

BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL

WHEN PRIME MINISTER MARK CARNEY announced that Canada would step up and exceed its NATO commitments by devoting five percent of GDP spending to defence by 2030, it was not just a fiscal target, it was a nation-building imperative.

So says Sonya Shorey, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa. “It is about sovereignty, Arctic security, military modernization and building a resilient economy,” Shorey says.

And Ottawa will be central to this initiative in the city’s bold move to be Canada’s innovation hub in everything from defence to AI. Ottawa’s Area X.O has been selected as the location of a new NATO defence innovation hub and that complements the thriving defence industry already headquartered here.

“Ottawa-Gatineau is where national defence strategy meets commercial innovation,” Shorey says. “It is founded on a combination of unique assets, strengths, expertise, infrastructure and proximity to federal agencies in a combination that does not exist anywhere else in this country and that cannot be replicated anywhere else in [Canada]. To me, there has never been a greater moment in time where we have this opportunity to bring those strengths to bear as a community and harness that potential.”

Shorey says her vision of Ottawa as Canada’s innovation hub is not about a single facility, asset or source of knowledge, but rather its broad ecosystem. Ottawa is home to 330 defence and security companies with a total of 10,000 employees. It is home to Canada’s largest technology park. It is where the Department of National Defence (DND), Defence Research and Development Canada, the RCMP, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Communications Security Establishment Canada, as well as 65 federal labs, 134 embassies and four NATO test centres are located. Complementing those is Area X.O, Ottawa’s state-of-the-art R&D complex for emerging technology. Ottawa also boasts ONE9, the only defence venture capital and innovation platform.

Invest Ottawa and partners, including the Ottawa Board of Trade and the City of Ottawa, asked the federal government to designate Area X.O a special economic zone to serve as Canada’s flagship defence innovation facility and industry showcase. They also asked it to commit a defined share of new DND hires to the region as Ottawa faces disproportionate economic risk in the face of a 24 percent reduction in public service budgets. Finally, they asked that the government establish a sensitive compartmented information facility where government, the Canadian Armed Forces and industry can collaborate on defence, aerospace and space technologies R&D.

OTTAWA HAS THE HIGHEST TECHNOLOGY TALENT CONCENTRATION IN NORTH AMERICA AT 12.3 PERCENT OF ITS TOTAL WORKFORCE, PUTTING IT AHEAD OF SILICON VALLEY FOR THE SIXTH YEAR IN A ROW.

Meanwhile, Ottawa’s innovation ecosystem is already “advancing technologies that will define the future of defence, [Canada’s] economy and our world,” Shorey says, including AI, machine learning, quantum physics, cyber-security, drones and uncrewed systems, advanced robotics, semiconductors, and autonomous and connected systems.

Also bullish on Ottawa as an innovative hub for defence is Kelly Daize, Executive Director of the Kanata North Business Association.

“At this moment, with what’s going on with the world, there’s a massive opportunity [in defence and security], and there always was well before that,” Daize says.

Innovation for the Nation Shorey asserts that Ottawa can be the centre of an innovation nation thanks to its more than 1,900 technology firms—a mix of multinational giants such as Nokia and Ericsson, unicorns such as Shopify and Kinaxis, and startups that eventually make it big. The city also boasts 96,500 technology workers. Indeed, Ottawa has the highest technology talent concentration in North America at 12.3 percent of its total workforce, putting it ahead of Silicon Valley for the sixth year in a row. Ottawa’s strengths are broad, and include AI, machine learning, SaaS, drones, advanced robotics, quantum, advanced networks, digital health, the Internet of Things, AR/VR and 5G.

That’s a lot to work with, and on top of that, Ottawa has Canada’s most educated workforce, with 65 percent holding postsecondary degrees and 91,675 citizens holding a master’s degree or higher. That statistic is poised to stay strong as there are eight post-secondary institutions in the National Capital Region and of the 168,000 students enrolled in Ottawa alone, 28,000 are in STEM fields.

Asked whether Ottawa can be an innovation hub for Canada, Daize says: “Absolutely.”

In addition to the number of technology companies here, and the fact that it’s home to Canada’s largest technology park, which has 540+ companies that make a $13-billion

contribution to GDP, Daize notes that more than 90 percent of the telecommunications research and development has always been done in Ottawa.

“We tend to get the deep R&D people here. [They aren’t] quite as vocal as some of the other firms and other districts, but we’re working very hard to change that.”

Daize also notes that Ottawa is strong on less sexy buzzwords.

“We say ‘compound semiconductors’ and people tune out, but what does AI need, it needs light, and to go back to the Internet 1.0, which Canada led in building, especially in North America,” Daize says. “We need to go back to less copper and more light. And when you think of Ottawa, photonics and optics have always been our key areas. [They were some of the] more critical assets that Nortel had and that still exist here today in Ciena, and Ranovus and InPho—and on and on.”

Daize was recently told by the CEO of InPho that more than 50 percent of the photonics talent in the world lies between Quebec City and Toronto.

“It’s always been Ottawa, and that’s what I mean by saying we have to be more vocal,” Daize says. “We have to be out there and talking about these topics, and we have to make them more palatable so that people can understand. Conductors are the brains of everything and Canada can own the world in photonics and compound semiconductors. We’re one of only three clusters in the world and my hope is that we are No. 1 in the very near future.”

Daize adds that though the tech sector is extremely strong, partners need to do better at talking about it. She notes that multinational Nokia, the largest employer in her business park has located its global centres of optics and photonics in Ottawa. Ciena, another big employer in the Kanata North Business Association, acquired all of the optical assets from Nortel. She adds that a bunch of former Nortel employees and senior managers are still running data centres in Kanata. Ciena, the second-largest

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>> OTTAWA’S ROSS VIDEO POWERS BROADCASTS OF EVERYTHING FROM THE OSCARS TO THE SUPER BOWL.

>> 10 MILLION PATIENTS ACROSS CANADA ARE CARED FOR BY OTTAWA’S FULLSCRIPT.

SOURCE: INVEST OTTAWA

employer in the park, acquired all of the optical assets from Nortel, and Nortel alumni run many of the technology companies in the Ottawa area. Ericsson and Cisco are also large employers.

“The Internet 2.0 is Ottawa—100 percent,” she says.

Other companies of note she mentions are Shopify, Calian, MDA Space, InPho, Hyperlume, “and I could go on and on.”

Why Ottawa?

Tunch Akkaya does most of his business in the U.S., but he’s based in his hometown of Ottawa because of its supportive ecosystem. Akkaya identified a need for video replay when he was playing university football and set his sights on doing what other tech companies do for the NFL, but instead targeting the high school and university markets. Today, he provides his system to 1,000 football and hockey teams across North America and has an annual revenue of $2 million.

“My whole team has access to sales advisers, marketing, HR, and leadership that we can access for free,” Akkaya says, speaking at Invest Ottawa’s GCXpo preview night. “And then there are all kinds of companies—Rewind [Software], Noibu, Welbi—we can lean on for advice. For me, Ottawa is an awesome place to innovate.”

Solon Angel, founder of Mindbridge AI and now owner of Remitian AI, spoke to CAPITAL from his offices in Ottawa.

“Ottawa offers so much, and I’ve benefited so much from being in the Ottawa ecosystem,” he says, adding that he has to be in Florida for sales much of the time, but he’s set up 60 percent of his team in Ottawa.

“In my business, which is a compliancedriven, high-sensitivity business, the workforce [in Ottawa] offers nonquantifiable assets like trustworthiness, caring about your neighbour and following the rules. The other thing is Ottawa people have a sense of wanting to be sure. There’s a bit of cowboy mentality in California, but there’s a lot of value in wanting to doublecheck everything.”

The members of the venture capital (VC) community are fewer and more conservative than Silicon Valley, but they’re also very approachable and kind with their time, Angel says.

Ericsson, which was also at GCXpo also sees real value in being in Ottawa and is doubling down on its investment here. CTO Tania Lettert notes that the company just announced a $630-million investment last year, and hires 600 interns a year in Ottawa on a rotating basis. Of its 3,200 employees in Canada, 2,100 are in Ottawa.

“IN MY BUSINESS, WHICH IS A COMPLIANCE-DRIVEN, HIGH-SENSITIVITY BUSINESS, THE WORKFORCE [IN OTTAWA] OFFERS NONQUANTIFIABLE ASSETS LIKE TRUSTWORTHINESS, CARING ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBOUR AND FOLLOWING THE RULES.”

— SOLON ANGEL, MINDBRIDGE AI

“At Kanata North, all the different types of business and the talent we attract from global locations [makes for] a fantastic [anchor.] Having that talent pool where you can bounce ideas around, and that diversity of thought and then attracting international talent are all really important ingredients to be able to get innovation off the ground.”

And that, Shorey and Daize would say, is what it’s all about in Ottawa.

Beyond the Hype: Building Strong Foundations for AI

IN

2025,

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

(AI) reshapes the rules of business and technology. It amplifies what already exists: solid foundations become a competitive advantage, while fragile ones can translate to security, operations and financial nightmares.

“Sadly, AI will not solve all your business and technology problems, at least, not on its own,” says François de Bellefeuille, software engineer and VP Clients Solutions at Spiria, a Canadian custom software development firm. Founded in 2003, the company has a team of more than 150 experts across Canada and has worked with more than 600 clients cross-industries.

While it is impressive how much AI can improve efficiency, Spiria reminds us it is not magic. The reality with new technologies is that they often amplify existing successes or challenges in a company. “If we think of legacy software, adding AI will probably shine a very bright light on existing technical, data, efficiency and security gaps—putting them forward and making them impossible to ignore,” adds François.

Both Spiria’s business and software experts agree, legacy systems create a major obstacle to success for many organizations here in Ottawa.

“These outdated systems create a major setback for many companies looking to integrate new technologies and keep evolving at the pace of the market,” mentions Mr. de Bellefeuille. “And it does not discriminate per industry.”

Whether companies evolve in insurance, manufacturing or defence, the strategic modernization of their systems could allow them to set foundations for solid and sustainable business growth.

Where to Start?

According to their experts, deciding which outdated systems need to be refreshed is a strategic and business decision rather than a technical one. “Yes, you use technology. But you use it to improve critical operations in your business. It’s something you should do with purpose and strategy.”

“With our clients, we rarely recommend a simple lift and shift,” says François. According to Spiria’s experts, anyone modernizing their software applications should minimally consider the interoperability of their systems, the real investment needed for an effective system migration, the impact on their users, employees and clients, and the key components needed to add new technologies, namely AI.

For François, the modernization of software systems is very important for Ottawa businesses. “I truly believe the Capital region can follow the fast-paced technology changes happening in the world. With the right tools, we can go far and use technology to help us foster positive change in the region.”

François de Bellefeuille, VP Client Solutions at Spiria

REIMAGINING THE CORE: The NCC’s Role in Revitalizing Ottawa’s ByWard Market

WITH ITS COBBLESTONE streets, heritage façades, and dynamic street life, the ByWard Market has long been a symbol of the capital’s identity. Today, it is also a focal point in a broader mission: the revitalization of Ottawa’s downtown core.

A Vision for a Vibrant Capital

The National Capital Commission (NCC) plays a pivotal role in shaping the urban experience of Canada’s capital. At the heart of our vision is a simple but powerful idea: a thriving capital needs a vibrant downtown, one where people live, work, and gather in spaces that reflect both history and possibility.

That is why, as the long-term planner of federal lands and steward of nationally significant public places, the NCC is investing in the future of downtown, not just by giving new life to existing properties, but through the ideas laid out in our Core Area Plan, a strategic framework to reinvigorate the Capital’s downtown with people, culture, and purpose top of mind.

The ByWard Market Advantage

The ByWard Market exemplifies this vision. Far more than a tourist destination, it is a living, evolving neighbourhood. The NCC’s approach here is guided by principles of adaptive reuse, heritage preservation, diversity of commercial offerings, inclusion, and community vitality.

This includes:

• Supporting mixed-use development

• Attracting cultural anchors

• Collaborating with partners to reinvigorate key corridors like Sussex Drive and Confederation Boulevard

• Investing in parks and courtyards to animate passive spaces

These efforts are not just about buildings; they’re about creating a sense of place and belonging.

Culture as Catalyst

A prime example of this transformation is the redevelopment of 47-57 Rideau Street. Soon to be a state-of-the-art live music venue operated by Live Nation Canada, the project is more than a commercial venture—it’s a cultural investment. It will draw people back into the core and help foster a more dynamic, 24/7 downtown.

This kind of anchor project, combined with increased residential density, smart public realm investments, and public-private collaboration, is helping to reposition the ByWard Market as a model for core area renewal.

At the heart of our vision is a simple but powerful idea: a thriving capital needs a vibrant downtown, one where people live, work, and gather in spaces that reflect both history and possibility.

Properties with Purpose

The NCC’s portfolio in the ByWard Market includes a range of commercial spaces that offer more than just square footage; they offer a chance to be part of a larger transformation. These properties benefit from:

• Unmatched foot traffic

• Proximity to national institutions

• Connections to key Ottawa-Gatineau transit routes

• The momentum of a neighbourhood in transition

Leasing in the ByWard Market is not just a business decision; it’s a chance to contribute to the Capital’s evolution.

Looking Ahead: A Core Reimagined

The NCC’s Core Area Plan outlines a bold and inclusive vision for downtown Ottawa, one that prioritizes housing, public space, and a renewed sense of civic identity. It includes proposed projects to enhance the beauty, vibrancy, and majesty of the downtown core, while also addressing issues such as climate resilience, economic development, accessibility, and reconciliation.

As Ottawa continues to grow and change, its downtown remains a place where history informs the future—and where the NCC’s commitment to revitalization is helping to shape a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient capital for all Canadians.

For more details on leasing opportunities, please visit the NCC’s Commercial Properties web page at: ncc-ccn.gc.ca/commercial

Resident Views & Experiences of Downtown Ottawa

We’re pleased to share the latest update in our ongoing journey to revitalize Ottawa’s city core via the Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda. Valuable data from an August 2025 public opinion poll has now been added to the newly refreshed livingcapitalottawa.ca website, home of the Action Agenda. These insights show powerful support for downtown Ottawa’s vibrancy, opportunities, and cultural significance.

We asked you what you thought of downtown Ottawa, and you told us…

CAPITAL readers,

We believe in this city. And we believe in its people.

That’s why we’ve joined The Ottawa Hospital Foundation’s Campaign to Create Tomorrow — the most ambitious campaign in our city’s history. A $500-million push to build the most technologically advanced, patient-centred, research-driven healthcare facility our region has ever seen.

We’re proud to be part of this. But we can’t do it alone.

Great healthcare is a cornerstone of every truly great city. Not just to treat illness or emergencies — but to power innovation, attract world-leading talent, fuel economic growth, and strengthen the very fabric of our community.

This is Ottawa’s moment to lead.

With your support, we will build a new, world-class hospital. We’ll expand research that changes lives. We’ll create space for the next generation of care. And we’ll do it right here. At home. In Ottawa.

This is more than a building. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the future of healthcare.

Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng Head, Critical Care Department

Founder & President

We’ve stepped up. Now we’re asking you to do the same.

Join us. Invest in the future of your city. Create a better tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Ottawa Hospital CEO

& Chairman

Zoom Photobooth –Elevating Corporate Events with Curated Brand Experiences in Ottawa

IN TODAY’S COMPETITIVE marketplace, corporations and brands in Ottawa are seeking innovative ways to engage clients, reward employees, and leave a lasting impression. Enter Zoom Photobooth, a local leader in interactive photo and video experiences that combine entertainment with strategic brand value.

Far from the traditional backdrop-andcamera setup, Zoom Photobooth offers a range of cutting-edge activations that transform corporate gatherings, conferences, and brand activations into immersive experiences. From sleek Branded Photo Booths, 360° video booths, AI Portraits and customizable digital selfie kiosks to chic black-and-white glam booths, the company merges fun with forwardthinking marketing, and transforming photo and video activations into tailored brand experiences.

What sets Zoom Photobooth apart is its ability to seamlessly integrate branding into every interaction. Corporate logos, hashtags, and campaign messaging can be featured directly on photos, prints, and digital shares—turning every guest into a brand ambassador. With instant sharing options, content reaches social media feeds in real time, amplifying visibility well beyond the event itself.

Beyond brand exposure, companies are leveraging these experiences as a tool for client appreciation and feedback gathering. A guest who feels celebrated with a personalized keepsake—whether a glossy print, animated GIF, or branded video—is more likely to associate positive emotions with a business. Meanwhile, Zoom Photobooth’s technology allows organizations to collect valuable insights, from email addresses to survey responses, without feeling intrusive.

Zoom Photobooth also understands the power of storytelling. Its audio and

“Every photo is a memory for the guest and a marketing opportunity for the brand.”

video guestbooks give attendees the chance to share heartfelt testimonials or lighthearted messages, which companies can later repurpose for internal culturebuilding or external marketing campaigns. For businesses hosting product launches or milestone celebrations, these candid moments become invaluable assets.

In Ottawa’s growing corporate scene, where conferences, galas, and branded popups are becoming increasingly experiential, Zoom Photobooth provides a tailored solution that fuses entertainment with measurable return on investment. The service is more than a photo opportunity— it’s a chance for brands to deepen connections, spark conversations, and build community.

For businesses looking to stand out, Zoom Photobooth proves that innovation and engagement go hand in hand. It’s not just about capturing photos—it’s about capturing impactful and shareable moments.

Website: www.zoomphotobooth.ca

Email: booking@zoomphotobooth.ca

Ian Sherman and Lee Valley Named 2025’s Best Family Business Advisory Board

WHEN OTTAWA BUSINESS leader Ian Sherman agreed to chair Lee Valley Tools’ first family business advisory board, the mandate was clear: bring independent strategic insight to the trusted Canadian company, sharpen its long-term focus, scale responsibly and mentor the next generation of Lee family leadership.

Sherman was a natural choice. Over a 32-year career at Ernst & Young Canada, he advised national and local leaders, major public companies and large private firms in real estate, retail and technology. As he neared retirement as an EY Partner in 2021, he didn’t slow down—he “rewired”— earning the ICD.D designation through the Institute of Corporate Directors-Rotman Directors Education Program and launching Relationship Capital to focus on board and advisory work.

An Iconic Canadian Business, Evolving With the Times

Founded in 1978, Lee Valley is a family-owned company with 19 stores across Canada and a strong online presence, serving customers domestically and internationally. In 2022, the company asked Sherman to build and lead an advisory board that would add independent perspective, specialized retail expertise and strategic foresight to the table.

The board’s priorities were to scale thoughtfully, anticipate shifting customer expectations, respond to the post-COVID retail landscape and plan for long-term succession.

National Recognition for Excellence in Governance

Three years later, the results are earning national recognition. In June 2025, Lee Valley’s advisory board was named Best Family Business Advisory Board in the Canada’s Best Private Boards program—an initiative led by MondouxRollins Partners to spotlight governance excellence in private companies. Winners were honoured in November at the program’s Summit and Awards in Toronto.

“The board is going extremely well,” Sherman says. “There’s tremendous expertise, collegiality and teamwork, with diverse skills around the table.” That mix includes retail consultants who understand how dramatically customer expectations have shifted. Stores and the customer journey look very different than they did five, 10 and 15 years ago. The advisory board’s role, Sherman emphasizes, is not to run the business but to help guide its course, holding true to the ICD’s first principle of “fingers out” of operations, and “noses in” on strategy.

Strategy in Action

The recent grand opening of Lee Valley’s Pickering store underscored that approach. Sherman describes it as a tangible translation of boardroom strategy into design, service, customer experience and operational excellence.

Awarded the Order of Ottawa in 2021, Sherman is a recognized and approachable business and community leader who is highly regarded for connecting people, ideas and institutions across sectors. His approach to governance is rooted in trust, integrity, purpose, and the right mix of balanced and objective perspectives. These qualities make a critical difference for family enterprises managing succession strategy, intergenerational planning and growth.

On behalf of Lee Valley, we’re grateful for your guidance and commitment.

Your dedication continues to make a lasting impact, and we’re proud to celebrate this milestone with you.

Awarded the Order of Ottawa in 2021, Sherman is a recognized and approachable business and community leader who is highly regarded for connecting people, ideas and institutions across sectors. His approach to governance is rooted in trust, integrity, purpose, and the right mix of balanced and objective perspectives. These qualities make a critical difference for family enterprises managing succession strategy, intergenerational planning and growth.

Raising the Bar for Family Business

For established companies, an advisory board can be a powerful catalyst. The right chair assembles expertise, sets cadence and keeps leaders focused on decisions that compound over time—talent, technology, customer experience, capital and culture.

Through Relationship Capital, Sherman now dedicates his time to a select number of mandates where he can deliver that impact. He partners with iconic, values-aligned enterprises prepared to embrace disciplined governance and committed leadership, and that are ready to do the work it requires.

For companies that meet that bar, Sherman welcomes an initial conversation to explore fit and readiness. Connect with him through Relationship Capital at iansherman@relationshipcapital.ca.

A proud Canadian family business.

DOWNTOWNS what a HEART is to a

DOWNTOWNS are to a CITY BODY

BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL

The importance of downtown Ottawa cannot be overstated. To that end, key stakeholders are working hard to implement the Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda.

WHY ARE DOWNTOWNS IMPORTANT? It’s a question CAPITAL put to Alain Miguelez, Vice President of Capital Planning and Chief Planning Officer at the National Capital Commission.

“I think the best way to answer that question is to compare the importance of a heart to a human body,” Miguelez says. “It’s as simple as that. The heart is what pumps blood through the entire body—through veins and arteries—and you want to make sure that those arteries are not clogged, and you want to make sure that the heart is healthy, so that the entire body is sustained.”

Miguelez says when it comes to the importance of downtowns to the whole city, downtowns play an important economic role. Building prices are highest downtown, which means higher property assessments and therefore higher contributions to municipal coffers. And, downtowns are also where residential tax revenue would be highest because of the density of multistorey buildings downtown.

“They would be taxed at a much higher rate per acre of land than anywhere else in the city,” Miguelez says. “And then if you think about it symbolically, the downtown belongs to the entire city. It is the postcard of the city. It is how the city is identified internationally and nationally. It’s where you go to find the most diverse and wide range of activities—from the cultural to the economic to employment. And then there’s the nightlife, entertainment—just the bustle on the streets. It’s where the action is and it’s always been identified that way.”

Mary Rowe, CEO of the Canadian Urban Institute, would agree.

“All the economic opportunity that exists starts in the downtown,” Rowe says. “If you think about it, a city is an intersection of commercial, social—and, historically, of religious life. It all happened at a key intersection, which is what a downtown is.”

She says downtowns are like a magnetic polar influence of where it all happens.

“Trees grow from roots, plants grow from roots, gardens grow from the soil,” she says. “And cities are exactly the same. They mimic nature in that way. So, the adage I always say is that an apple rots from the core. You have to pay attention to what’s going on. You can’t ignore the central stem of a plant of any kind and the same is true for downtowns.”

The downtown belongs to the entire city. It is the postcard of the city. It is how the city is identified internationally and nationally. It’s where you go to find the most diverse and wide range of activities—from the cultural to the economic to employment.

Why Downtown Ottawa is Important Canada is a vast land whose economic fortunes rest on the wise stewardship of its natural resources and civic assets and its ability to innovate, retain and recruit talent. Ottawa is well positioned to do all of the aforementioned. And because of its size, it’s already an important asset to the country.

Ottawa-Gatineau is one of the country’s six economic regions, which, together, generate more than 65 percent of the country’s GDP. And downtowns account for 60 percent of the country’s GDP.

As a region, the National Capital attracts millions of tourists every year. Why? Because it’s the seat of the country’s most dominant brands—the Centre Block and the Maple Leaf—and it’s home to some of its most important and dynamic cultural institutions, including its six national museums.

As “A Living Capital: Investing in Downtown Ottawa for a Dynamic Future” states, “There is no benefit to pitting one part of the city against another: Making great cities is not a zero-sum game. For Canadian regions, it’s never a case of either-or, but always both-and.”

Sueling Ching, president and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, agrees, saying the downtown is the heart of the city and also its economic engine. As a member of the Downtown Ottawa Champions Table, she says city leaders are committed to the downtown’s revitalization, which is “essential for Ottawa’s well-being and livelihood.”

Revitalization Efforts

The Canadian Urban Institute, which created the “A Living Capital” document in conjunction with the Ottawa Board of Trade, says cities need to connect people and place to reach their potential.

“Ottawa is uniquely rich with natural, human and built-form assets,” it states in the document. “We need to invest in all three: more people, better places, and the policies and programs to realize our collective goals. There is no time to squander what we have by idly waiting.”

Melissa Reeves, COO of Linebox Studio architectural firm, and another member of the Downtown Ottawa Champions Table, says the city centre should be world-class.

“Right now, it’s difficult to put us up against Tokyo and Berlin and London and Paris, but it’s not to say that we can’t be there,” Reeves says. “We have all of the foundational elements needed to elevate Ottawa to become a true G7 capital city, but we need to make big, bold moves in order to do so.”

Those bold moves are outlined in the Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda, completed in May 2024. It notes that “the state of Ottawa’s downtown is the single most significant shift in our local economic landscape to ever happen.” Further, it says that improving the downtown requires an action-oriented, collaborative, multi-faceted approach. The plan came together with the help of key stakeholders in the National Capital Region and it includes ambitious but achievable measurable outcomes, which are all listed on livingcapitalottawa.ca, and they are updated as the work progresses on each.

The “make downtown Ottawa more desirable” outcome includes plenty of initiatives, such as identifying federal, provincial and municipal lands for affordable and supportive housing; identifying alternative funding sources to incentivize high-density residential development and purpose-built rentals; reviewing height restrictions for greater residential density; revising the federal disposal policy; among others. Those just listed are marked as “in progress.” The website also features news updates that are relevant to each outcome. For this one, those include the opening of a new luxury apartment building at the

We have all of the foundational elements needed to elevate Ottawa to become a true G7 capital city, but we need to make big, bold moves in order to do so.

corners of Albert and Lyon streets; the establishment of a Food Basics grocery store on Queen and Lyon streets, and the deal between the Senators and the NCC to buy land for a new arena.

On making downtown Ottawa more resilient, there are calls for more public realm improvements, building better, more reliable public transit; supporting mobility links between downtown Ottawa and downtown Gatineau; converting some oneway streets to two-way, and expanding the city’s mural program to add light and colour to blank walls. Some concrete outcomes include a $56-million cash injection for upgrades and renovations to the Delta and Westin hotels; the Downtown Business Improvement Area’s new Metcalfe Plaza, an outdoor space that offered free shows and social activities this summer during a

six-week pilot; and Live Nation’s investment in a 2,000-person music venue in the old Chapters building on the corners of Rideau Street and Sussex Drive. The latter will open in early 2026.

To make downtown Ottawa more robust, the Action Agenda recommends establishing a downtown cultural and arts district with branding and promotion; organizing recurring arts-related programs to bring people downtown in the evenings and offseason; implementing and amplifying the Nightlife Economic Strategy; among others. Outcomes so far in the “make downtown Ottawa more robust” category include Ottawa being selected for a new NATO defence innovation hub, and the Nightlife Commissioner’s launch of the Ottawa at Night website, which is a directory of venues that offer “attractions at night.”

Efforts to make downtown Ottawa more inclusive include making sure the Housing and Homelessness Leadership Table is the governance structure that drives Ottawa’s housing and homelessness strategy; supporting the implementation of trafficcalming and accessibility measures, and adopting the Crime Prevention through Environmental Design standard, which includes street lighting, parkade entrances, among other things. To this end, the Ottawa Police established CAMSafe, which aims to enhance crime prevention by leveraging community security cameras. Further, as part of an initiative led by the Indigenous Police Chiefs of Ontario, a group of 14 Indigenous youth from across the province visited the Elgin Street Police Station and Parliament, where they received a tour of Ottawa Police’s Parliamentary District Unit.

The Future of Downtown

Reeves says the asset mix in downtown Ottawa has never been balanced as it’s always been overburdened by federal offices.

“We often say in our office that COVID really just exposed the underlying issues that had always been there, which is the

A recent Abacus Data public opinion poll found that most respondents feel that making downtown more attractive to visitors is important for the overall health of the city. A full 39 percent said it was “extremely important” and 49 more called it “important” for an overall total of 87 percent.

over-concentration of office spaces in downtown Ottawa,” Reeves says. “What that means is that when people are not at work, there’s nobody downtown. And so, in order to create a community and interest and just an amazing energy and vibe, you need to have people there, not just in the regular working hours.”

Reeves points to a recent Abacus Data public opinion poll, housed at LivingCapitalOttawa.ca, that found that most respondents feel that making downtown more attractive to visitors is important for the overall health of the city. A full 39 percent said it was “extremely important” and 49 more called it “important” for an overall total of 87 percent.

“From an urban planning perspective, we need to figure out what we’re going to do in order to draw people in, make big, bold moves and to aim high and not be afraid of designing things and planning things that are interesting and fun and engaging, and that will bring people into the city,” Reeves says, adding that amenities that are fun— and beautiful—are what give people a sense of community and joy and engagement with their city.

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OTTAWA’S NEXT ECONOMY

How Defence and Energy can Revitalize Ottawa’s Economy and Safeguard Canada’s Future

BY ERIKA CUCCARO

The federal government has long been Ottawa’s anchor employer, with about 154,000 public servants working in the National Capital Region. But that anchor is shifting. Since the rise of hybrid work, vacant federal buildings have become symbols of uncertainty, leaving businesses, residents and investors waiting for a clear signal on the city’s future. In 2024 alone, nearly 10,000 public service jobs were cut. With a federal mandate to reduce spending by 15 percent by 2028, another 24,000 jobs could be on the line.

For generations, Ottawa’s economy has revolved around the federal payroll. Now, the city needs new engines of growth. Two sectors are emerging as natural leaders: defence and energy. Together, they have the potential to reshape Ottawa’s future, strengthening the local economy while advancing Canada’s national interests.

Building Canada’s Defence Hub

For generations, Ottawa’s economy has revolved around the federal payroll. Now, the city needs new engines of growth. Two sectors are emerging as natural leaders: defence and energy. Together, they have the potential to reshape Ottawa’s future, strengthening the local economy while advancing Canada’s national interests.

Ottawa is uniquely positioned to lead Canada’s defence renewal. It is the only city with a critical mass of tech talent, federal access, R&D labs, Arctic testing infrastructure and established recognition as a defence centre. More than 190 aerospace, defence and security companies are already based here, employing over 10,000 people.

The capital also boasts North America’s highest concentration of tech talent, a bilingual and highly educated workforce, more than 65 federal labs, and the headquarters of key national security agencies, including the Department of National Defence and Public Safety Canada. Each year, Ottawa also hosts CANSEC, one of the largest defence and security trade shows in North America.

Innovation by Design

Global defence clusters don’t happen by chance; they’re built through deliberate strategy. The Washington–Virginia corridor in the United States and the aerospace hub in Toulouse, France both grew from targeted investments that aligned federal priorities with regional strengths. Ottawa has all the right ingredients to follow suit.

Construction of Piperville municipal transformer station

The city is already earning global recognition. In 2023, four Ottawa sites were chosen to participate in NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA)—more than any other Canadian city. Among them: Area X.O., a smart mobility test facility managed by Invest Ottawa, and three National Research Council labs. These facilities now form part of 13 DIANA test centres across Canada, positioning Ottawa at the heart of allied defence innovation.

A Living Lab for Defence

Kanata North, Canada’s largest tech park, adds another layer of strength. Global leaders like Lockheed Martin, Thales Canada, CAE and Kongsberg Geospatial operate alongside hundreds of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), creating a living lab for secure communications, autonomous systems and aerospace solutions. With so much activity concentrated in one region, collaboration and coordination could transform Ottawa into Canada’s official defence innovation hub, where new technologies are developed, tested and deployed in support of both national security and economic growth.

The benefits would extend far beyond the city. Aligning defence procurement with Canadian innovators would expand opportunities for SMEs, attract global investment and create highly skilled jobs. It would also signal to the world that Canada is stepping up with an innovation-driven approach to defence, ideally located in its capital city.

Harnessing Energy to Power Growth

Another key opportunity for growth lies in Ottawa’s energy sector. As the city grows, so does demand for reliable, sustainable power. From defence and data centres to housing and transportation, electrification is accelerating. The Independent Electricity System Operator estimates Ottawa’s electricity demand could rise by 75 percent by 2050.

That growth presents both risk and opportunity. Without investment, outdated systems could constrain development and limit the city’s ability to attract major employers. But with the right planning, Ottawa can modernize its grid, expand storage and diversify supply to meet rising demand.

Modernizing for the Future

Hydro Ottawa and other local players are working on solutions, from smart grid technologies to renewable integration. The goal is to produce and manage energy more effectively, making Ottawa’s infrastructure resilient and sustainable.

Energy is more than a utility; it is critical infrastructure that underpins Ottawa’s competitiveness in sectors like AI, cybersecurity and defence. A modernized energy system will be essential to powering the next wave of innovation.

The Ottawa Board of Trade (OBOT) Pillar Partners—like Hydro Ottawa, Enbridge, Brookfield Renewable, Bruce Power and the Kanata North Business Association— are helping to shape the future of Ottawa’s energy landscape by setting advocacy priorities through their participation on OBOT’s Energy Policy Council.

Through innovative projects like Hydro Ottawa’s sewage energy project at LeBreton Flats, the region’s energy leaders are also laying the foundation to house a powerful national defence hub.

Spotlight on Hydro Ottawa

At the centre of this transformation is Hydro Ottawa. As the city’s primary utility, it is pursuing a future-forward strategy that combines infrastructure investment with clean energy innovation.

“Our work is a clear equation: energy equals economic growth,” says Guillaume Paradis, Chief Operating Officer of Distribution and Generation at Hydro Ottawa Group. “We are actively modernizing the grid and partnering on innovative projects to ensure that critical sectors like defence and technology have the resilient power they need to grow and innovate.”

Hydro Ottawa’s plan to meet rising demand focuses on three key areas: accelerating infrastructure development, fortifying the grid against extreme weather, and developing distributed energy sources closer to where power is consumed. These steps increase reliability and give the Ottawa region a clear competitive advantage.

These improvements directly support Ottawa’s critical sectors, including the

Department of National Defence (DND) in the National Capital Region.

Driving Progress Through Partnerships

Partnerships are central to Hydro Ottawa’s approach. Collaboration between utilities, government and private industry is essential to accelerate projects and address Ottawa’s rapidly growing energy needs.

A key example is Hydro Ottawa’s joint planning with Enbridge. By coordinating electricity and natural gas infrastructure, the two companies are creating a streamlined path to meet rising electrification demands and ensure that Ottawa remains competitive.

Energy is an Essential, Strategic Asset for Growth

For business leaders, the message is clear: energy is no longer just a utility, it’s a strategic asset. Site selectors now ask about energy availability before even revealing a company’s name, a clear signal that reliable, scalable power is an essential factor in Ottawa’s competitiveness and ability to attract world-class industries. Ensuring Ottawa has the resilient energy supply these industries demand will attract investment, retain top talent, and unlock new opportunities.

Ottawa’s Defence and Energy Advantage

The federal government will always be part of Ottawa’s identity, but the city’s future prosperity depends on diversification. Defence and energy innovation are emerging as dual engines of growth, with the potential to provide high-quality jobs, attract investment and strengthen Canada’s security.

By harnessing its strengths in defence and energy, Ottawa can do just that—transform from a government town into a capital city that reflects Canada’s position on the global stage.

Department of National Defence Headquarters: Carling Campus, Ottawa

FUTURE READY BY DESIGN: How Envari’s New Office Embodies Energy Innovation

IN TODAY’S RAPIDLY evolving energy landscape, resilience, sustainability, and efficiency are no longer optional, they are essential. That’s why Envari Energy Solutions is proudly inviting clients and partners to its newly renovated office, a space that perfectly captures the company’s mission of transforming buildings and infrastructure into futureready, energy-efficient spaces.

But this is more than a new address. It is a living, breathing demonstration of what’s possible when energy innovation meets practical, financially responsible planning.

From Warehouse to Workplace of the Future

The new facility was once a dark, refrigerated food distribution warehouse. Today, it has been reimagined as a warm, welcoming, and multifunctional operational hub that inspires collaboration and sparks ideas.

“Our new office is more than a place to work,” says Guy Brunet of Envari. “It reflects our identity and demonstrates our commitment to energy innovation and sustainability.”

From the beginning, Envari approached the project with the same staged, financially responsible strategy it recommends to clients, making upgrades in phases, aligning each step with available budgets, and leaving room for future innovation.

“Our new office is more than a place to work,” says Guy Brunet of Envari. “It reflects our identity and demonstrates our commitment to energy innovation and sustainability.”

“We make sure that everything fits within the financial realities of the time for our clients,” explains Guy Brunet. “Planning for the long term and building resilience is key. Make future-focused decisions that address today’s needs while anticipating tomorrow’s challenges.”

This phased approach has already delivered major results: electrical systems were modernized, energy use is continuously monitored, and the groundwork is laid for future enhancements.

Staged Approach to Energy Innovation

Before construction began, Envari carried out a full audit of the building’s lighting, mechanical, and electrical systems to determine what should be removed, reused, or replaced. The upgrades were planned not only to meet current operational needs but also to align with long-term sustainability goals.

As a certified delivery partner for the Ottawa Retrofit Accelerator program, Envari completed an internal carbon pathway study that provided a clear roadmap. It pinpointed which systems required immediate attention while also highlighting opportunities for medium and long-term improvements to boost efficiency and cut emissions.

On the electrical side, office lighting was upgraded to energy-efficient LED fixtures, reducing energy use and freeing capacity for future needs. On the mechanical side, heat pumps replaced equipment that needed updating, low-temperature baseboard heaters were added to support future electrification, and the Envari opensource Building Automation System (BAS) was installed to monitor and optimize performance.

This approach ensures that systems are right-sized, efficient, and ready to accommodate further innovations as technology and demand evolve.

The Art and Science of Lighting Design

Lighting plays a starring role in the new office, not just as a design feature but as a demonstration of Envari’s expertise. “Lighting is both subjective and scientific at the same time,” Brunet notes.

The design philosophy was simple: don’t let the existing infrastructure limit creativity. The result is an aesthetically enhanced space with a fully addressable, state-of-theart lighting control system that adapts to natural daylight, changes colour temperature

throughout the day, and creates the feel of natural skylight even in windowless areas.

“This is our showroom,” says Brunet. “Clients can see the impact of good lighting design first-hand, whether it’s human-centric lighting that follows the sun’s pattern or perimeter lighting that demonstrates colour-changing capability. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that supports productivity, wellness, and energy savings.”

Building Resilience and Planning Ahead

Perhaps the most important takeaway from the project is that not everything had to be done at once. Envari is committed to making

strategic investments at the right time. Installing EV chargers, adding solar panels, and continuing upgrades as operational needs and budgets allow.

“This is exactly the advice we give our clients,” says Brunet. “You don’t have to do everything at once. Build in stages and make fiscally responsible decisions. Leave room for future innovation, creating infrastructure that is adaptable, efficient, and resilient.”

A Space That Reflects Who They Are

Beyond the technical upgrades, Envari’s new office embodies its culture: collaborative, innovative, and forward-looking. The open, modern design encourages teamwork and creativity, while showcasing the very solutions Envari provides to clients every day.

“This project reflects who we are as a company,” says Brunet. “We hold our work to the same high standards we uphold for all our clients’ projects. Our new office space is proof that sustainable, energy-efficient design is achievable, and it can be done in a financially responsible way.”

Leading the Way for Clients and Community

As a trusted, full-service energy solutions partner to municipalities, businesses, and organizations seeking to lower costs and reduce carbon emissions, Envari is committed to helping clients chart their own path toward energy innovation.

The company integrates carbon planning into long-term asset management strategies, ensuring upgrades align with both environmental and financial goals. With a staged, adaptable approach, Envari empowers clients to take meaningful steps today without sacrificing tomorrow’s opportunities.

“If these challenges resonate with you, reach out,” says Brunet. “We’re happy to share our experience and guide you in creating spaces that are efficient, adaptable, and future-ready.”

ENCORE CANADA: Inspiring Connections Through Extraordinary Events

WWHEN IT COMES to event production and technology, Encore Canada has set the standard nationwide. With a presence in every major city and more than 280 in-house venues, Encore Canada is the country’s largest and most trusted event partner. From conferences and galas to hybrid events and government gatherings, Encore Canada brings innovation, expertise and creativity to every stage. Building on its leadership, Encore Canada recently launched its Regional Account Manager (RAM) program. This new sales approach allows local teams to better understand client needs, align with objectives and deliver tailored solutions that create meaningful impact—whether that’s stronger attendee engagement or higher return on investment for organizations.

Encore Canada’s strength comes from its people. With more than 2,100 employees, including 1,500 full-time staff, Encore Canada is the largest employer in the Canadian event technology sector. The company invests heavily in its workforce, delivering nearly 80,000 hours of training in 2025 alone. Programs such as WAVE, designed to advance women in event technology, and leadership pathways such as the Elevate initiative, ensure Encore Canada’s people are equipped

to grow, innovate and deliver exceptional experiences. That dedication to excellence extends to customers. Encore Canada’s EventPulse survey program captures client feedback after every event, contributing to an industry-leading satisfaction score of 87 percent. This culture of continuous improvement, backed by more than $120M annually invested in training, leadership and technology, ensures Encore Canada consistently exceeds expectations.

Encore Canada is equally committed to community and sustainability. Each year, the company provides more than $2 million in in-kind services to support more than 800 nonprofits, while also sponsoring and contributing to industry associations like PCMA, MPI, and CanSPEP. On the environmental front, Encore Canada has reduced its global emissions intensity by 13.5 percent and continues to advance sustainable event solutions.

What truly sets Encore Canada apart is its local leadership. Proudly 100 percent Canadian-managed, with its leadership team holding an equity stake, Encore Canada is deeply invested in the success of its partners and communities. As a trusted partner to government, Indigenous organizations and businesses across the country, Encore Canada’s mission remains clear: to connect and inspire through extraordinary events—while shaping the future of the industry.

Security with Purpose

HOW COMMISSIONAIRES

FOR 100 YEARS, Commissionaires Ottawa has gone beyond uniforms, gates and patrol cars. Here, security means service, excellence and commitment—protecting Canadians at home and abroad.

Founded in 1925 to support veterans returning from the First World War, Commissionaires provided meaningful employment when few others did. It preserved skills, dignity, and financial stability for men and women transitioning to civilian life.

Today, Commissionaires has become a leader in community reinvestment, a bridge for veterans, and a pioneer in expanding security services beyond guarding.

Serving the National Capital Region, Gatineau, Sudbury, Windsor and Petawawa, Commissionaires Ottawa has never treated security as just a business. It has always been a purpose.

That purpose endures. Commissionaires is Canada’s largest employer of veterans and the only national not-for-profit security company. This legacy builds trust. Clients know they are working with professionals whose values are rooted in service, integrity, and resilience.

But legacy alone does not define leadership. What sets Commissionaires Ottawa apart is how it continues to evolve— transforming security from a service into a community investment.

Integrated Security, Exceeding Standards

Modern security requires more than a guard at a gate.

Commissionaires Ottawa has built a full suite of services to meet complex needs, including:

• Digital fingerprinting and background screening – delivering reliable results for employment, immigration, and volunteer checks.

• Criminal Record Checks (CPIC) – delivering secure, record verification for individuals and organizations across Canada.

• Record suspensions and pardon services – clearing past convictions to open doors for a fresh start.

• Threat risk assessments – helping organizations proactively identify vulnerabilities.

• Investigations – providing trusted insights to reduce risk and ensure compliance.

• Mobile patrol services – ensuring safety and deterrence through professional, round-the-clock vehicle patrols that protect properties and deter incidents.

• HomeWatch – offering peace of mind for homeowners through scheduled property checks that safeguard homes while residents are away.

Every service is delivered by a workforce motivated not just by professionalism, but by purpose. Ethical service is more than a standard—it is Commissionaires Ottawa’s mission.

Community Reinvestment That Matters

Commissionaires Ottawa reinvests more than 90 percent of revenue into people and communities, not shareholders. Employees benefit from competitive wages, training, and support, which translates into higherquality service for clients.

This model strengthens society. In the National Capital Region, Commissionaires Ottawa has contributed millions of dollars to community partners, including:

• Perley Health – funding frailty-informed care and new independent-living apartments.

• Veterans’ House – providing supportive housing for at-risk veterans.

• The Pepper Pod – a retreat for women veterans transitioning to civilian life.

• Soldier On – a Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group that helps ill and injured serving members and veterans recover, reintegrate, and thrive through sport, recreational, and creative activities. These contributions are not charity; they are part of a deliberate, community-first approach. Choosing Commissionaires means investing directly in veterans, seniors, and families.

Driven by People, Not Profits

Unlike traditional security companies, Commissionaires Ottawa is not accountable to shareholders. Its not-for-profit structure ensures revenue strengthens its workforce and communities.

This purpose driven model delivers measurable impact, safer communities, healthier neighbourhoods, and a stronger Canada.

Standing Together Across Communities

At a time when trust, integrity, and community investment matter more than ever, Commissionaires Ottawa stands apart. Security is not a commodity—it is a calling. With every patrol, fingerprint scan, and background check, Commissionaires protect people and property while helping cities prosper.

For organizations in Ottawa, Gatineau, Sudbury, Windsor, and Petawawa, the choice is clear: partner with Commissionaires Ottawa for security services founded on integrity, delivered with heart, and invested in community.

Choosing Commissionaires means choosing security with purpose.

Charitable Facts

More than 90% of revenue reinvested into people and communities

Over $3 million contributed to Perley Health

$1 million contributed to Veterans’ House

$160,000 contributed to The Pepper Pod

Business Services Facts

Integrated services from guarding and mobile response to fingerprinting, investigations, and risk assessments

Largest private-sector employer of veterans in Canada

COOPERATION AT THE CROSSROADS:

How Ottawa’s Co-ops are Reshaping Local Prosperity

How cooperatives and community-led models democratize Ottawa’s economy for resilience and shared growth

BY LUDOVIC VIGER

OTTAWA IS AT A CROSSROADS. As Canada faces economic disruption—skyrocketing housing costs, fragile global supply chains, and an aging workforce exiting small businesses—the capital city is forging a new path. In my forthcoming book, The Great Canadian Reset: How Co-Ops Can Save Canada’s Economy, I argue that cooperatives, social finance, and community-led models democratize wealth, protect local jobs, and build resilience. Ottawa, with its vibrant small business sector and community spirit, is the perfect proving ground.

The Cooperative Advantage Cooperatives are businesses owned and governed by their members—workers, customers, or residents—who share profits and decision-making. Unlike corporate giants that funnel wealth to distant

shareholders, co-ops keep money circulating locally. In Ottawa, where small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) employ over 60% of the workforce, this model is a lifeline. Co-ops counter the inequality of globalized systems, where corporate consolidation leaves communities like Centretown or Vanier struggling with unaffordable commercial rents and precarious jobs. The Ottawa Community Land Trust (OCLT) exemplifies this. By acquiring properties and leasing them affordably, OCLT ensures housing and commercial spaces remain accessible. In 2023, OCLT purchased a six-unit apartment building on Kirkwood Avenue, and in 2024, it acquired a 10-unit building in Vanier, keeping rents 20-30% below market averages. This isn’t charity—it’s a business model prioritizing fairness, proving community-led solutions can scale.

Tackling the “Silver Tsunami” Ottawa’s SMEs face a looming crisis: the “silver tsunami.” As baby boomer business owners retire, many small firms—think family-run restaurants in the ByWard Market or tech startups in Kanata—risk closing or being acquired by corporate chains. A 2023 Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) report estimated that 76% of Canadian small businesses lack succession plans, threatening thousands of local jobs. Worker-owned co-ops offer a solution, allowing employees to buy out retiring owners, preserving businesses and jobs. Ottawa could pioneer this model. Imagine a ByWard Market café or Westboro boutique transitioning to worker ownership, keeping profits with employees who live and spend locally. Policy can accelerate this. A tax incentive for co-op conversions, modeled on Québec’s Co-operative Investment Plan, which offers tax credits for worker buyouts, could make Ottawa a leader in SME resilience. Imagine a Canada where SMEs are genuinely empowered with incentives to thrive locally, not just placated with empty promises. Could such support keep businesses in Hintonburg or Orléans community-driven?

Producer Co-ops: A Game-Changer for SMEs

Producer co-ops offer another powerful option for Ottawa’s SMEs and sole proprietors. These co-ops unite independent businesses—farmers, artisans, or small manufacturers—to pool resources and share costs. Take Agropur, Canada’s largest dairy cooperative, where over 3,000 memberproducers share processing, logistics, and marketing, boosting efficiency and market access. In Ottawa, imagine local food producers, craft brewers, or tech freelancers forming a producer co-op to split administrative overhead, transport costs, or marketing campaigns. This model cuts expenses, enhances bargaining power with suppliers, and fosters collaboration, helping SMEs compete with corporate giants. By pooling expertise and infrastructure, producer co-ops could strengthen Ottawa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, from Orléans farms to Westboro artisans.

Social Finance: Fueling Inclusive Growth Cooperatives need capital, and social finance—investments prioritizing community impact—fills the gap. The Ottawa Renewable Energy Co-operative (OREC) shows how. Since 2011, OREC has raised over $10 million through local investors to fund solar projects, offering members stable returns while powering

Ottawa’s clean energy transition. Similarly, OCLT’s Housing Forever Bonds, launched in 2024, raised $1.72 million to refinance its Kirkwood property and acquire more affordable housing, with investors earning up to 4.5% returns. These models empower communities to fund their own solutions, reducing reliance on volatile global markets.

Contrast this with corporate welfare. In 2024, federal subsidies to multinationals topped $7 billion, while SMEs struggled. Redirecting a fraction of that to co-op development or social finance could transform Ottawa’s economy, supporting tech firms in Nepean or artisanal shops in Westboro with grants or loan guarantees for co-op transitions.

Preserving Commercial Spaces: A Cooperative Fix

Ottawa’s SMEs face rising commercial rents, with prime retail spaces in areas like Westboro averaging $40-$60 per square foot in 2025. Independent businesses, from cafés to bookstores, risk being displaced by chain retailers. Community-led models offer a fix. The Kensington Market Community Land Trust (KMCLT) in Toronto provides a blueprint: it acquires commercial properties and leases them affordably to local businesses, preserving neighborhood character. In 2024, KMCLT secured a retail building on Augusta Avenue, ensuring small businesses like independent grocers could stay despite market pressures.

Municipal policy could amplify this. Ottawa could emulate KMCLT’s model, partnering with OCLT to acquire commercial properties and lease them to local SMEs or co-ops at below-market rates. This would keep neighbourhoods like the ByWard Market vibrant and diverse, preventing corporate homogenization. Supporting such initiatives could ensure Ottawa’s SMEs remain competitive.

Countering Corporate Consolidation

Globalization hollows out local economies, and Ottawa isn’t immune. When multinationals dominate, small businesses struggle, and wealth flows out. The Battle River Railway Co-operative in Alberta, where farmers crowdfunded a rail line to keep grain transport local, offers a model.

Co-ops are resilient. A 2023 International Co-operative Alliance study found co-ops have a 90% survival rate after five years, compared to 60% for conventional SMEs. Ottawa’s entrepreneurs, from restaurateurs to tech innovators, could leverage this to weather inflation and supply chain shocks.

A Call to Action

Ottawa has the ingredients for a cooperative renaissance: a strong SME base, engaged communities, and a history of innovation. My Substack, The Great Canadian Reset, explores these ideas further, offering case studies and policy proposals.

An Invitation to Join the Ottawa Board of Trade

Joining the Ottawa Board of Trade means becoming part of a dynamic network dedicated to shaping the future of our city. As the leading advocate for local businesses, OBOT empowers members to thrive in a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable economy. Membership provides access to valuable resources, influential connections, and a powerful voice in Ottawa’s economic agenda.

Whether you’re a startup, a growing enterprise, or an established industry leader, OBOT offers the support, advocacy, and opportunities you need to succeed, while helping build a world-class business community for today and for generations to come.

Discover how your membership can drive economic growth, foster innovation, and make a lasting impact on Ottawa’s prosperity.

Visit ottawabot.ca today.

Become an OBOT Pillar Partner

Be part of a strategic initiative designed to mobilize the resources necessary to drive positive, long-term outcomes in city-building decisions.

Exclusive Benefits for Pillar Partners

Premium Access: Enjoy priority access to high-profile events, value-added sponsorship opportunities, and exclusive networking and policy forums.

Strategic Recognition: Gain visibility across the community, with brand recognition on OBOT materials, at events, and through high-impact signage and acknowledgments.

Influence and Engagement: Secure a seat at decision-making and thought leadership tables, positioning your business at the forefront of regional transformation.

Strengthening Our Collective Voice: The Pillar Partner program aims to establish a best-in-class Board of Trade for Ottawa and the National Capital Region, amplifying the voice and influence of the business community. By uniting business and community leaders, we are creating a shared vision and actionable plan for the region’s sustainable economic prosperity.

Investing in Growth and Excellence: As a Pillar Partner, you’re not just supporting your business, you’re investing in the broader Ottawa community. Your commitment strengthens the local business environment, enhances workforce capabilities, and attracts clients, investors, and talent to our city.

Contact Kara Higdon, OBOT’s Director of Business & Community Partnerships, at kara.higdon@ottawabot.ca to learn more.

Thank you to our current Pillar Partners:

An Unlikely Investment with Unbelievable Potential: The Journey of OCM Auto Fund

BY COLIN KEDDY, INVESTMENT ADVISOR WITH THE OCM AUTO FUND

ACK IN 2013, I was introduced to a concept that seemed counterintuitive: financing car loans with private capital. At the time, I remember thinking, cars lose value the moment they leave the lot, and borrowers with bruised credit didn’t seem like the ideal recipe for an investment fund. I politely wished them luck and walked away.

BYears later, I revisited the idea and was surprised to learn that what had started as a small “auto fund” had grown to nearly $10 million. That stopped me in my tracks. Clearly, there was something I misunderstood about the business model. There had to be more to it than just determination.

The reality is, more than 3.7 million Canadians rely on subprime credit to get behind the wheel. A vehicle isn’t a luxury; it’s the key to earning a paycheque, caring for family, and moving through daily life. Without alternative financing, millions would be stranded. And this is not a short-term influx in the market due to an economic recession. The need for subprime has been consistent for decades and growing as banks become more stringent with their lending policies. Often referred to as banking for the unbanked.

As a seasoned investment advisor, I’m always looking for opportunities that my clients can invest in that are resilient in

almost any economic condition. Historical information on the subprime industry reinforced that this was an opportunity that could weather all financial climates. And as it turns out, it could also weather a worldwide pandemic.

That realization sparked the OCM story. What began as a small initiative grew into a company built to meet a national need. And over the last 13 years, OCM has proven its resilience through every twist in the economic road. During COVID, when businesses closed and uncertainty reigned, demand for vehicles soared. New cars were scarce, public transit was avoided, and people did everything they could to keep up with payments. Rather than faltering, OCM’s portfolio grew stronger. Then came 2022, when interest rates shot up faster than they had in decades. Once again, traditional lending shrank, and more Canadians turned to us.

Many still assume “subprime” means unstable. But OCM is different. We focus on used cars where most depreciation is behind us, and we lend with strict criteria. Recovery rates sit in the 90th percentile. Our structure, built with legal, accounting, and financial expertise, ensures transparency, governance, and sustainability. For over a decade, investors have seen steady, reliable returns. Today, OCM manages $100 million in financing and boasts a phenomenal track record of investor returns—on time and as promised. As a trusted investment fund now with national recognition, OCM has set its sights on expanding the fund to $250 million in the next 3 years. But more than numbers, it’s about the people—the families who depend on their vehicles, and the hundreds of investors who’ve trusted us along the way. Looking back, I’m grateful I was wrong in 2013. Because what started wasn’t just an “auto fund.” It was the beginning of a story about meeting real needs, building resilience, and creating opportunity for Canadians who need it most.

THE POWER OF DIPLOMACY IN PRINT: CANADA’S GATEWAY TO THE WORLD CANADA SERVES

Founded in 1989, Diplomat & International Canada Magazine stands as Canada’s only national publication dedicated exclusively to diplomacy, international affairs, and global engagement.

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY IN Ottawa, the diplomatic capital of Canada, the magazine has, for over three decades, established an unparalleled reputation as a bridge between embassies, governments, and the private sector.

Distributed directly to over 1,200 foreign diplomats and missions in Canada, as well as federal and provincial government offices, business leaders, cultural institutions, and high-net-worth households, the magazine reaches a powerful readership of more than 50,000 decision-makers across the country and abroad. It is also circulated through Canadian embassies and high commissions overseas, amplifying its reach to global audiences interested in Canada’s diplomatic landscape.

More than a publication, Diplomat & International Canada serves as a platform for meaningful dialogue. Each edition features in-depth interviews with ambassadors and heads of mission, analysis of bilateral relations, reports on global affairs, cultural diplomacy, trade opportunities, and exclusive coverage of national day celebrations and international events. The editorial approach combines credibility, diplomacy, and storytelling, offering readers an inside view of the world through a distinctly Canadian lens.

In a rapidly changing geopolitical environment, the magazine plays a vital role in strengthening Canada’s global positioning. It provides a trusted space where diplomacy intersects with business, innovation, and culture, making it a preferred communication tool for embassies

and international organizations seeking to reach key audiences in Canada.

Today, as Canada deepens its international partnerships, Diplomat & International Canada continues to evolve into a fully integrated media platform, extending from print to digital, events, and strategic communications. Through its signature gala events, diplomatic receptions, and strategic collaborations with leading brands, the magazine creates unique opportunities for engagement and visibility.

For CEOs, diplomats, and government officials, this publication is more than reading material; it is a strategic window into Canada’s role on the world stage. In the heart of Ottawa and beyond, Diplomat & International Canada remains the definitive voice connecting Canada to the world and the world to Canada.

For more information or advertising opportunities please contact awwad@ diplomatonline.com, or visit diplomatonline. com/mag/

UNDER ONE ROOF

Integrated Professional Services Tailored to You

and Your Business

In today’s fast-paced world, leaders—whether entrepreneurs, diplomats, or executives—face parallel demands: managing complex organizations and mandates while pursuing personal and legacy goals. Time, trust, and strategic alignment become invaluable.

Recognizing this, Ottawa entrepreneur Andrew Abraham transformed his boutique accounting firm into TAAG—a multidisciplinary professional services group designed to serve a full spectrum of business and personal needs. TAAG offers a rare, integrated model that combines accounting, legal, marketing, and wealth advisory services under one roof. This holistic approach empowers small to mediumsized enterprises and high-net-worth individuals to streamline operations, protect assets, and accelerate growth—all with a single trusted partner.

TAAG professionals work alongside you to establish strategic objectives, optimize core functions, and amplify your brand. Whether you’re building a business, a legacy, or both, TAAG is your advisor in prosperity.

Accounting + Tax is the cornerstone of the TAAG ecosystem, forming the foundation upon which our integrated advisory services were built. We provide customized solutions in bookkeeping, payroll, financial statements, tax filings, and special advisory services. Our team goes beyond compliance to deliver strategic insights that support

your financial clarity and operational efficiency. For clients seeking deeper financial oversight, we offer a Virtual Chief Financial Officer (VCFO) service— reducing time and cost burdens while enhancing decision-making. We also specialize in estate planning, succession strategies, family trusts, and related tax matters, ensuring your personal and business interests are protected and aligned across generations.

TAAG Law is North America’s pioneer of Entrepreneur Law,™ offering tailored legal services to business owners, investors, and high-net-worth individuals from coast to coast. We support entrepreneurs with day-to-day operations and long-term goals—capital raising, tax mitigation, and exit strategies. Our approach blends Bay Street sophistication with Main Street practicality, delivering responsive, proactive counsel. From selfincorporated professionals to real estate developers and manufacturers, we serve clients nationwide across industries. As your trusted advisor, we’re available seven days a week to ensure your corporate, commercial, and succession planning needs are aligned with your broader personal and business objectives.

Wealth + Family Office provides sophisticated financial planning and wealth advisory services to high-net-worth Canadian families. Using state-of-theart analytics software, we create custom financial

plans that also uncover inefficiencies—such as poor design, missed opportunities, and unnecessary taxes or expenses. Our boutique model focuses on a smaller client base, allowing us to deliver deeper, more personalized service and strategic guidance not typically offered by traditional investment firms. We align every plan with your family’s long-term financial goals, ensuring clarity, confidence, and continuity across generations.

Marketing + Design delivers tailored digital marketing, branding, web, strategy, content creation, graphic design, and niche publishing services. Our experienced creative and technical teams craft strategic marketing solutions backed by decades of agency and project expertise across diverse industries. We help clients reach and engage their audiences with precision—advancing brand visibility, accelerating growth, and achieving corporate marketing objectives. Services are available à la carte or through our flexible Virtual Chief Marketing Officer (VCMO) model, giving you access to seniorlevel marketing leadership without the overhead.

To start a conversation, contact TAAG at reception@taag.ca, and visit us at TAAG.ca

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

IHAVE MET with a number of entrepreneurs and business owners in recent weeks who are very excited about our city right now. Despite some economic uncertainty and other challenges, we have a lot of reasons to be proud and optimistic.

Our tourism industry is coming off one of the best summers in history. Technology companies in Kanata are growing and expanding. Ottawa is on the leading edge in the rapidly growing defence and cybersecurity sector, poised for exponential growth as the federal government increases spending. We are uniquely positioned to be Canada’s defence innovation hub, with local companies specializing in AI, semiconductors, and photonics.

We’re making big progress on city building initiatives including our 200th anniversary next year, and the revitalization of our historic Lansdowne Park. Lansdowne is an enormous economic opportunity for our

city. The project will create thousands of jobs and the investment from taxpayers represents only 31% of the total project value. For every dollar we invest, we’ll get more than $3 in value.

We’re also taking bold action on housing. Our new Housing Action Plan is being called the most ambitious in Canada. We’re taking more than 50 measures to streamline approvals, modernize processes, cut red tape, and reduce fees. We’re saying “yes” to housing, including affordable housing. In addition, I have pledged to end youth homelessness in Ottawa by 2030.

Even though health care is not a municipal responsibility, we are taking steps to improve access to primary care in our city. City council has approved our new Primary Care Action Plan to help attract and retain more family doctors, including francophone and rural practitioners. Every resident deserves access to primary care close to home, and we’re working hard to make that a reality.

I’m hard at work on the 2026 city budget, which is focused on protecting affordability and investing in what matters most. I’m proud that Ottawa has had the lowest tax increases of any major city in Canada, keeping taxes as low as possible for families and small businesses. And we’re investing in critical infrastructure including roads and sidewalks, affordable housing, public transit, and public safety.

What excites me most is that I’m seeing more collaboration in our city than ever before. Team Ottawa is gaining momentum. Working together, we can build a city that’s safer, more reliable, and more affordable, and create a better future for our children and grandchildren.

Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa

PHOTO: OTTAWA TOURISM