CAPITAL Magazine Fall-Winter 2024

SHOWCASING OTTAWA

A city of opportunity, transformation, and resilience

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THE OBOT PERSPECTIVE

AS WE PRESENT this Fall/Winter 2024 issue of CAPITAL, we reflect on a time of remarkable transformation for our city. Ottawa continues to grow as a vibrant, dynamic destination, where local entrepreneurs and business leaders make lasting impacts on the lives of residents, visitors, and investors alike.

This issue highlights the resilience, creativity, and collaboration that define Ottawa’s business community. From innovative small businesses to impactful charitable foundations, our members are the backbone of our economy, contributing not only through economic output but also by creating a more connected, inclusive, and supportive community. The Ottawa Board of Trade remains committed to advocating for policies that support business growth and fostering connections among our members so they can thrive in an increasingly competitive and complex global market.

In this edition, we celebrate how our community has successfully navigated challenges by advancing policies, strengthening networks, and investing in our city’s future. Our members are at the forefront of sustainable development, social responsibility, and technology, making Ottawa a model city for inclusive growth and opportunity. Our rich heritage and forwardlooking approach allow us to attract talent and investment while embracing our unique Canadian identity.

As we look to the future, we invite you to join us in shaping the city we love, one where businesses continue to play a pivotal role in enhancing our quality of life. Together, we are building a prosperous Ottawa that welcomes the world to experience our rich history, diverse culture, and economic promise.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

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

150 Elgin Street, 10th Floor Ottawa, ON K2P 1L4 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 Melanie Williams, TAAG

Managing Editor Danielle Valois dvalois@taag.ca

Creative Director Leslie Miles

Writers

Jennifer Campbell Erika Cuccaro Jeff Buckstein

ADVERTSING SALES

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

CAPITAL is grateful for some funding contributed by the Canada Periodical Fund, Special Measures for Journalism, Department of Canadian Heritage.

Funded by the Government of Canada Financé par le gouvernement du Canada

ISSN 2371-333X. All rights reserved. Any reproduction of the contents without prior written authorization from the publisher is strictly prohibited. PM 43136012. CAPITAL is published two times a year: Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. Printed in Canada.

CUCCARO

Embracing Ottawa’s Unmatched Potential

IN THIS ISSUE OF CAPITAL , we are excited to spotlight Ottawa’s evolution as a city uniquely positioned for growth, adaptability, and resilience. As Canada’s capital, Ottawa offers a harmonious blend of cultural richness, economic opportunity, and forward-thinking initiatives, making it a city that thrives through transformation.

Our cover story, A City with It All, presents Ottawa as a vibrant metropolis that attracts residents and visitors alike. From its stunning natural landscapes to its rich tapestry of arts, culture, and education, Ottawa is a world-class capital with a communitycentered focus. With accessible green spaces like Gatineau Park and the Rideau Canal, alongside seven renowned national museums,

Ottawa balances the charm of a close-knit city with the dynamism of a global capital.

One of our key themes is the revival of Ottawa’s downtown core as a key driver for the National Capital Region. In Downtown Ottawa at a Crossroads, we delve into the ambitious plans to reinvigorate the heart of the city. With a focus on creating a vibrant, inclusive space where people live, work, and gather, this initiative aims to add 40,000 new residents by 2034, bring 50,000 jobs to the area, and invest $500 million into public

As Canada’s capital, Ottawa offers a harmonious blend of cultural richness, economic opportunity, and forwardthinking initiatives, making it a city that thrives through transformation.

spaces. Through partnerships with local organizations, the Ottawa Board of Trade is leading this charge, ensuring that Ottawa’s downtown can reclaim its place as a bustling hub of activity and innovation.

Ottawa’s small businesses, often considered the city’s economic backbone, take center stage in Small Businesses: Ottawa’s Lifeblood. In Ottawa, small enterprises make up over 90% of local businesses, contributing to an economic ecosystem that values creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurship. With robust support from local organizations like Invest Ottawa, the city’s small business sector continues to show strength and adaptability, navigating challenges with agility. This segment showcases the small businesses that enrich our community fabric and provide a distinct character to Ottawa’s neighborhoods.

The spirit of giving is also alive and well in Ottawa, as highlighted in our Charity Corner Through a partnership with TAAG, the newly rebranded Capital Prosperity Foundation focuses on providing essential support to children and families in the Ottawa area.

From funding school breakfast programs to helping vulnerable families with food and basic needs, the foundation exemplifies the heart and resilience of Ottawa’s business and community leaders.

Our Sector Profile: Restaurants takes you through Ottawa’s diverse and thriving culinary scene, which ranges from farm-totable establishments to globally inspired restaurants. This vibrant sector is an essential part of Ottawa’s charm, drawing locals and tourists into unique dining

experiences that celebrate regional flavors and innovation.

On the innovation front, Ottawa’s tech sector remains robust, with cutting-edge advancements that strengthen the city’s economy and global profile. On Campus: U Ottawa explores how the University of Ottawa and other institutions are fostering talent in tech, health sciences, and other fields critical to Ottawa’s growth. The emphasis on skill development and research excellence ensures that Ottawa remains a top destination for students, entrepreneurs, and businesses alike.

Finally, in Mayor’s Message, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe discusses Ottawa’s future ambitions, reflecting on a vision that includes sustainable growth, community resilience, and an enhanced quality of life for all residents. His message underscores the city’s commitment to being a welcoming, forward-focused capital.

Each article in this issue is a testament to Ottawa’s enduring strengths and bold aspirations. Together, they paint a picture of a city ready to seize the future while honoring its unique heritage. As you explore these stories, we invite you to envision Ottawa not just as a capital city, but as a community driven by opportunity, transformation, and resilience—a city with an unwavering commitment to creating a prosperous and inclusive future.

Sueling Ching, President and CEO, Ottawa Board of Trade

IJoin GOHBA’s campaign for housing affordability and supply in Ottawa

T WAS ONCE A RITE OF PASSAGE for young people embarking on careers to buy a home where they could build their lives.

But things have changed. The dream of home ownership is complicated for most—and impossible for many. Home prices, interest rates, and a country-wide housing supply crisis have created a messy mix that sees thousands of Canadians of all ages out of luck when searching for an affordable home.

Municipalities are working diligently to find innovative solutions to get homes built quickly. Zoning bylaws and development charges—though not seemingly exciting topics—are the place to start. Their impact is immeasurable, shaping the lives of Ottawa residents today and for generations to come.

Ottawa’s new zoning bylaw is being drafted on the expectation that Ottawa’s population will grow by 400,000 by 2046. Yet updated projections from the Ontario Ministry of Finance indicate that Ottawa’s population will grow by 660,000 in that time frame, raising valid concerns about whether the proposed zoning provisions can meet the critical housing needs of our rapidly expanding community. It certainly means we’re not building enough homes in an alreadystretched environment.

That’s why, when it comes to zoning, Ottawa has a once-in-ageneration opportunity to ask not, “What should the limits be?” but instead, “What are the possibilities?”

We are at a critical point when it comes to housing in Ottawa, and we can’t build viable, ambitious communities with half-measures. Now is the time to take bold steps to increase density and the variety of housing that will be created and truly push the envelope for as-ofright development.

The only way we will ever supply enough new homes to meet Ottawa’s population growth is if the business community and the public join GOHBA’s call to build Up, In, and Out: Up, with taller buildings around transit stations and on main streets; In, with denser infill projects in existing neighbourhoods; and Out, with new communities in Orléans, Barrhaven, and Kanata.

We need a zoning bylaw that lives up to our collective housing aspirations and gives future residents reasonable opportunity for a home of their own.

HOWL – Over 300 women came together to share knowledge, network and pave the way for women in the housing industry free of barriers

Mayor’s New Year Breakfast (over 200 people attended to hear the Mayor’s 2024 plans for the city)

WHILE HOMES ARE AT THE HEART of the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA), our impact goes well beyond advocating for new construction and professional renovation. We’re just as focused on building a strong, connected community.

That’s why our events have become such a vital part of our work. From workshops to galas, we celebrate local talent and showcase the remarkable work happening right here in the Capital Region.

Take the RenoTour Parade of Homes, for example. This year’s edition featured nine unique renovation projects, giving Ottawans the chance to meet the creators behind these stunning transformations, explore at their own pace and gather inspiration for their own renovations.

GOHBA is also committed to promoting diversity in the industry. HOWL (Home Builders of Ottawa Women Leaders) was created to promote women and bridge the gap in a male-dominated industry. HOWL provides women with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to advance their careers and achieve leadership roles. HOWL promotes women in the housing industry and creates a more inclusive, innovative, and balanced industry, benefiting everyone!

Building community together: GOHBA’s impact through community events

We also know how to celebrate in style. The Housing Design Awards is one of Ottawa’s largest galas, showcasing excellence in architecture, design and craftsmanship. It’s a night of glamour that honours those shaping the homes of tomorrow while offering a glimpse into cutting-edge trends and innovations. This event is a true highlight for home design enthusiasts, blending elegance with recognition of Ottawa’s most creative minds.

At the beginning of every year, Hello/Goodbye allows industry professionals to welcome the new year together while gaining valuable insights from experts like Cheryl Rice (PMA Brethour Realty Group) and David Coletto (Abacus Data). Covering everything from economic conditions to housing demand, Hello/Goodbye is an essential event for understanding and staying ahead of market trends.

Whether it’s celebrating the creative minds behind Ottawa’s newest homes, empowering women in the industry or gaining insights into market shifts, GOHBA’s events are more than just gatherings. They are key moments for the industry to connect, collaborate and grow. If you’d like to learn more or get involved, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to welcome you into our community.

2024’s Hello/Goodbye Cheryl Rice (PMA Brethour Real Estate Group), David Coletto (Chair and CEO of Abacus Data), Petula Pinto (Manager, HomeEquity Bank) and Jennifer Alvarenga (Broker, Goodstory)

Reno Tour – Ottawa joined us for the City-Wide Renovation Tour and explored stunning transformations, innovative designs, and home makeovers

HDA GALA – All dressed up for an unforgettable night at the gala! A perfect evening of connections and celebrating the best of the best in housing

BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL

Ottawa rightly takes its place among the world’s most enviable capitals thanks to its first-class festivals, opportunities to explore nature at every turn, a sophisticated multicultural vibe, a stunning Parliamentary precinct and seven national museums, to name just a few of its strengths.

change notwithstanding, Ottawa’s world-famous Rideau Canal touts itself as the longest skating rink in the world. And then there are the region’s seven national museums—the Canadian War Museum, the Canadian Museum of History, the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Canada Aviation Museum, the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, the Canada Science and Technology Museum and the National Gallery of Canada.

“We are not a 1,000-year-old city like Paris, London and Tokyo, and we are not be biggest city in our country, as is the case with those [capitals], but other capitals, like Washington, D.C., are not the biggest city in its country either,” says Alain Miguelez, vice-president of capital planning and chief planner for the National Capital Commission, who prefers to stress what Ottawa is, rather than what it is not. “We are a G7 capital, we are the size of Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Dublin; we are the size of cities that have very much a good identity and personality in the world, and I think it's up to us to say so, and to take our space under the sun as such.”

Miguelez says the national institutions and the formal side of any capital city are still what draws many people here, but he adds that Ottawa is now a big enough city that it has lots of music, art and culture outside of those anchors; it has neighbourhoods with their own personalities and vibes and it has top-tier sports teams such as the CFL’s Ottawa Redblacks, the NHL’s Ottawa Senators and the Canadian Premier League’s Atlético Ottawa.

OTTAWA IS A WORLD-CLASS CAPITAL in a relatively small package—at least population-wise, where we fall 90th on the list, well above our Australian counterpart of Canberra, but well below the Top 10, which all have populations in excess of nine million. But that’s part of Ottawa’s charm as is how the city punches well above its weight culturally and in terms of its natural beauty.

Nestled between two rivers, Ottawa offers water sports in the summer and ice sports in the spring. And Gatineau Park, just to the north of the city, is a year-round natural sanctuary with a fall rhapsody of colours, winter skiing and summer swimming. Climate

“And you can think back to the [sesquicentennial] celebrations, where the city really shone with events like Red Bull Crashed Ice, La Machine and Kontinuum,” he says. “We are now a city that hosts major events—major sporting events, major tournaments, major cultural events. We are very much noted for that, and that's part of what attracts people to Ottawa. And of course, Canada Day is also a big calendar marker for many Canadians; it should be for all Canadians. It should be a point of pilgrimage for every Canadian to be in Ottawa for Canada Day at least once in their life.”

Tourism magnet

In addition, Ottawa is a major tourist draw for international travellers and for Canadians who live outside the capital.

“As Canada's capital, Ottawa is home to so many cultural attractions, whether it's museums; galleries; other cultural

“We have 9.8 million visitors to the city every year… they generate big economic returns for the city by spending $2.6 billion annually on things like accommodations and food and beverage and attractions, transportation and tours and festivals and retail and a whole bunch of other things.”

CATHERINE CALLARY , OTTAWA TOURISM

attractions; accessible, walkable streets and beautiful meeting venues,” says Catherine Callary, vice-president of destination development at Ottawa Tourism. “So, it's really, truly a place that allows all Canadians to see their parts of Canada reflected in the city's urban fabric through its thriving cultural scene, historic landmarks, national museums, its wide-open green spaces and parks and just that vibrancy and the diversity of our neighbourhoods and residents. That's, at the core, what is so appealing to visitors, and what makes [Ottawa] a world-class destination.”

The tourists who flock to the city express their appreciation with their visits and their dollars.

“We have 9.8 million visitors to the city every year that are coming to Ottawa for a variety of reasons,” Callary says. “They generate big economic returns for the city by spending $2.6 billion annually on things like accommodations and food and beverage and attractions, transportation and tours and festivals and retail and a whole bunch of other things. This visitor spending also generates tax revenues for all three levels of government.”

Ottawa Tourism’s study on the economic impact of the sector found that those tax revenues add up with $900 million, meaning that [some of] the government services that support our everyday lives in Ottawa are actually being supported by tourism.

“That's $2,000 per household of tax burden that tourism helps to alleviate for residents, which means that the success in our city of tourism really does benefit each and every resident, personally,” Callary says. “Otherwise, we would have to come up with the $2,000 per household somewhere else. These are dollars people are bringing in from outside of Ottawa and leaving here, helping to propel livelihoods.”

In addition, the sector supports 35,000 people working in tourismrelated industries.

Miguelez says the city is full of people who come here to study from Montreal and Toronto and race back to their hometowns every weekend, until, eventually, they realize they’d rather be here.

“A lot of people start with studies and stick around because it's a good place to be,” he says.

“The city grows on you. It’s a city with a personality that kind of doesn't give itself up right away. You have to make the effort to discover it and put the work in and believe in it. It will frustrate you in some respects, but it will reward you in many others.”

Miguelez also stresses the national capital region’s uniqueness in that it sits on the border of Canada’s two biggest provinces.

“It has that ability to offer two very varied cultural experiences,” Miguelez says. “Quebec and Ontario are two very different places, each with their own personalities and offerings and vibrancies. And we are now looking for opportunities for Indigenous expressions of culture, culinary arts and other manifestations to take their place in the nation's capital.”

One such manifestation is Mādahòkì Farm, a place with a mission of sharing the land, stories and food from an Indigenous perspective.

Jet-setters’ home base

Caught between two of Canada’s largest cities, the Ottawa/ MacDonald-Cartier International Airport has few non-stop flights to Europe and lost its two—to London and Frankfurt—during the pandemic. But post-pandemic, the city gained its first-ever non-U.S. foreign-flagged flight in decades when Air France started flying from Ottawa to Paris.

“Right now, the feather in our cap is Paris,” says Joel Tkach, vicepresident of business development and marketing for the Ottawa International Airport Authority.

And, Tkach says, Air Canada will resume its non-stop flight to London-Heathrow, beginning March 31, four times weekly, at least for the spring and summer season.

Air Canada’s appetite for a lot of trans-Atlantic flights from Ottawa is low because it prefers to have Ottawans fly to Montreal or Toronto and then overseas. That said, there are plenty of “transborder” nonstop flights to the U.S. and in the winter, it has lots of flights to sunny destinations such as Cuba, Mexico and Dominican Republic.

Non-stop flights are attractive to the city’s many ex-pats and to the diplomatic corps stationed here, which, with family members, numbers approximately 5,000. The diplomats, says Larry Lederman, Canada’s former chief of protocol and a retired ambassador, add much to the community.

Embassies, for example, regularly host fundraising events on behalf of local charities—supporting everything from Honen’s and Ottawa Chamberfest to Salus and the Friends of the National Arts Centre Orchestra.

The diplomats also add a cosmopolitan air to the city, Lederman says.

“Many of them hold their national days often at [event spaces] such as the Westin Hotel or the Chateau Laurier,” he says. “They also hold cultural outreach events.” The Japanese embassy, for example, hosts regular ikebana presentations and in October, it hosted a koji workshop with a master chef. The Korean and Austrian embassies both have full wings dedicated to cultural outreach.

Quality of life

One of Ottawa’s key differentiators, says Sonya Shorey, president and CEO of Invest Ottawa, is its quality of life.

“We have some of the most amazing big-city attributes with a beautiful, small city, neighbourly feel that's collaborative, diverse and inclusive,” she says. “We're multicultural, we're welcoming, we're kind. [But], we bring great big concerts and festivals, we have incredible outdoor activities and we attract amazing conferences. This is a place where you can have an incredible life in addition to an incredible career.”

Shorey says the city’s thriving tech sector anchors its knowledgebased economy and she says our talent is one of Ottawa’s greatest strengths.

“We have the top tech talent concentration in all of North America for the fifth year in a row,” Shorey says, adding that Ottawa tied with San Francisco this year. “Our tech talent concentration is still one of the greatest attributes and strengths that we can bring to bear as a region as Canada's capital and as a G7 capital, and it's something that I think creates generations of value and impact.”

THE BYTOWN MUSEUM: OTTAWA’S HISTORIC GEM

Ottawa’s Story in the Heart of Downtown

The Bytown Museum is Ottawa’s community museum. Housed in the city’s oldest remaining stone building, it is located beside the Ottawa Locks on the Rideau Canal (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and close to Parliament Hill. The museum is a historic treasure and a symbol of Ottawa’s rich heritage. Since its founding in 1917, the Bytown Museum has served as an anchor in the community, preserving Ottawa’s unique story for locals and visitors alike.

A Landmark of Historic and Modern Significance

More than a repository of Ottawa’s past, the Bytown Museum is a testament to the city’s growth and evolution. Standing in Ottawa’s historic core, visitors are invited to explore the stories and values of an evolving city and its residents from time immemorial through the early days as Bytown to present day Ottawa. As the city continues to evolve, the museum offers a meaningful connection to the past and a space to consider the city’s future.

Presenting Local Histories to a Wide Audience

In 2023, the Bytown Museum completed the first phase of its renewal project, updating its permanent gallery content to reflect a broader and more inclusive story of Ottawa. This project introduced expanded narratives, local art, and trilingual content in the museum’s exhibit to better represent and serve Ottawa’s diverse communities. Each year, the museum shares Ottawa’s stories with thousands of national and international visitors, fostering connections that highlight its vital role in the capital’s vibrant tourism sector.

Engaging Experiences, Visitor Services, and Learning Opportunities

The Bytown Museum serves as a cultural hub, offering programming and services for all ages. Exhibitions, familyfriendly events, guided tours, educational programs, and local partnerships—including collaborations with the Haunted Walk—provide engaging experiences for visitors with a range of interests. Through these offerings, the museum connects community members with Ottawa’s heritage and inspires learning, engagement, and appreciation for the city’s history and its future.

Be a Part of Ottawa’s Ongoing Story

While Ottawa is ever-changing and expanding, the Bytown Museum draws visitors in to pause, to reflect on a shared past, and to consider the city’s vibrant future. It welcomes visitors to experience and explore Ottawa’s history first-hand—in the very building that witnessed the city’s transformation over the course of nearly two centuries. There has never been a better time to experience the Bytown Museum: Ottawa’s community museum in the heart of historic downtown.

NCC LANDS FOR HOMES: Transforming Spaces, Building Communities

THE NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION (NCC) is poised to make a significant contribution to the Government of Canada’s efforts to identify and develop excess lands, including affordable housing, in the National Capital Region.

Recent developments

On October 8, Public Services and Procurement Canada updated the Canada Public Land Bank list to include nine properties currently owned by the NCC. These properties have the potential to yield approximately 7,400 housing units, marking a substantial step towards addressing critical housing needs in the region.

Major initiatives

Positive outcomes for the community

One of the primary goals of these redevelopment projects is to provide tangible benefits to the community and the region. Potential outcomes include:

• Affordable housing: Ensuring more people have access to quality living spaces in desirable locations.

• Community spaces: Creating venues for social interaction, cultural activities, events, exhibitions, and gatherings, and enriching the cultural fabric of the region.

NCC’s commitment to the National Capital Region

The NCC has consistently prioritized housing, including affordable housing, in its major development projects over the past several years. Key initiatives include:

• LeBreton Flats redevelopment: The master concept plan for LeBreton Flats proposes the construction of 6,000 new housing units near public transit. The first phase of the Building LeBreton project alone will see 608 new housing units, with 41% designated as affordable housing.

• Brewery Creek lands: This ambitious project in downtown Gatineau aims to add 360 housing units, rehabilitate green and public spaces, which will include soil remediation.

• Former Servantes de Jésus-Marie Congregation Monastery: In August 2024, the NCC issued a request for offers to revitalize this historic building at 210 Laurier Street in Gatineau. The plan includes developing the adjacent lands for new housing and creating public spaces that harmonize with the Ottawa River shoreline and surrounding green spaces.

The NCC has a longstanding commitment to the development and enhancement of the National Capital Region. Through initiatives like these, the NCC aims to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of the area, while focusing on creating spaces that are beautiful, sustainable and beneficial to the community.

Future prospects and business opportunities

The NCC manages 11% of the lands in the National Capital Region and has identified additional lands for new housing. These opportunities will be announced soon. The NCC is committed to partnerships that drive innovation and community development.

Visit our website for more details: https:// ncc-ccn.gc.ca/business/ properties-for-sale-or-lease.

Former Servantes de Jésus-Marie Congregation Monastery

Investing in Ottawa's ENERGY FUTURE

OTTAWA IS A CITY of opportunity, transformation, and resilience. The energy transition, with its imperative shift towards sustainable practices, is a prime example of where Ottawa can, and will, excel. Tackling the energy transition presents unique challenges as well as opportunities for growth and innovation, and Hydro Ottawa is seizing them with unwavering determination. The utility is not just adapting to the transition; its actively shaping it, leading the charge towards a more sustainable future for our National Capital Region.

However, the path of change is rarely predictable. The energy transition is happening on a massive scale, creating rapid and unexpected shifts in the energy landscape. This requires agility and foresight as we navigate a future that's evolving faster than anyone could have imagined.

The future of energy in a growing city

A common misconception surrounding the energy transition is that the focus is on reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. And while this certainly is a key focus for Hydro Ottawa and other utilities across the world, the energy transition represents a broader set of challenges we have to solve.

“The energy transition is not just an environmental necessity; it’s an economic opportunity,” says Bryce Conrad, President and CEO of Hydro Ottawa. “We are committed to building a modern, resilient grid that will attract investment, create jobs, and enhance our community’s quality of life.”

The National Capital Region’s population is growing, and the demand for electricity is growing alongside it. In order to accommodate the increased demand, Hydro Ottawa needs to expand

its infrastructure to ensure Ottawans have access to the power they rely on for their everyday needs. As more people consider buying an electric vehicle and retrofitting their homes to become more reliant on electricity, the need for a steady, abundant supply of clean energy is critical.

Meeting the energy demands of a digital world

Our increasingly digital world is another key factor contributing to escalating energy demands. Data centres, generative AI, and the evergrowing digital landscape are having a seismic impact on how energy is consumed. For example, a single Chat GPT search consumes ten times the energy that a traditional Google search typically uses. To take this further, the NVIDIA chipsets that most generative AI applications use run at a temperature of 178 degrees fahrenheit. Now imagine a data centre full of these chipsets and the cooling required to keep them functioning properly. These are staggering energy demands, and as this area of technology continues to advance, so will its reliance on power.

In order to meet these demands, the infrastructure that took more than 100 years to build will need to almost double in size within the next 25 years. To put that into perspective, Hydro Ottawa once built a new substation every five to seven years. Now, the utility is on track to energize a new station nearly every year until 2030.

The energy transition requires a substantial investment in electricity distribution. This, combined with evolving policies at both the federal and provincial levels, underscores the need for government funding. Distributors are essential for delivering electricity to consumers, and supporting them will ensure the public benefits associated with this transition.

Investing in a smarter, more resilient grid

Increasing the grid’s capacity is critical. But what’s equally as important is the need to invest in creating a smarter, modernized, more resilient grid.

“We are on the cusp of a historic investment cycle in our electrical infrastructure,” reflects Conrad. “This will not only enhance reliability but also enable the integration of renewable energy sources and empower customers to actively participate in energy management.”

Imagine a grid that is not just smart, but intelligent, capable of self-healing and adapting to changing conditions. While we face more frequent severe weather events, having a modern grid with these capabilities will be critical to fostering economic growth. Simply put, the investment burden is too heavy to place on ratepayers alone— utilities need support.

Forging the path ahead, together

The energy transition is not merely a technological shift; it's a societal transformation that requires a collective effort.

“We need continued support to ensure this critical infrastructure is readily available,” emphasizes Conrad. “This will allow us to meet the growing energy demands of our community and maintain Ottawa’s position as a leader in the green energy transition.”

Ottawa’s energy future is bright, and Hydro Ottawa, is proud to be leading the charge across the National Capital Region. But the utility can't do it alone. The company invites everyone to be a part of the journey toward a more sustainable future. Whether it's adopting energy-efficient practices at home or embracing innovative solutions for your business, every action contributes to a brighter, greener tomorrow for all. Let's build a smart energy future together.

First energized in 2022, Cambrian is Hydro Ottawa's largest station powering 32,000 homes annually. Hydro Ottawa is on track to energize a new substation every year until 2030

BY ERIKA CUCCARO

Downtown Ottawa at a Crossroads

LOCAL PARTNERS UNITE TO SHAPE A RESILIENT, THRIVING FUTURE

DOWNTOWN OTTAWA is at a crucial turning point. Once the vibrant heart of the city, where government offices, cultural hotspots and daily life came together, the area has struggled in recent years. Our downtown was disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially as our anchor employer—the federal government—was forced to adopt a remote workplace model.

Four years on, the effects of the pandemic have been hard to shake. This autumn saw federal employees returning to the office just three days a week. Downtown businesses are suffering due to lack of foot traffic. Office towers stand unused, while commercial properties steadily decrease in value.

With 20% of Ottawa’s GDP coming from the city core, the health of the downtown affects the whole city. If we don’t act now, our struggling downtown will gradually weaken the entire region.

Bringing Downtown Back to Life

It’s going to take bold ideas and even bolder action to revive our downtown. That’s why the Ottawa Board of Trade, the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) and a coalition of local partners have launched A Living Capital: Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda. This ambitious plan envisions a downtown that’s more than a place to work. It’s a place to live, create and connect—a diverse and creative hub of activity.

The goal is to make downtown a destination again. A place where people choose to spend time. Think of a downtown filled with energy: lively streets, thriving businesses and cultural events that bring people together.

More People, More Energy

To kickstart the transformation, the plan calls for adding 40,000 new residents by 2034. This would bring in $120 million in new property taxes and boost spending and transit ridership. Converting underused office spaces into housing and encouraging new developments will help create a neighbourhood that’s active day and night. More residents mean more support for local businesses, from coffee shops to boutiques, injecting life back to the downtown core.

The idea isn’t just about numbers. It’s about creating a place where people want to be. A downtown that feels like a community, not just a place to work. This shift can help Ottawa avoid the “9-to-5 syndrome” that leaves the area quiet after hours.

New Jobs to Power Growth

To keep downtown dynamic, the plan also aims to create 50,000 new jobs by 2034. With the shift to hybrid work, our downtown needs to attract more large employers to complement our federal workforce. Increasing our mix of employers—from tech firms to creative industries—will fill empty office spaces and boost the area’s economy.

These jobs will do more than fill desks. They’ll support local businesses, cultural venues and services that rely on steady foot traffic. With the right mix of industries, downtown can become a magnet for young talent, seasoned professionals and everyone in between.

Investing $500 Million in Public Spaces

Picture a downtown with revamped streets, bustling markets and public spaces that invite people in. The plan includes a $500-million investment to transform key areas like Sparks Street and the ByWard Market. More than just a facelift, this investment will create spaces where community can thrive. The new Business Incubation District and Arts/Culture Corridor will bring innovation and creativity into the city’s core, offering places where people can gather, share ideas and celebrate what makes Ottawa unique.

High-quality public spaces are a big part of what makes a city feel alive. They encourage social interaction, improve well-being and keep people coming back.

BE PART OF THE CHANGE

WE CAN ALL CONTRIBUTE TO REVITALIZING OTTAWA’S DOWNTOWN. HERE’S HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

SHOP, DINE AND HIRE LOCALLY:

Support businesses in the downtown area. Every dollar spent helps fuel the local economy and strengthens the community.

BE A HOMETOWN TOURIST:

Bring family and friends downtown to explore. Your presence will add to the energy, whether you embark on a weekend outing or enjoy an afternoon coffee break.

SPREAD THE WORD:

Share the message that downtown Ottawa is open for business. Encourage others to get involved and keep the momentum going.

Why Inaction Isn’t an Option

If we keep things as they are, Ottawa could face a 20% drop in commercial property values, leading to a $66 million hit in municipal revenue. That could mean higher taxes or cuts to services. The last thing anyone wants is a downtown filled with “zombie buildings”— empty spaces that sap the city’s energy.

On the other hand, acting now could add $1.3 billion in annual economic benefits. More residents will bring fresh energy, new jobs will drive growth, and better public spaces will attract tourists. A vibrant downtown will elevate the entire city.

A Chance to Shape the Future

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The pandemic may have sped up changes that were already on the horizon, but it’s also given us the chance to rethink what we want downtown Ottawa to be. We have the opportunity to build a desirable, resilient, robust and inclusive destination that invites people to live, work and play.

By creating spaces that appeal to all kinds of people—residents, tourists, business owners and creatives alike—we can transform our downtown into a thriving hub where diversity and opportunity go hand in hand.

The Time is Now

Downtown Ottawa has always been central to the city’s identity. Now, we have the chance to take it to new heights. Let’s work together to revive our downtown so it can once again be the beating heart of the region. With a shared vision, coordinated action and community spirit, we can make Ottawa’s downtown a living capital once more.

Download your copy of the action agenda at https:// livingcapitalottawa.ca/action-agenda

Responsible Giving; The Key to Positive Change Ending Chronic Homelessness in Ottawa is Good Business

Ottawa’s corporate kindness is changing lives. For organizations like Shepherds of Good Hope, this philanthropic spirit allows frontline staff and volunteers to meet people where they are, supporting them throughout the continuum of care.

SHEPHERDS OF GOOD HOPE spent time with five local businesspeople, asking them, straight up; “Why, as a business leader, is it important for you to give back?”

“Someone experiencing homelessness today must be seen for who they are, without judgement,” says David Gourlay, CEO of Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation. “In Ottawa, we believe that people help people, and we must be there throughout their journey and be ready to help no matter their circumstances. Local business leaders like Ashley, Solange, Nik, Sofia and Devinder turn their words into action, seeing people as people, knowing that homelessness should only be a temporary experience.”

“All of us deserve acceptance and tenderness,” Gourlay says. “And when businesses consciously decide to make a difference, they’re saying, ‘we see you, we hear you, we’re here to help’.”

In Their Words – Why We Give Back

“Ottawa has supported our businesses for nearly forty years, and in turn, it’s our duty to reciprocate. Institutions with a holistic approach, like Shepherds of Good Hope, are vital in directing resources where they're most needed, whether for meals, addiction treatments, counseling, or healthcare.

Reducing homelessness benefits the broader community by decreasing public health risks and improving the overall quality of life for all residents.

To Shepherds staff, volunteers and donors, your contributions are the backbone of our progress. Your generosity goes beyond mere help; it is transformative. Every moment you invest and every donation you make creates a ripple of hope and change within our community.”

SOFIA SANTISO BORSTEN – DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & ADVERTISEMENT, THE GRAND PIZZERÍA & RESTAURANT GROUP

"Responsible giving is key to fostering positive change.”

— SOFIA SANTISO BORSTEN

“Giving back isn’t a choice—it’s a responsibility.”

— DEVINDER CHAUDHARY

“Ending chronic homelessness is a daunting challenge, but it is a challenge that we, as a community, must face head-on.

The toxic drug crisis, coupled with the residual impact of the pandemic and soaring costs of living, has indeed created a perfect storm. Yet, the solution does not lie in pushing these issues to the margins of society.

As a business owner, I believe private enterprises, in collaboration with government and social organizations, must invest in tackling the root causes—substance abuse, mental health crises, and lack of affordable housing.

When I first arrived in Canada with less than $100 in my pocket, I experienced firsthand the opportunities that this country offers. Canada gave me more than I could ever have imagined, and it is now my duty, as a business leader and a member of this community, to pay it forward.”

DEVINDER CHAUDHARY CPA – OWNER, AIÃNA RESTAURANT

“Regardless of each of our current circumstances, life is unpredictable; an economic downturn, an injury followed by a challenging recovery, or a mental health crisis can put any of us, or our loved ones, into homelessness.

While there are organizations, like Shepherds, working tirelessly every day advocating for both immediate and longterm change, we must recognize that the responsibility to sustain a supportive community is ours, too. By believing it could never affect us, we risk not only the futures of those who need help today but also of those we love in our community.

As business leaders, acknowledging our responsibility to support those with fewer resources doesn’t detract from overall prosperity. It strengthens our community by creating an environment where everyone can contribute and thrive.”

ASHLEY HOPKINS – PRESIDENT AND CEO, PARADIGM COMMERCIAL

“Acknowledging our responsibility to support those with fewer resources doesn’t detract from overall prosperity.”

— ASHLEY HOPKINS

“Look beyond the immediate act of giving and truly recognize the meaningful and inspiring difference you are making.”

— NIK LEMIEUX

“I believe collective action strengthens our communities, creating a shared sense of purpose and support, building stronger, more resilient neighbourhoods. Together, we can tackle complex challenges of chronic homelessness and move toward a more compassionate approach. Collectively, we must humanize the issue and foster empathy to encourage individuals to seek the help they need without fear of judgement.

Everyone should look beyond the immediate act of giving and truly recognize the meaningful and inspiring difference you are making. Embracing this understanding allows you to feel the depth of your contribution, to foster positive sentiments within your community.

It’s about leadership with purpose, and, I believe, it’s one of the most important responsibilities we have as business leaders.”

NIK LEMIEUX – STRATEGIC CONSULTANT, CEO, MIRABEL MANAGEMENT INC.

“We must understand; homelessness is not just a lack of shelter—it is the loss of safety, dignity, and hope, stripping people of their identity and worth. Our shared humanity demands we act, not out of pity, but out of a deep sense of justice.

Homelessness is a mirror reflecting the cracks in our society. If we are to thrive as a community, we must first ensure that no one is left behind in the shadows. Ending homelessness is not just possible—it is our moral obligation.

I’ve come to realize the gifts I’ve received— whether financial, intellectual, or relational— are not mine to keep. They are entrusted to me because the universe believes I will use them wisely for the benefit of others. My journey has taught me that we are merely stewards of these blessings, and with stewardship comes the duty to ensure we share our resources wisely and generously.”

SOLANGE TUYISHIME KEITA – PRESIDENT AND CEO, ELEVATE INTERNATIONAL INC.

“Ending homelessness is not just possible—it is our moral obligation.”

— SOLANGE TUYISHIME KEITA

Read the full responses provided by each business leader by visiting www. sghottawa.com/businesssupports

Small Businesses: Ottawa’s Lifeblood

BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL

Companies with 99 and fewer employees drive the economy of the National Capital Region—and most of Canada—but this year has been a tough one, with one exception.

OTTAWA IS “SMALL BUSINESS STRONG.” A full 92.5 per cent of Ottawa’s 30,900 active businesses are considered small—meaning fewer than 99 employees—and most of them, nearly 60 per cent, are defined by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) as “microbusinesses,” which means they employ one to four people. That leaves just 703 of the city’s corporate entities as larger companies—those that employ more than 100 employees.

As such, there’s no question the city is full of entrepreneurs who are driven by their business savvy, creativity and innovation, and who may also benefit from the city’s many support systems and programs, whether they be those of the National Research Council, Invest Ottawa or the province. But this year has been a “challenging” one in Ottawa, according to the CCC’s Business Data Lab. Data from May 2024 shows 1,201 new businesses opening—a figure that is down by 16.3 per cent from the same time last year—and a full 1,266 businesses closing over the same period, up by six per cent over 2023. Of those closures, 1,035 were the smaller companies—the lifeblood of the economy.

Nevertheless the tech sector, says Sonya Shorey, president and CEO of Invest Ottawa, is thriving in Ottawa.

“Our [tech sector] entrepreneurship ecosystem is on fire,” Shorey says. “It is thriving. Where across the country, statistics are showing that there’s a lower number of entrepreneurs starting new businesses, in Ottawa, we’re seeing the opposite momentum. There is a disproportionate growth that we’re seeing in our city.”

Shorey warns that not all of those startups will survive but says it shows there is “there is a genuine entrepreneurial momentum that’s very exciting to us.”

“Our [tech sector] entrepreneurship ecosystem is on fire. Where across the country, statistics are showing that there’s a lower number of entrepreneurs starting new businesses, in Ottawa, we’re seeing the opposite momentum.”

SONYA SHOREY , PRESIDENT AND CEO OF INVEST OTTAWA

Local campaigns

In addition to supports from all levels of government, organizations such as the Ottawa Board of Trade and partners, including Invest Ottawa, the City of Ottawa, Ottawa Tourism, the Ottawa Coalition of BIAs and Regroupement des gens d’affaires de la Capitale, have initiated campaigns such as #BuyLocalOttawa, which calls on residents of the National Capital Region to become part of the city’s economic recovery and rebound plan by buying local now, and over the holiday season. The campaign suggests buying as much as possible from local businesses and encouraging others to do the same; promoting your favourite local businesses on social media; taking photos when you’re buying local and then posting them with the campaign hashtag. It also asks residents to be patient and kind as many businesses are still short-staffed.

“The #BuyLocalOttawa campaign is a reminder to everyone that businesses drive our local economy, enhance our community culture and shape our future,” the campaign material says. “They support all of us. So now it is time to support them.”

By the numbers

Marwa Abdou, senior research director at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, has just completed a study titled, A Portrait of Small Business in Canada: Adaption, Agility, All at Once

“An interesting aspect is that the bulk of [Canada’s small businesses] are in the four most populous provinces of Canada— Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta,” Abdou says. “That’s not entirely shocking, but if you actually examine the number of businesses per capita, that distribution differs, so adjusting for vast population differences across the provinces actually shows that there are more businesses located in places like Yukon, Prince Edward Island and Western Canada.”

Abdou says that in terms of industry distribution, 40 per cent of small businesses in the country are concentrated in construction, health care, professional services and other services. Another discovery she made in producing the report is that immigrants are a huge driving force in small business in Canada. “At this moment in time, given that we’re at the highest immigration rate on record, this is particularly important when you’re thinking about how immigrants are settling into the country, how they’re actually contributing to the economy. Where are some of the missed opportunities? Are they fully being utilized in terms of their innovative and diverse background and prowess in terms of entrepreneurship, their ability to be agile in starting up their own businesses and really contributing to Canada’s economy.”

A snapshot of Ottawa’s largest small business sectors

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has a highly detailed breakdown by sector of Ottawa's small business numbers. Some of the larger sectors—in terms of the numbers of businesses in them—are in keeping with the findings in the CCC's report. The largest sector is made up of companies in the professional, scientific and technical services, with a total of 7,039 companies as of June 2024. That includes companies that provide legal, accounting, architectural, engineering, design, scientific research, advertising and public relastions services, among others. The health care and social assistance sector comes next with 5,116 companies, including doctor and dentist offices, diagnostic and laboratory service offices, health and home care clinics. Construction is also big with 5,032 companies, being put to work all over the city and working on projects small and large, including the new Civic Hospital, the new public library, CHEO’s expansion and the Parliamentary precinct project to name a few. For more details and numbers, see the infographic on pages 26 and 27.

Small Business Week—which takes place each year during the third week in October, this year Oct. 20 to 26—is another such initiative that brings together entrepreneurs and celebrates their contributions to their communities. Launched by BDC 45 years ago, it’s an annual entrepreneurship event that brings together more than 10,000 of Canada’s 749,000 entrepreneurs to learn, network and celebrate what Canada’s 1.2 million small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) contribute to the economy, including making up 48 per cent of Canada’s gross domestic product. SMEs in the country are responsible for 43 per cent of exports and these businesses account for 63.8 per cent of private-sector jobs. Further, across Canada, 34 per cent of entrepreneurs are immigrants, 28 per cent identify as a visible minority and 26 per cent are women.

How small business contributes

One of those women in business is Priya Bhaloo, vice-chair of the Ottawa Board of Trade and owner of Tag HR. She’s thought a lot about the role of small business, beyond its economic contributions, to the community.

“So small businesses bring opportunities,” she says. “They bring opportunities for people to live, work and play in a specific area and in any community. Generally, it’s the housing that goes in first, but the community really starts to flourish when small business sets up there.”

Bakeries, grocery stores, restaurants and convenience stores, for example, allow people to do everything they need to do in their own neighbourhoods. And, Bhaloo notes, business improvement associations and other business organizations contribute much in terms of community events and even community rebuilding.

“The Ottawa Board of Trade has taken the lead on the revitalization of downtown project and although the decline of downtown is being felt by everyone, it did take businesses to come together and put together a solid action plan,” she says.

Andrew Abraham, CEO and founder of TAAG, a multidisciplinary professional service firm, says small business is the very essence of community.

“The contractors, restauranteurs, and fitness and beauty professionals make up the fabric of our community,” Abraham says. “Small businesses create a unique culture. They influence how we gather and socialize. And they play a huge role in connecting people.”

Speaking about the challenges businesses are facing at the moment, Bhaloo says the economic climate is challenging. “Access to financing and capital is much more difficult now than it was maybe 15 years ago. And interest rates play into absolutely everything so the cost of everything is going up.”

Abraham agrees but says small business owners are “the most resilient people” and he sees them all the time at his firm.

“They are not afraid to restructure and reset,” he says. “Our clients are still willing to take risks to build a successful business. Small business owners have faced enormous challenges over the past four years, but many are still here.”

“Small businesses bring opportunities. They bring opportunities for people to live, work and play in a specific area and in any community. Generally, it’s the housing that goes in first, but the community really starts to flourish when small business sets up there.”

PRIYA

BHALOO , VICE-CHAIR OF THE OTTAWA BOARD OF TRADE AND OWNER OF TAG HR

Says Abraham: “The reality is that people need to support local businesses. Small business owners want to get back to work. We need to support them. They are the lifeblood of our community.”

Shorey agrees. “Our small businesses, our main streets, they really create and drive our quality of life,” she says.

“The contractors, restauranteurs, and fitness and beauty professionals make up the fabric of our community, small businesses create a unique culture. They influence how we gather and socialize. And they play a huge role in connecting people. The reality is that people need to support local businesses.”

ANDREW ABRAHAM , CEO AND FOUNDER OF TAAG

Ottawa’s businesses are many and diverse

Here’s a snapshot of their numbers, based on Statistics Canada’s numbers

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction

54

367

162 663

Management of companies and enterprises

Arts, entertainment and recreation

Information and cultural industries

668

787

Manufacturing

Transportation and warehousing

974

Finance and insurance

1,192

1,104

Wholesale trade

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction: Oil and gas extraction, mining and quarrying

[except oil and gas], support activities for mining and oil and gas extraction

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting: Crop production, animal production and aquaculture, forestry and logging, fishing, hunting and trapping, support activities for agriculture and forestry

Arts, entertainment and recreation: Performing arts, spectator sports, amusement, gambling and recreation

Information and cultural industries: Movie and sound recording, publishing, broadcasting, telecommunications, computing infrastructure, web hostings, web search portals, libraries, archives and other info services

Transportation and warehousing: Air, rail, water, truck, pipe and transit transportation, postal service, couriers and warehousing/storage

Manufacturing: All manufacturing, from chemical to food, to apparel and machinery

Finance and insurance: Central bank, monetary authorities, credit intermediation, securities, financial investment, insurance

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services: Office administration, employment services, services to buildings and dwellings, waste collection, treatment and disposal

Accommodation and food services: Traveller accommodation, RV and recreational camps, rooming and boarding houses, bars and restaurants

Other services (except public administration): Repair and maintenance, personal and laundry services, funeral services

Construction: Construction of buildings, heavy and civil engineering construction, specialty trade contractors

Health care and social assistance: Offices of physicians, dentists, health clinics, home health care, laboratories, diagnostic and out-patient care

Professional, scientific and technical services: Legal services, accounting, architecture, engineering, design [including computer systems design], advertising, public relations, scientific research and development

3,815 5,116

5,032 2,863 1,448 48% 34% 43% 28% 1,802 1,830 7,039

Teams That Throw Together, Grow Together A Fresh Spin on Team Building and Holiday Parties

IF THE COVID PANDEMIC had a silver lining, it reminded us how much we all need social interaction. Human beings crave that personal connection.

“Once the COVID restrictions were lifted, our phone was ringing off the hook” shared Lumberjaxe Founder, Kerry Moher, whose company offers a unique venue at City Centre in Hintonburg with axe and knife throwing. “Especially for corporate clients. They really needed to get their teams together again and reform those personal relationships.”

The subsequent shift to a remote work environment further exacerbated this void. We’ve all experienced the ‘online meeting’ fatigue.

It’s no secret that when employees communicate and collaborate outside of the workplace, it improves their performance and overall satisfaction in their job. Which is why team building activities have long been sought by companies large and small to help improve its culture.

“We see it every day. When your team learns something new together, it builds trust and loyalty,” explains Kerry.

Despite the acknowledged benefits (increased engagement, boosting the bottom line etc.), team building has a reputation for being, well, lame. It can also be adventurous and enjoyable if done right.

Lumberjaxe seems to have found that balance; a team building activity that’s inclusive, challenging and memorable.

“Throwing axes and knives isn’t particularly difficult. Anyone can learn it quickly. But it’s hard to figure out on your own.” adds Kerry. “The faster your team starts hitting bullseyes—the more fun they have.”

As such, every session at Lumberjaxe involves active coaches in every lane to ensure safety and proficiency.

Similar to ‘lame’ team building activities, holiday parties have fallen out of favour with employees. In fact, a recent survey by Visier revealed that nearly 70% of employees would rather skip the annual office holiday get together.

Innovative companies recognize that they cannot afford to mail it in on any corporate social outing. Everyone wants to avoid passed canapes, overpriced drinks and awkward conversations. “Even at your holiday party: you want to get bums out of seats” explains Kerry. “Treat your staff to something interactive, something new, something they can look forward to.”

Axe and knife throwing sessions typically run for 90 minutes to 2 hours and involve both interactive games and/or round robin tournaments, which creates a spirit of healthy competition.

“When is the last time you saw your team vocally rooting each other on and celebrating each other with hugs and high fives?” asks Kerry.

Fair question!

InfoMedia has proud history of service in NCR

MULTI-FACETED

InfoMedia Systems Group has a distinguished history, having served clients in the National Capital Region and across Canada since 2006.

“We started off as a boutique consulting firm, specializing in collaboration, content management, and messaging,” says company founder and president Wayne King, who notes InfoMedia still provides those services for some of its larger organization clients.

However, that portfolio of services has expanded in recent years to incorporate cyber and physical security as well as cloud applications.

“Anytime we're dealing with small and medium sized businesses, we say, ‘you don't need a lot of these in-house activities. We'll set up your network and your cloud installation, and manage that for you. We'll secure your environment,’” says King.

“We explain how to increase the efficiency of their operations by letting us handle the technical and cyber security aspects of their business,” he adds.

King says many people inadvertently share sensitive information and personally identifiable information like social insurance numbers, credit card information, addresses and passwords, which get sent through e-mail and other means.

“We secure any type of information they have, from regular laptops or servers to information stored in productivity applications like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. We back all that up. We monitor and configure those systems. We set policies for those systems to make sure everything is kept secure and nothing inappropriate is being shared,” he elaborates.

InfoMedia also ensures that information gathered from physical sources like cameras, door access, or license plates is properly stored and backed up, and not shared improperly.

InfoMedia’s expertise extends to managed services, “We’re not just there to answer network or hardware tickets. We're there to help the business. It's not just a matter of, 'We're going to secure your business and monitor your network.' It's, 'How do we, as

the company that you've trusted with your IT, help you to accomplish your business goals?'" explains King.

For example, he says, a retail client might require the establishment of a guest WiFi network to help pull customers into their store.

Another important element is that some insurance requirements require companies to meet certain security requirement thresholds.

“We can help those organizations meet those requirements, such as to prove they are being monitored and have a managed service provider. Banks are also asking for that because they are tired of companies getting hit by ransomware,” says King.

InfoMedia has seven employees, with Ottawa as headquarters. There is a branch office in Toronto, with plans to branch out to Cornwall, the United States and the Caribbean.

InfoMedia enjoying a day at the ballpark

Wayne King, part of the Canadian mission to the NMSDC Supplier Diversity conference in Atlanta

Wayne King, InfoMedia CEO with U.S. Ambassador Cohen

A few ‘friendly’ tips from Ottawa’s small business community

Guess what? According to Statistics Canada, small business optimism is on the rise. Now that’s the kind of news we need to celebrate.

HERE’S ANOTHER FUN FACT you might not know. In the not-so-distant past, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) awarded Ottawa the #1 spot on the list of Business-Friendly Cities.

I wasn’t sure what business-friendly meant, so I decided to investigate.

I met with four small business clients of mine who used to own businesses in other cities before starting a business in Ottawa. I asked them if our ‘friendly’ rating made it easier and more attractive for them to move business to our city.

They said that Buy Local Ottawa, and so many local business support organizations, have really helped set our city apart as a vibrant place where entrepreneurs can make a significant impact on our local economy.

Something they all noticed was that the pressure valve on finding talent has finally started to release.

One of the business owners said, “Isn’t it bizarre that despite Ottawa being recognized for having the highest number of residents with post-secondary education in Canada, there simply hasn’t been enough talent to meet demand.”

So why has the pressure valve on finding talent finally started to release? Simply put, it’s because our local businesses are finding ways to reinvent their talent pool.

Each of the business owners I spoke with have tapped into Hire Local Ottawa for co-op students. They said: “It’s the ultimate pool of talent that bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to my business.”

I spoke with another business owner who was worried that 80% of her workforce will reach retirement age in the next two years.

She decided to face the challenge head on and created a mentoring program to pair up new hires and co-op students with members of her aging workforce to start that knowledge transfer. She also tapped into a non-profit organization called Connected Canadians who provide free technology training and support for older adults.

She said: “Let’s face it, my workplace is likely no different than that of many other businesses. Our economy is going to take a serious hit if we don’t find innovative ways to provide older adults with the opportunity to remain in the workplace longer and continue to contribute in ways that they never thought possible.”

Each of these small business owners came from different sectors of our business community and they all found ways to tap into the systems and supportive programs that make our city a friendlier place to start a business.

When I reflect on the conversation we had that day, I think of one of my very favourite quotes from Stephen Hawking. He said: “We are very, very small, but we are profoundly capable of very, very big things.”

Hmmm, Small but mighty. That’s what small businesses are in Ottawa.

IBREAKING BARRIERS: The 31-Year Legacy of CVE Inc.’s Commitment to Disability Inclusion

n the evolving landscape of disability management and vocational rehabilitation, CVE Inc. stands out as a source of forward momentum for the communities they serve. Celebrating 31 years of transformative impact, this Ottawa-based company establishes the benchmark for assisting persons with disabilities.

Founded in 1993 by Neil Macmillan, CVE Inc. has consistently championed the cause of disability inclusion and accessibility. With a passion for helping persons with disabilities achieve their professional dreams, CVE Inc. began by offering vocational evaluations, creating a foundation of commitment for the years that followed.

Tim Macmillan, Neil’s son and the current President/CEO of CVE Inc., joined the team in 2000, and quickly extended CVE Inc.’s reach across Ontario and Quebec with the addition of 3 other divisions.

CVE Inc. has built a stellar reputation with its comprehensive approach to helping individuals overcome barriers and achieve their professional and personal goals. The company's success can be attributed to its commitment to understanding the diverse needs of persons with disabilities. Through tailored support services and personalized strategies, CVE Inc. has empowered individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern workforce and thrive in environments that embrace their unique abilities.

Owner Tim Macmillan, and Erin Hennessy, Director of Operations, are at the forefront of their dynamic team, bringing a wealth of experience that challenges neurotypical thinking and fosters a culture of diversity and inclusivity. Their passion and neurodivergent perspective have been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategies, services and culture, striving to create a neurodivergent workplace that sees a person’s unique abilities as an asset. They have harnessed the ability to create solutions that are effective and aligned with the needs of their clients, customers and team members.

With 4 divisions including Assessment, Employment, Treatment and Vocational Rehabilitation, CVE Inc. offers a plethora of services to support clients, customers, insurers, and employers alike, all with the goal of removing barriers and helping persons with disabilities or injury return to some sense of functional improvement.

Serving over 30,000 clients since its inception, CVE Inc.’s accomplishments are measured not just in numbers but in the countless success stories of individuals who have been empowered to reach their full potential. With a continued focus on innovation and a deep understanding of the diverse needs of persons with disabilities, the company is poised to continue to shape a more inclusive and accessible community.

For more information about CVE Inc. and its services visit www.cve.ca.

Pictured is Tim Macmillan, CVE Inc. President and CEO, and Erin Hennessy, Director of Operations at their head office in Ottawa

EXCELIOR: Your Roadmap to Small Business Success

Excelior (X.cell.e.or) was born from a deep-seated need to build a business from scratch and understand all the intricate moving parts involved.

We meticulously mapped out every step, process, and procedure—from naming a business to integrating accounting packages with CRMs, and CRMs with websites, and websites with accounting packages, and so on. While many platforms offer help in various formats, this can be overwhelming even for the savviest entrepreneur.

In Canada, more than 50% of start-up businesses fail before reaching their fiveyear anniversary. The major factors contributing to this statistic include lack of planning, inadequate market research, poor marketing, lack of experience, and ignoring customer needs.

Excelior’s founder, Glenn Brule, recognized the need to minimize the impact of failed start-ups and maximize the opportunity for success. He envisioned a tried, tested, and true roadmap to guide smallbusiness owners to success. His vision was simple:

“Start Smart, Stay Strong”™. This vision evolved into a broader mission:

“Our vision is to empower the successful deployment of every small business nationwide, fostering sustainability that enables individuals to thrive from their dreams, passions, and goals.”

At Excelior, we blend cutting-edge design, sustainable practices, and unwavering commitment to our clients’ visions. Our mission is to ensure the successful launch of small businesses that share our aspirations.

What We Offer

We provide three levels of service, ranging from coaching, mentoring, and training to a full suite of services that support the establishment and opening of a small business. Understanding common pitfalls can help small business owners develop strategies to avoid them and increase their chances of success.

The Athlete’s Approach

We recognize that, much like an athlete training for their sport, discipline and consistency are crucial for small business owners. Executing the business plan and operations with confidence is key. Continuous learning and improvement allow athletes to deal with injuries and setbacks, and it’s no different for small business owners. Performance tracking is closely monitored by athletes who exceed their competitors’ expectations, and meticulous tracking should be adopted by small business owners as well.

Excelior is here to guide you through every step of your entrepreneurial journey, ensuring you start smart and stay strong. With our comprehensive support, your small business can thrive and achieve lasting success.

At the Rosebowl Steak & Seafood, we invite you to embark on a culinary journey where the finest cuts of steak meet the freshest seafood, all perfectly complemented by our expertly crafted cocktails. Nestled in the heart of Little Italy, our restaurant is a sanctuary for food enthusiasts who crave an exceptional dining experience.

We are more than just a restaurant; we are a destination for unforgettable dining experiences. Join us at the Rosebowl Steak & Seafood, where every meal is a celebration of taste, and every visit is a memorable occasion.

228 Preston Street, Ottawa (613) 729-4000 @rosebowlsteakandseafood www.rosebowlsteakhouse.com

BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL

Ottawa’s Culinary Cool

The National Capital Region is home to world-class restaurants and bars,

many of which

have won national and regional awards.

IF THE CANADIAN CULINARY CHAMPIONSHIPS are any indication, Ottawa is a serious food city. Ottawa chefs have won gold four times over the past 16 years of competition. In 2023, chef Briana Kim, then the owner and chef at Alice, won gold with a vegan dish; in 2019, chef Yannick Lasalle, then-chef at Les Fougères, won gold; and Marc Lepine, chef-owner of Atelier, won gold in 2012 and 2016. In 2017, chef Joe Thottungal of Coconut Lagoon and Thali, won silver as did chef Jamie Stunt, then of Oz Kafé and now at Arlo, in 2013 and chef Michael Blackie, then of Brookstreet and now of NeXT, won silver in 2007. It all adds up to a lot of accolades for a city Ottawa’s size.

The city’s restaurants also regularly make national best-of lists, including enRoute magazine’s Best New Restaurants, and Canada’s 100 Best list. And the diversity of culinary options in the city is staggering, with everything from Tibetan to Ethiopian; Peruvian to Afghani. Add to that the members the diplomatic corps, who represent 129 different countries from around the world and who often bring chefs from their home countries with them, and it’s a scene worth celebrating.

“From a cultural standpoint, the contribution the restaurant industry makes to the city is huge,” says Stephen Beckta, owner of Beckta, Play food & wine and Gezellig. “We saw it, especially during the pandemic, when suddenly nobody could go out and dine. You didn’t get out there to experience great real food on a regular basis while connecting with people and feeling cared for by restaurant staff. It was a big shock.”

The restaurant community also contributes disproportionately to community fundraisers—whether it’s giving a gift card for a silent auction or providing canapés and servers for a food station at an evening-long event.

“We get hit up all the time,” Beckta says. “I probably get three emails a day asking for donations for various charitable causes. It’s non-stop. You do as much as you can.”

But it’s a tough time for restaurants. Restaurants Canada recently reported that 65 per cent of restaurants in the country are either losing money or breaking even, and that includes fast food restaurants. The struggle, according to North & Navy chef and co-owner Adam Vettorel is the increased cost of everything, from food to staff. Because of inflation, paying staff a living wage has increased considerably from the days when he was an employee in kitchens.

By the numbers

Ottawa has a total of 3,200 food service establishments according to City of Ottawa licensing statistics.

Restaurants Canada also keeps industry numbers by province. It reports that Ontario restaurants are responsible for 445,000 jobs in the province, and they indirectly support 102,000 other companies, in such fields as agriculture, transportation, wholesale and retail trade, for example. As the province’s second-largest city, Ottawa would account for a lot of those.

“Ontario has about 16 million people and a little more than six million have jobs. A full 25 per cent of those jobs are occupied by civil servants, so with half-a-million jobs, there’s no question the food and beverage sector represents a lot of jobs,” says Kris Barnier, Restaurants Canada’s VP for Central Canada.

“Often, a restaurant is the first job people have—whether they be born and raised in Canada or immigrated to Canada,” Beckta says. “So we provide an enormous amount of employment to people. I started working in restaurants when I was 14.”

The industry represents about four per cent of Ontario’s GDP, and its members were responsible for $44.5 billion in revenue in 2023. The province has 38,636 food service businesses operating in the province and of those, 14,000 sell alcohol products. The province’s restaurants collectively have 9.2 million customer visits or meals served per day.

“We add so much to the economy,” says Sarah Chown, managing partner at Metropolitain Brasserie and Ottawa chair of the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association. “Restaurants contribute to the vibrancy of the city, animating our main streets, and there’s the diversity of the kinds of restaurants that we provide for locals and tourists alike. We contribute to the community with pride of place. We care about what our businesses look like, and we care about keeping the sidewalks clean outside of our businesses and creating gathering places for the community.”

A scallop dish from the kitchen at Beckta Dining & Wine

Beckta Dining & Wine has a popular wine bar in its historic building on Elgin Street

Chnge Mker Innovation Hub

Dedicated to Helping Local Black Entrepreneurs Succeed

BECOMING AN ENTREPRENEUR and battling high odds to succeed is always a major challenge fraught with obstacles.

Those obstacles are even more pronounced for Black entrepreneurs, who must overcome barriers like racism, discrimination and microaggressions every day, says Mona Abow, founder and chief executive officer of Chnge Mker Innovation Hub (CMIH), a not-for-profit organization located in Ottawa’s Byward Market.

“We are the first and only space dedicated specifically for Black entrepreneurs. Our mission is to support Black entrepreneurs to start and scale their businesses. We take a human centered and a wellness-driven approach to our programming and service delivery,” says Abow.

Chnge Mker, which supports about 150 local entrepreneurs, was launched in 2022. The team currently consists of four team members, with plans to expand with the addition of a Hub Market Café. “Having a location at the Byward Market is really ideal for us. Such a high traffic, central location gives our clients the exposure they need in the city,” says Abow.

The organization’s five month entrepreneur incubator program, which is government funded and offered both online and in person, free of charge, provides technical training for business startups, in addition to mindset development, mental health and wellnessholistic support to deal with the personal and professional hardships entrepreneurs often face.

“We match our members with seasoned entrepreneurs and business owners in their particular field to give them more practical,

real time, in person support. We also hold networking events for our members. We connect them with the Ottawa Board of Trade, Invest Ottawa, Ottawa Tourism, the Byward Market District Authority and others at the City of Ottawa to make sure there's more access and inclusion for Black entrepreneurs in the city,” says Abow.

Chnge Mker has successfully helped many local start-ups get off the ground.

Examples of clients include The Avril Tour, founded by Oyiza Oliha, which is developing a tour bus to deliver a unique and immersive tourist experience in the National Capital Region.

Fluentry Language Consultancy, founded by Attiánna PalmerPowell, teaches language fluency through immersion. Clients learn new languages like French and Spanish through interactive workshops and events.

Musk Wall Systems, founded by Alceu Da Silva Moreira, delivers interior drywall services for both commercial and residential projects. MWS was one of the contractors that helped restore the West Block of the Parliament Buildings.

Chnge Mker is launching The Hub Market Cafe in October 2024 to assist more mature businesses accelerate their growth by providing them with hands-on support and a space to sell their products and services. And in 2025, “we plan to launch a tech-focused cohort for Black entrepreneurs, addressing a highly underrepresented sector and expanding our services,” says Abow.

Chnge Mker management team (from left to right): Khadra Elmi, Program Manager. Mona Abow, Founder and CEO. Saunia Keddon, Director of Programs

Cohort 1 of the Chnge Mker Innovation Hub's Incubator Program Participants

PARTY CENTRAL

OTTAWA’S NEWEST HOTSPOT

for hosting corporate groups and functions is vastly more unique than any other venue in town. Treat your team as Manor Lounge locks in another season of epic food, drinks, fun and delight!

It is the ultimate venue for intimate team gatherings or large-scale corporate events. Its cozy nooks and larger, inviting spaces can accommodate groups of 10 or 300. The venue’s upscale casual vibe is warm and inviting, with curated playlists, perfectly dimmed chandeliers, breakout areas, a heated terrace, and a welcoming service team.

Conveniently located on Elgin St., the sprawling hub offers a full kitchen (with myriad group offerings), a massive bar, lounges, escape rooms and an extensive games parlour, perfect for breaking the ice and making memories with friends and colleagues alike.

Open for lunch, brunch, dinner and latenight; Manor Lounge has mouth-watering cocktails, craft beer, seasonal menus (full of traditional, vegetarian and vegan offerings) and endless fun for team bonding and celebration.

Designed to foster socializing and to get folks off their devices, Manor Lounge offers endless kinetic activities (Bocce ball, foosball, escapes, Darts Reimagined, shuffleboard, puzzles, trivia, board games and more), all of which can be done with a delicious libation in hand. The location naturally stimulates social interaction, as well as friendly competition.

Its newest offering, “Darts Reimagined,” is a popular emerging global trend that puts

a modern spin on a classic game. Real darts and dart boards are coupled with hidden sensors and cameras, allowing auto-scoring, replays and layering on gamified animated challenges. The result is effortless and endless laughs, bullseyes, and fun!

Manor Lounge hosts live entertainment with Dueling Pianos (monthly), an adult dinner & magic show, trivia nights, bands, DJs and epic theme parties. The venue is fully equipped with an elevated stage, rich sound & lighting, wireless mics, TVs, projection and more.

The venue is the 9th location for the locally founded Escape Manor group, which has businesses across Canada and Australia and is celebrating its tenth anniversary this fall. The company’s credo is to enrich its guests' lives through shared adventure, which they know plenty about, having locked up over 1.5 million thrilled clients and hosted over 5,000 successful corporate functions since 2014.

The group enjoys giving back to the community at every opportunity and has hosted numerous city-sprawling events and adventures, enriching Ottawa’s entertainment landscape. Manor Lounge is their flagship venue, and they can’t wait to thrill your team with award-winning escape experiences, fantastic food and beverage, unparalleled fun, thrilling games and unmatched mixing & mingling.

Contact Manor Lounge’s group events manager, Brittni, to secure your date(s) or to pop by for a site visit.

Manor Lounge is your new favourite place to eat, drink, and be merry! manorlounge.ca

PREPARING TO PROSPER:

Business, Community Leaders Build Climate Solutions, Affordable Housing into Ottawa’s Economic Future

SOME OF OTTAWA’S top business leaders and innovators began plotting a course to a prosperous, lowcarbon future at the Ottawa Climate-Economy Opportunities Summit, hosted by the Ottawa Climate Action Fund (OCAF).

Discussions during the full-day event at Bayview Yards on October 9 started out with the city’s top economic priorities— downtown revitalization, affordable housing, 21st century jobs, and a growing, thriving tech sector. Then participants dug into the practical, affordable climate solutions that can deliver on those local priorities faster and better.

The Summit began with a shared understanding: that the best way to solve the climate and housing crises in Ottawa is to link and solve them together. And that we’ll see tremendous economic opportunities when we pick up the pace on both—for Ottawa businesses, investors, and residents.

Through that lens, the purpose of the Summit was to prepare for the city to prosper by connecting the project developers, investors, low-carbon opportunities, and social capital that will drive Carbon Down and Community Up.

Five Action Opportunities

OCAF began work on the Summit with a clear directive: the event would only be worth holding if it delivered tangible action after all the conversations and preparations had run their course. From that moment, the search was on for a set of ambitious but achievable opportunities that would:

• Drive down greenhouse gas emissions

• Expand the local supply of affordable housing

• Be scalable beyond the initial demonstration projects

• Be quick and practical to implement.

OCAF knew the Action Opportunities would only win broad support if the ideas came from the people, companies, and organizations that would implement them. So our job was to convene those players, listen carefully to what they came up with, support the process, and keep the discussion pointed toward action and results.

So OCAF convened about three dozen local business, finance, and community leaders to develop the five Action Opportunities that were starting points for discussion at the Summit:

1. Public Land for New Housing: Identifying parcels of surplus land that can be deployed quickly to deliver more affordable, lowcarbon/net-zero new housing

2. Reno-Protection: Public-private collaboration to acquire older apartment buildings for deep energy retrofits while permanently protecting their affordability

3. Gentle Density Accelerator: Discovering how to house more people on under-utilized residential lots while tackling neighbourhoods’ carbon footprint

4. Energy Resilience Districts: Looking beyond the building at how technology can deliver deep energy efficiency, onsite renewable power, energy storage, and district energy solutions in new developments

5. Ottawa’s Green Pipeline: Bringing together the investment opportunities, investors, finance mechanisms, and matchmaking services to accelerate delivery of low-carbon, more affordable housing supply. Each of these ideas points to a massive opportunity for business development, jobs, and wider cooperation—to reduce carbon pollution, increase the supply of affordable housing to attract and retain the workforce Ottawa needs, and help our businesses and residents prepare for the local impacts of climate change.

Ottawa Climate Action Fund Executive Director, Steve Winkelman, connects the dots between local economic development, housing supply and affordability, and practical, affordable climate solutions

Business Leaders

During the Summit, several dozen of our community’s leading doers and thinkers spent most of their day drilling down into the specifics of each Action Opportunity. Participants also received a powerful vote of confidence from a panel of four senior economic leaders representing the Ottawa Board of Trade, the City of Ottawa, the Kanata North Business Association (KNBA), and Invest Ottawa.

“At the Ottawa Board of Trade, we know that city building must be sustainable, affordable, and inclusive,” said President and CEO Sueling Ching. “The way forward is through radical collaboration amongst the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Events like the Ottawa Climate-Economy Opportunities Summit provide an opportunity to actively take part in this collaboration and to use the outcomes of the day to build up Ottawa.”

“The City of Ottawa recognizes Kanata North as a key economic generator and has designated the Kanata North Research Park as a Special Economic District,” said KNBA Executive Director Kelly Daize. “This provides the opportunity to rethink how we solve real-world problems with real-world impacts. That’s why we’re collaborating with OCAF to explore the opportunity for the park to be a Clean Energy Resilience District where technology can deliver deep energy efficiency, onsite renewable power, and energy storage.”

“Ottawa’s cleantech sector is an innovation powerhouse, driving progress towards a sustainable future,” said Invest Ottawa President and CEO Sonya Shorey. “Together, we can harness these strengths to create a stronger, more sustainable economy, community, and world for generations.”

Now the Hard Work Begins

We’ll know soon enough whether the Ottawa Climate-Economy Opportunities Summit can make good on its promise to follow words with action.

By Spring 2025, participants agreed to assess the feasibility of an energy resilience district in the Kanata North Research Park and map out the opportunity, available resources, and local trades capacity for a gentle density accelerator.

Another team will work with investors, tenants, and communities to develop a business case for acquiring and protecting affordable housing after deep energy retrofits have been done.

As part of the government’s housing strategy, the National Capital Commission is engaging with builders, social housing providers, First Nations, and the wider community to understand how underutilized NCC lands can be identified and more quickly brought to market to deliver much-needed housing, including projects with affordable units and low-carbon/net-zero design.

And OCAF will reprise the convening role that made the Summit possible, bringing together a circle of potential investors and investment aggregators to begin building a bigger, wider pipeline of green projects across the city.

The Summit handed us all a compelling to-do list. At OCAF, we’re thrilled, because we know this is just the end of the beginning. In the months ahead, OCAF will be working with a wide network of partners to make Ottawa a more prosperous community with more affordable, lower-carbon housing—to attract and retain the future workforce, while preparing for the climate change impacts that are already under way and increasing.

Participants at the Ottawa Climate-Economy Opportunities Summit dig into the nitty gritty details of meeting the city’s top economic development priorities through a climate lens

CHARITY CORNER

SPONSORED BY TAAG

INTRODUCING CAPITAL PROSPERITY FOUNDATION

CAPITAL

PROSPERITY FOUNDATION —formerly Capital Integral Charitable Foundation—was established by Ottawa-based entrepreneur Dan Fried in 2018. From the very beginning, our goal was to help vulnerable children within the community.

In early 2024, after a meeting with Andrew Abraham and his executive team at TAAG Corporation, and learning about their vision for “Prosperity”, the alignment amongst the organizations was a natural fit. By March, we partnered with TAAG and rebranded as Capital Prosperity Foundation. The foundation’s Board agreed that the new name better reflects our commitment to improve the lives of children and families in the National Capital Region. Capital Prosperity Foundation has now also become the charitable giving arm of TAAG.

In this next phase, Capital Prosperity Foundation will continue to draw guidance from our deeply committed Board, as well as Ottawaarea business leaders.

Supporting the School Breakfast Program for Children in Ottawa

For the first few years, we directed fundraising efforts toward the Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE) School Breakfast program. Over the course of three years, through the generous support of our donors, we provided $225,000 in funding for ONFE’s School Breakfast program. This funding proved critical in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the price of ingredients skyrocketed.

With the continuing pressure on the cost of running breakfast programs, our Board approved supporting the program for an additional three years.

Helping Vulnerable Children When They Need it Most

As our impact expanded, we reached out to the Ottawa Police Services (OPS) to discuss how to help more vulnerable children. This led to the launch of a pilot project to test drive two programs.

Gift Card Program

Provides $100 gift cards to vulnerable families so they can buy food, clothing and essential household items.

Make a House a Home

Enables OPS officers to provide funding for basic furniture and appliances to vulnerable families with demonstrated need.

In 2023 alone, this initiative touched the lives of 110 families, including 172 children.

And we’re only just getting started. Capital Prosperity Foundation is backed by an incredible community of partners and sponsors whose support and donations make it possible to run vital programs that provide household essentials to children in need.

By joining our community, you become a key part of our mission. Together, we’re building a community that empowers children to reach their full potential and provides tangible support to caregivers who are struggling to make ends meet.

Support children today so they thrive tomorrow

Your donation will go toward our Gift Card Program, Make a House a Home program, and other community initiatives that provide essential resources to children in need— when they need it.

Visit capitalprosperity.org to make your secure donation and receive a charitable tax receipt.

Charity number: 782185698RR0001

ON CAMPUS

TThe University of Ottawa Makes Historic Investment to GROW OTTAWA’S LIFE SCIENCES SECTOR

The quality of healthcare we will enjoy tomorrow depends on the research we do today. Over the past decades, Ottawa has been growing its research enterprise, taking on the most pressing challenges in healthcare. However, the shortage of research and wetlab space has limited the region’s ability to truly establish itself as a leader in health innovation and commercialization.

In the spring of 2024, the University of Ottawa took a huge step toward bridging that gap when it broke ground on its largest-ever investment: the Advanced Medical Research Centre (AMRC). The seven-storey state-of-the-art facility is being built adjacent to uOttawa’s Faculty of Medicine, and in close proximity to the Ottawa Hospital General Campus and CHEO. Scheduled to open in 2026, it’s where researchers, clinicians, investors and entrepreneurs will team up to accelerate the discovery and commercialization of new therapies.

“I have discussions with the CEOs of Canadian companies who question, on a monthly basis, whether they should be moving to the United States,” says Dane Bedward, a leading expert with over 30 years of experience in the global medical and life sciences sector who supports fundraising efforts for the AMRC.

Interim Vice-President, Research and Innovation at uOttawa and longtime health researcher Dr. Julie St-Pierre emphasizes the importance of building for the future. “Ottawa is among the largest health innovation ecosystems in Canada. Yet, there is no facility of this scale to support researchers and clinicians,” she says. “This building will be critical to attracting and retaining the best and brightest researchers and students.”

A key feature of the AMRC will be the Health Innovation Hub, focusing not only on enabling the discovery of life-saving therapies but also incubating and scaling up the next generation of biotech companies. “Driving continuous progress in healthcare requires that we provide researchers with the space and equipment to make their discoveries and bring their intellectual property to market,” says Dr. St-Pierre.

Bedward echoes these sentiments. “With the increased support that universities now are giving to their researchers with intellectual property, I think we’re going to create that environment to keep new companies here,” he says. “There’s so much grey matter here, but so many inventions that have come out of Canada get gobbled up and taken outside Canada.”

An economic study commissioned by uOttawa predicts that companies resulting from the facility will generate $320 million in revenues by 2030 and contribute $1.1 billion to Ontario’s economy, while creating more than 1,300 jobs.

The facility will also receive a LEED Gold designation for sustainability.

For more information on the AMRC and how to support Canadian research and health-care innovation, please contact uOttawa’s Jonathan Bodden at jbodden@uOttawa.ca or 613-614-3571.

Dane

Under One Roof Integrated Professional

Services

Tailored to You and Your Business

BUSINESS OWNERS often face parallel challenges—running their businesses and running their lives. A business owner may be the sole person responsible for sales, financials, and marketing. But business owners also have personal objectives—from building a family to building a sustainable legacy. Time becomes a very precious commodity.

Ottawa entrepreneur, Andrew Abraham, grew up in this demanding environment. Understanding the dual pressures on business owners, he converted his successful boutique accounting firm into a multidisciplinary group called TAAG

TAAG professionals provide essential, integrated services for you and your business. Working alongside you, they can establish strategic objectives, streamline core business functions, and amplify your company’s brand. They also advise, assist and accelerate your personal journey to prosperity and well-being.

TAAG Accounting provides customized bookkeeping, payroll, financial statements, special advisory services and tax filings. To reduce your time and cost burden, they can also provide a Virtual Chief Financial Officer service.

TAAG Family Office provides financial planning and wealth management advice to everyone from sole proprietors to executives of multi-million dollar corporations. On a fee-for-service basis, TAAG Family Office develops unbiased advice based on state-ofthe-art planning analytics. That analysis may identify weak planning design or specific areas for improvement such as overpaying taxes or lost opportunity costs. It can advise on efficiently receiving, spending and

transferring wealth in the most tax effective manner possible. TAAG Family Office can also examine personal investment strategies, including dealing with new capital gains rules.

TAAG Law is Canada’s pioneer in “Entrepreneur Law,” an innovative service model that provides business owners and serial investors with integrated support across the six key legal areas critical to their success: corporate, estate, real estate, contracts (including employment), intellectual property, and commercial dispute resolution. TAAG Law ensures that your holding structure aligns with your long-term exit and/or legacy objectives, minimizing tax and legal liabilities. With seven-days a week service and flat-rate pricing for most projects, TAAG Law ensures entrepreneurs have access to nimble and predictable legal services.

TAAG Marketing + Design provides tailored strategy, branding, content creation, graphic design, web, digital marketing, and niche publishing services. Our experienced creative and technical teams design and develop a wide range of strategic marketing solutions, leveraging decades of diverse project and agency expertise across many industries. We help clients reach and engage their audiences to advance and achieve their strategic marketing objectives and drive revenue growth. Services are available à la carte or as a flexible, monthly Virtual Chief Marketing Officer service.

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

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

WE HAVE SO MUCH to be proud of in Ottawa. Our city is a world capital, but it’s so much more than that. We are a beautiful and welcoming city, an international destination with a multitude of attractions and events for residents and visitors. We have a great deal to offer tourists, investors, business owners, and new residents.

As the seat of government, the home of the largest tech park in Canada, and the host to dozens of festivals and international events, Ottawa has a strong and diverse economy and the most educated population in the country. It’s a city with great potential, where innovation and opportunity meet. It’s a hub for business, culture, and tourism. It’s a home to thousands and thousands of entrepreneurs and artists. Small businesses are the engine of our economy, supported by a rich ecosystem of investment and mentorship.

Our future is bright. We are at the beginning of a new chapter for downtown Ottawa and the historic ByWard Market, with a comprehensive plan to invest in and transform the core of our city with new attractions, residential buildings, restaurants and nightlife.

Our future is bright. We are at the beginning of a new chapter for downtown Ottawa and the historic ByWard Market, with a comprehensive plan to invest in and transform the core of our city with new attractions, residential buildings, restaurants and nightlife. Our population is growing rapidly as thousands of people choose Ottawa for its unparalleled quality of life, including glorious parks, recreation, entertainment, and cuisine.

At this important juncture for our city, we will invest in our strengths and build on our history. We will welcome tourists, events, and new residents. We will continue to be the best place in Canada to live, work, play, and invest. The future belongs to Ottawa.

Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa

CHARITY CORNER SPONSORED BY TAAG

UNITED WAY EAST ONTARIO: Our toughest social issues can’t be tackled in isolation

DESPITE GLOBAL CONFLICTS playing out across the world and an enduring cost-of-living crisis, every day I get to see firsthand the power our community has to make positive change.

Whether you are helping out a neighbour or a friend, tackling a project at work that solves an important piece of a big social issue, carving out some of your paycheque to support a youth centre, or caring for children or aging parents who depend on you, you are working hard to do your part.

But sometimes it can feel like there’s so much to fix that it’s hard to know where to start.

That’s where United Way East Ontario comes in.

The toughest problems of our time are deeply intertwined: poverty and homelessness, mental health and addictions, social isolation and exclusion – you can’t fix one of these problems without considering the others.

The power of United Way lies in our big-picture approach. We bring together caring communities to address all facets of these big challenges, so we can empower people to overcome them in meaningful and sustainable ways.

When we help someone overcome substance use challenges, we do more than just help them kick their addiction: we also help them land and keep a job, find safe housing, and stay clean.

When we help a young mom fleeing a violent spouse, we’re not only helping her put a roof over her family’s head: we also

set her children up to thrive in school, help her maintain meaningful employment, make sure she can feed her family, and ensure they all have access to counselling.

When we connect a senior with a social club, we’re doing more than just giving them a place to spend the day: we’re also improving their wellbeing, keeping them connected to their community, and giving their caregivers a rest, so they can stay healthy, too.

You can help tackle housing, employment, mental health, poverty reduction, and community-building all with one donation. That’s the power of United Way.

Together, we can build a future where everyone thrives. I invite you to learn more and support our mission by visiting UnitedWayEO.ca.

Interim President and CEO, Dennise Taylor-Gilhen

PHOTO: OTTAWA TOURISM