Ottawa Business Journal 20150525 by Great River Media inc.

2070207 2773811

Office • Industrial Space Retail • Development Land

613-226-2000 www.arnon.ca

Meet the new boss Incoming Shaw Centre CEO Nina Kressler’s goal is clear: she wants to take the downtown convention facility straight to the top > PAGE 4

May 25, 2015 Vol. 18, NO. 14

Ottawa Commercial Leasing creating the right space for your business merkburn.com 613.224.5464

For daily business news visit obj.ca

Doors to growth After an up-anddown couple of years, Ottawa’s hotel industry looks to rebound this summer. > PAGE 2

Seal of approval Local businesspeople tend to like the job Jim Watson is doing, survey says. Find out what else they think.

Martin Taillefer’s Orleans-based company, Maritime Way Scientific, has caught the eye of industry giants such as Lockheed Martin. PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON

Diving into the world of technology

> PAGES 14-15

How taking a 90 per cent pay cut is reaping benefits for a former navy veteran

Canada Post Publications Mail: Agreement No. 41639025

Unhappy with the tactical decision-making systems on Canadian ships, Orleans entrepreneur decided to build his own > PAGE 10

Windows Server 2003 is reaching End of Life on July 14th. See pages 14 &15 to find out how to make your Transition UnComplicated.

TOURISM “It’s been very busy. Most people are reporting that the spring is stronger than last year.” — STEVE BALL, PRESIDENT OF THE OTTAWA GATINEAU HOTEL ASSOCIATION

Upcoming projects such as Groupe Germain’s Alt hotel on Slater Street will help replace 800 rooms that have been lost. PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON

Finding room for optimism MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Thanks to a major sporting event and growth in bus tour traffic, Ottawa’s hotel industry is gearing up for an above-average summer season

OBJ.CA

BY DAVID SALI david@obj.ca

he Canadian dollar’s loss might be the local hotel industry’s gain. Steve Ball, the president of the Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association, says his recent canvass of about a dozen downtown hotels suggests business is “building quite well” heading into the summer, with many hoteliers expecting an increase in visitors from the United States thanks to a loonie that is hovering around 80 cents US.

So far, this year has been good to the industry, he says, with most of the properties he surveyed recently saying they’re projecting a bump in occupancy rates of about two percentage points above the traditional average of nearly 80 per cent during the peak summer season. “For the most part, everybody’s feeling pretty good about the spring,” he says, crediting a strong year for conferences so far. “It’s been very busy. Most people are reporting that the spring is stronger than last year.”

SUMMER HOTEL OCCUPANCY RATES 2011-14 2014 2013 2012 2011

MAY 79% 78% 78% 78%

JUNE 82% 76% 80% 80%

JULY 72% 72% 68% 72%

AUG 78% 75% 73% 75%

SOURCE: OTTAWA GATINEAU HOTEL ASSOCIATION

In addition to an influx of travellers from south of the border, Mr. Ball says the industry is also predicting the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup will help fill plenty of rooms downtown and beyond. Ottawa is hosting nine matches at TD Place during the major soccer event in June, and with spectators expected to cram hotels in the core, business will spread out to the suburbs, meaning “everybody feels the benefits of an activity or an event like that,” he says. Ottawa Tourism is also predicting

more bus tours to include the capital on their itineraries this summer, the result of ramped-up marketing efforts over the past year or so. Throw in some spillover tourist traffic expected to head down the 401 in July from the Pan Am Games in Toronto, and Mr. Ball is clearly hoping for big things in 2015. Still, not everything is coming up tulips for the city’s hotel business. A number of downtown properties, including the National on Queen Street and the Quality Inn on Rideau Street, have closed in the recent past, while others such as the Minto Suite Hotel have converted to apartments. Overall, Mr. Ball estimates about 800 rooms have disappeared over the past couple of years. But he points to a number of “high-end” projects in the works as proof that the hotel industry is ripe for a revival. Hyatt’s luxury boutique chain Andaz, for example, is slated to open its first Canadian location in mid-2016, a 200-room building at the corner of Dalhousie and York streets on the site of the former Union du Canada building. Meanwhile, Groupe Germain Hotels is launching a 148-room hotel at 199 Slater St. under its Alt brand in the winter of 2016. The same company is constructing a 12-storey boutique hotel at the renovated Arts Courts on Waller Street that is expected to be ready to welcome visitors in 2018. If the former National site ends up being resurrected as another hotel, the downtown core could end up gaining a few rooms, Mr. Ball says. But he adds that the city will have to build on the momentum of events such as Canada’s 150 birthday and do a better job of attracting convention traffic to the Shaw Centre before the industry can make a strong case for more new construction. “When you look at a year like 2017, I suspect there will probably be room for more product, but you have to be strategic in how you go into these things and look at it over a longer period of time,” he says. “If we can build our convention business at the Shaw Centre … that might justify growth, but they need to go in tandem. Hotel inventory should grow in sync with growth in the convention and leisure business. If we’re very successful in 2017 and we do rebrand Ottawa as a key travel destination, that will justify growth in the accommodation sector.”

A celebration like no other Organization planning Canada’s 150th birthday bash in the capital says major events will transform city’s ‘sleepy old Ottawa image’ BY DAVID SALI david@obj.ca

Parliament Hill will be just one of many host sites for the Canada 150 bash in 2017. FILE PHOTO

teve Ball sees Canada’s 150th birthday celebration in 2017 as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rebrand the nation’s capital – or rather, once in two lifetimes. “We’ve got some pretty strong players that will help open doors and make connections and build excitement around this opportunity that, best I can tell, is not going to come around again for another 150 years,” the head of the region’s hotel association says with a chuckle, referring to Celebrations Ottawa, a new non-profit organization dedicated to planning the capital’s sesquicentennial party. Mr. Ball and Mayor Jim Watson are co-chairing the group’s 10-member board of directors, which also includes heavy hitters such as Bernie Ashe, CEO of the

CELEBRATIONS OTTAWA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mayor Jim Watson (co-chair) Steve Ball, president, Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association (co-chair) Bernie Ashe, CEO, Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group Saad Bashir, director of economic development and innovation, City of Ottawa Noel Buckley, president and CEO, Ottawa Tourism Coun. Jean Cloutier Coun. Mathieu Fleury Mark Laroche, president and CEO, Ottawa International Airport Authority Cyril Leeder, president, Ottawa Senators Carole Anne Piccinin, executive director, Ottawa Festivals

Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, Ottawa Senators president Cyril Leeder and Ottawa Tourism’s chief executive Noel Buckley. Continues on page 6

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

03 OBJ.CA

TOURISM Centre of attention Shaw Centre’s incoming CEO believes Ottawa can live up to title of ‘Canada’s meeting place’ BY DAVID SALI david@obj.ca

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

OBJ.CA

he Shaw Centre’s new boss definitely can’t be accused of setting the bar too low. Nina Kressler, who takes over as chief executive and president on June 1, says the building that has drawn raves for its unique architecture since it opened in 2011 can “absolutely” be the No. 1 convention centre in the country. “It’s a state-of-the-art, unique, beautiful facility,” says Ms. Kressler, who joined the Shaw Centre as general manager of its food and facilities operations in October 2013 and was named CEO last week. “I think we have a great opportunity there. We have all the amenities here. We just need to get out and sing that battle cry over and over again.” The 25-year veteran of the hospitality industry takes over for Pat Kelly, who stepped down at the end of March after eight years at the helm. It was Mr. Kelly, a former hotel manager, who shepherded the massive $170-million Shaw Centre project to completion once the provincial, federal and municipal governments agreed to cover most of the cost of replacing the antiquated Ottawa Congress Centre. Yet while tourism officials often tout the city as “Canada’s meeting place,” the Shaw Centre’s visitor numbers seem to suggest otherwise. Even though business has improved in the four years since it opened its doors, the facility’s gross surplus is still nowhere close to the seven-figure totals its backers projected before it was built, and Ottawa still lags behind other major Canadian cities when it comes to attracting major conventions. Ms. Kressler, who was vice-president of business development at the Toronto Congress Centre before moving to Ottawa, won’t comment on what some critics call the Shaw Centre’s unfulfilled promise. She sees a “bright future” for the facility, she says, and prefers to focus on that. “I can’t really speak to (Ottawa’s past struggles to draw large convention traffic), but what I can say is that I think we can definitely increase our market share,” she says. “My goal will be to do that.” Marc Seaman, chair of the facility’s board of directors, says the hiring committee pared 40 initial candidates down to a shortlist of three in an “extensive” national search for a new CEO. In the end, he says, the committee

THE KRESSLER FILE October 2013-present General manager of food and facilities Shaw Centre February 2011-May 2013 Vice-president of business development Toronto Congress Centre November 2006-February 2011 Vice-president of sales and marketing Trade Centre Ltd., Halifax May 2001-November 2006 Director of sales and marketing Casino Nova Scotia & Hotel, Halifax December 1989-April 2001 Director of sales and marketing Halifax Sheraton September 1984-June 1988 Marketing instructor Maritime Business College, Halifax

realized the ideal candidate was already in the building. Ms. Kressler, who brings decades of sales and marketing experience to the role, “really nailed it in terms of the key elements that we were looking for,” he says. Under her leadership, the Toronto Congress Centre saw a major increase in corporate convention traffic, he says. Ms. Kressler also helped turn the Halifax World Trade and Convention Centre into a “destination of choice” for international as well as domestic convention planners during her tenure there, he adds. It also helps that she already knows the 192,000-square-foot building inside and out. “Obviously, that’s a big bonus,” Mr. Seaman says. “It was a real benefit for us that she’s going to be able to seamlessly transition into the role of CEO with a real appreciation of the Shaw Centre’s real strengths and the opportunities that it has.” Those opportunities, she believes, are numerous. Like Halifax, Ottawa is a city with a large concentration of academics and professional organizations, she says, adding there is no reason Canada’s capital can’t duplicate the success of Nova Scotia’s capital in luring business groups from the United States and overseas.

Nina Kressler has more than two decades of sales and marketing experience to draw on in her new role as CEO of the Shaw Centre, which officially begins in June. PHOTO PROVIDED

“I always say if you brought a large group to this city, you own it. Whereas in bigger destinations like Toronto, you may be sharing that city with 10, 12, 20 other conventions where nobody knows your name.” — NINA KRESSLER, WHO TAKES OVER AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE SHAW CENTRE ON JUNE 1 “There is an association for everything (in Halifax) and Ottawa is no different than that,” she says. “There’s no doubt in my mind that the background here is definitely positioned well to reach out to the international market.” Despite its obvious strengths as a tourist destination, Ottawa has to do a better job of selling itself to the world, she says. “I see it as a four-season destination,” she explains. “A lot of places close down in the wintertime because they just say it’s too cold. We embrace it here, and I think it’s fabulous. I always say if you brought a large group to this city, you own it. Whereas in bigger destinations like Toronto, you may be sharing that

city with 10, 12, 20 other conventions where nobody knows your name.” To that end, Ms. Kressler says her top priority will be to meet with her counterparts from organizations such as Ottawa Tourism, the Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association, Invest Ottawa and the Ottawa International Airport Authority to come up with a co-ordinated marketing strategy. “It comes back, I think, to oldfashioned salesmanship,” she says. “I don’t think Ottawa’s necessarily seen yet as a place to bring a corporate business, but I think that’s changing,” she adds, noting Loblaws is bringing its national convention to the Shaw Centre in February. “And I think there’s a lot still out there to be had.”

— SPONSORED CONTENT —

There must be something to do in Ottawa this summer 2015 features a host of iconic events, world-class exhibits Think you know summer in Ottawa? The team at Ottawa Tourism will bet you haven’t seen a summer like this in any city, with international soccer players, Bronze Age conquerors, Roman gladiators and animals turned inside out. And that’s just the beginning. The summer of 2015 promises to be a busy and exciting one for visitors and tourists looking for cool things to do in Canada’s Capital Region. It began with the Canadian Tulip Festival and Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. But even these old standbys have a fresh story to tell for 2015.

As for the Race Weekend, Jantine Van Kregten, Director of Communications at Ottawa Tourism, is quick to point out that this isn’t just a local race, but an internationally recognized competition

“It has the only 10-km race in Canada, and one of only two full marathons, that are sanctioned by the International Association of Athletics Federations,” she said. “That’s a big recognition of the professionalism with which the event is organized.” Soccer fans the world over look to Ottawa But the big news this summer is arguably the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Ottawa will host nine matches over six game days between June 7 and 26. These games will take place at a brand new world-class Lansdowne Park, next to the Rideau Canal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and be broadcast to millions of viewers in the players’ home countries. “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to get exposure in countries from where we want to draw more visitors, like Germany, Korea, Mexico and France,” Van Kregten said. And then there are the museums “This will be one of the best summers we’ve

ever had for iconic exhibits,” she said. The most provocative may be the Canadian exclusive at the Canadian Museum of Nature that runs May 1 to Sept. 20. Body Worlds Animal Inside Out uses a process called plastination to explore the inner biology of actual animals. It’s a follow up to the Body Worlds exhibit of a few years ago that raised some controversy by exhibiting the human body in the same way. “It won’t necessarily be everyone’s cup of tea, but from a purely scientific perspective, I think it’s a fascinating exhibit,” Van Kregten said. If that isn’t your cup of tea, then head over to the newly christened Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau for “Terry Fox: Running to the Heart of Canada” (April 2 to Jan. 24, which features personal photos and mementos of his epic run submitted by Canadians from across the country. Or how about “a trip to the dawn of Western culture, where myth entwines with history in the world of Ancient Greece.”

The Museum of History is also hosting “The Greeks – Agamemnon to Alexander the Great” (June 5 to Oct. 12). This exhibit includes artifacts that have never before left Greece. From June 12 to July 26, the Museum of History will be exhibiting an even more iconic piece of our political history that’s marking its 800th anniversary – the Magna Carta, along with its companion document, The Charter of the Forest, both on loan from Durham Cathedral in Great Britain. For something with a little more edge to it, head over to the Canadian War Museum, which will be featuring “Gladiators and the Colosseum, Death and Glory,” from June 13 to Sept. 7. But wait, that’s not all There’s more, but we’ve run out of room to tell you about it. For more information on great things to do this summer in Ottawa, please visit www.ottawatourism.ca or follow on Twitter, @Ottawa_Tourism.

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and the first gift of tulips to Canada. Celebrations for this milestone include visits by members of the Dutch Royal Family.

that generates tens of millions of dollars in economic activity for the city each year.

05 OBJ.CA

The new Albert at Bay Suites Hotel Logo - November 15, 2005

STAY BIG OR STAY HOME! OTTAWA’SBIGGEST

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

HOTELSUITES

OBJ.CA

If you’re coming to Ottawa with your BFFs, you’ll have plenty of room in one of our condo-sized suites instead of a cramped hotel room. The Albert at Bay Suite Hotel is where you’ll find the biggest suites in Ottawa for less than a hotel room! All in the heart of downtown close to everything.

“We’re not talking about one event. When you think about the kind of returns you can muster over a year, it’s pretty exciting for a community like Ottawa.” — STEVE BALL, PRESIDENT OF THE OTTAWA GATINEAU HOTEL ASSOCIATION

3 blocks from Parliament Hill

albertatbay.com | 1-800-267-6644

Continued from page 3 They are there to advise Guy Laflamme, the City of Ottawa’s point man for the 2017 celebrations, Mr. Ball says, and will set up advisory committees in areas such as sales and marketing, volunteerism and community outreach. The organization’s budget has not yet been determined. While the city’s intention to go after some events, including the Grey Cup, the Juno Awards and an outdoor NHL game, is already clear, it’s up to the new group to work with the city to devise a jam-packed slate of activities that will reinvigorate Ottawa’s tourism industry well beyond 2017, he says. “It’s an excellent opportunity to showcase our city to the country and change people’s perceptions and images of what they are currently for their capital city,” Mr. Ball says. “The sleepy old Ottawa image can be changed dramatically if we can … provide a product offering that’s got really dynamic and exciting events.” He says he is “very confident” Mr. Laflamme and his team, in conjunction with Ottawa Celebrations, can “reinvent” the capital region as a premier tourist destination. The group has already set an ambitious target for 2017: it hopes to boost the total number of overnight visits by 1.75 million, an increase of 20 per cent. “We’ve got a real solid expert behind us,” Mr. Ball says of Mr. Laflamme, who is a strategic marketing professor and formerly served as a senior marketing executive with the National Capital Commission and Department of Canadian Heritage. “We think we’re ahead of the game, but having said that, it’s pretty darn important we start generating the necessary partners and revenues required to execute on such an ambitious plan. Unlike something like the Pan Am Games, we’ve got all year. We’re not talking about one event. When you think about the kind of returns you can muster over a year, it’s pretty exciting for a community like Ottawa.”

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

OBJ.CA

COMMENTARY Great River Media 250 City Centre Ave., Suite 500 Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 6K7 obj.ca PUBLISHER Michael Curran, 238-1818 ext. 228 publisher@obj.ca SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT OF SALES Don Mersereau, 238-1818 ext. 286 CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Terry Tyo, 238-1818 ext. 268 EDITOR, PRINT CONTENT David Sali, 238-1818 ext. 269 david@greatriver.ca EDITOR, ONLINE CONTENT Tom Pechloff, 238-1818 ext. 291 editor@obj.ca COPY EDITOR Krystle Kung CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tanya Connolly-Holmes, 238-1818 ext. 253 creative@obj.ca ART DEPARTMENT Jamie Dean, 238-1818 ext. 278 jamie@greatriver.ca Regan VanDusen, 238-1818 ext. 254 regan@obj.ca ADVERTISING SALES Wendy Baily, 238-1818 ext. 244 wbaily@obj.ca Kimberley Allen-McGill, 238-1818 ext. 299 kimberley@obj.ca Alison Stewart, 238-1818 ext. 226 sales@obj.ca

Buyers seeking tickets to performances such as Cirque du Soleil should beware of hidden fees and taxes. PHOTO COURTESY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

Hidden fees tax consumers’ patience

The lesson I learned here is that I must be more careful when using Google to find websites on the Internet. For example, when I searched Google for “Canadian Tire Centre,” the first website it showed me was for a ticket resale agency. I had been ignorant of the fact that Google gives prominence to those That great price for concert tickets online? It’s often not who pay to advertise on its site. And I so great when you add in all the “extra” charges was unaware that, at a quick glance, advertisers’ websites might lead some people – me included – to think they were t’s an exasperating truth many with the Rogers Cup.” buying tickets directly from the event consumers know all too well: the price Fortunately, in my wife’s case, the you see on the tag or in the ad is very reseller’s price markup was only about $10 organizer. Generally speaking, I don’t like often not the price you get. per ticket. We overpaid by only about $20, shopping on the Internet. I like to see For example, I went online looking for plus sales tax, which is almost 15 per cent what I’m getting before I buy. But I make tickets for an upcoming Cirque du Soleil in Quebec. an exception for tickets for entertainment show at the Canadian Tire Centre – and For the Cirque du Soleil performance, found prices ranging from $122 to $280 the Canadian Tire Centre’s price for a ticket and travel. Buying online or by phone seems to for similar seats. in the arena’s 100 level had a face value make it more likely that we’ll be stiffed Why the price discrepancy? The $122 of $100. That included sales tax but did by unscrupulous sellers with add-ons price was for a ticket purchased from the not include a “ticket fee” of $15.40. Also that greatly inflate the advertised price. Canadian Tire Centre. The $280 ticket added to the purchase price was a charge Is anybody taken in by those TV ads was from a ticket reseller whose website of $3.40 towards refurbishing the arena at stated: “We are a resale marketplace, not some future date (!) and an “order charge” that always say they’ll offer you two for the price of one and just add additional a box office or venue. Ticket prices may of $3.50. That’s an all-inclusive cost of shipping? exceed face value. This site is not owned $122.30 – a hefty markup of more than 22 The airline industry is another sector by Canadian Tire Centre.” per cent above the advertised price. And notorious for charging total fees far in The same day, my wife went online that’s before any delivery charges, such as to buy a pair of tickets for the Rogers having the tickets sent by mail, which costs excess of advertised fares. Airlines such as Air Canada routinely used to add Cup men’s tennis tournament in an extra $2. hundreds of dollars to advertised fares Montreal this summer. She thought she The reseller’s advertised price for a to cover the cost of fuel, landing fees and was purchasing the tickets from the ticket in the 100 level was $210, including other charges. That is, until the federal organizers. But it turned out she was tax. On top of that, there was a “service government recently introduced rules buying from a ticket reseller. The fine charge” of $63 and an e-mail delivery requiring airlines to switch to all-inclusive print on the order confirmation said the charge of $6.95, for a grand total of prices in their advertising. ticket seller was “in no way associated $279.95.

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

OBJ.CA

Susan Salsbury, 238-1818 ext. 229 ssalsbury@obj.ca MARKETING & SALES CO-ORDINATOR Cristha Sinden, 238-1818 ext. 222 cristha@greatriver.ca INSIDE SALES SUPPORT Marc Nordemann-Keller, 238-1818 ext.259 marc@obj.ca CAREER ADVERTISING & MARKETPLACE ADVERTISING SALES 238-1818 ext. 251 VICE-PRESIDENT OF OTTAWA BUSINESS EVENTS Susan Blain, 238-1818 ext. 232 susan@ottawabusinessevents.ca FINANCE Jackie Whalen, 238-1818 ext. 250 jackie@greatriver.ca SUBSCRIPTIONS/DISTRIBUTION 238-1818 ext. 248 subscribe@obj.ca PRINTED BY Transcontinental Qualimax 130 Adrien-Robert, Parc Industriel Richelieu Gatineau, QC J8Y 3S2

Ottawa Business Journal is published by

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Mark Sutcliffe PRESIDENT Michael Curran All content of Ottawa Business Journal is copyright 2015. Great River Media Inc. and may not be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. Publisher’s Liability for error: The Publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The publisher’s liability for other errors or omissions in connection with any advertisement is strictly limited to publication of the advertisement in any subsequent issue or the refund of monies paid for the advertisement. A guaranteed minimum of 14,000 copies per week are printed and distributed.

Why can’t – or won’t – more Canadian retailers be upfront with their customers by including taxes and all costs in their advertised prices?

Michael Prentice is OBJ’s columnist on retail and consumer issues. He can be contacted at news@obj.ca.

Become a Community Champion! The Community Champions Program invites businesses to invest in City of Ottawa facilities and programs in return for year-round marketing opportunities.

Exclusive Business Opportunity Naming rights are ideal for any company to: • • • • •

Increase brand awareness and loyalty Reach customers in unique environments Demonstrate corporate values and commitment to the community Create a point of differentiation in the Ottawa marketplace Recruit employees and build morale

The City is accepting Expressions of Interest from businesses of all sizes. Available naming rights include: • Lansdowne Park, Ottawa’s 18‐acre urban park – Aberdeen Pavilion, Aberdeen Square, Horticulture Building, Skating Court, Basketball Court and Children’s Water Plaza and Play Area with skate board ramps • Centrepointe Theatres – building and two theatres • Minto Recreation Complex - Barrhaven –aquatic centre, fitness centre, gymnasium, two ice arenas and eleven hockey arena change room doors • Nepean Sportsplex – building, aquatic centre, athletic and fitness centres, one ice arena and two ball diamonds • Ray Friel Recreation Complex – wave pool, fitness centre, gymnasiums, two arenas and sports fields

Call Richard Barton at 613-580-2424 ext. 25632 or visit ottawa.ca/Corporate Partnerships to find your perfect Community Champion opportunity.

201503-501

advertised pricing. Via recently advertised OttawaMontreal fares starting at $27. This was one-way, but the advertisement didn’t say that. The cost of a return ticket from Ottawa to Montreal turned out to be almost $90 with taxes included. Many other companies are guilty of the same practice. Holland America, a favourite cruise line of mine, advertises prices without including taxes, fees and port expenses, which can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of a weeklong cruise. But let’s give praise where praise is due. The National Arts Centre’s prices include taxes. Gasoline retailers are required by law to post all-inclusive prices, but they aren’t required to prominently display these prices where passing motorists can see them. So good on them for doing it anyway. And good for the Liquor Control Board of Ontario and the Beer Store, both of which include taxes in their prices. I suspect the Ontario government likes it that way, so we don’t know just how much we pay in liquor and beer taxes.

Photo Jean-Marc Carisse

Now, for example, Air Canada’s advertising is a model of clarity. And the government’s Canadian Transportation Agency rightly notes that the new rules allow consumers “to more easily compare prices and make informed choices.” The agency says on its website: “The display of the total price in air price advertising reduces confusion and frustration as to the total price and increases transparency.” Amen to that. So why can’t – or won’t – more Canadian retailers be upfront with their customers by including taxes and all costs in their advertised prices? Mattress Mart might offer a clue. In Ottawa, the retailer used to set an example by displaying all-inclusive prices. Much to many consumers’ chagrin, it no longer does so. I asked a store employee why. He told me: “Our customers would see a mattress advertised for less in a competitor’s store. What the customer didn’t notice was that the competitor’s price was higher than ours once the sales tax was added.” However, the reluctance of many businesses to be more transparent with their customers can be self-defeating. For example, I almost never take a train anymore. One reason for this is a lack of transparency in Via Rail’s

We’re growing to serve Ottawa better. KPMG is delighted to welcome two new Partners in our Ottawa Advisory Practice.

Their appointments support the strategic growth of the Ottawa Advisory team to better serve our clients throughout the National Capital Region.

kpmg.ca/advisory

Contact Peter at 613-212-2882 or peterdonnelly@kpmg.ca

Contact Kas at 613-212-3689 or kasrehman@kpmg.ca

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Kas Rehman has joined the Risk Consulting Forensic service team. With over 20 years of experience with forensic audit investigations and dispute matters in both official languages, he will expand our growing team’s ability to assist clients by protecting value and managing reputational risk.

09 OBJ.CA

© 2015 KPMG LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved. 9207

Peter Donnelly joins the team as an IT Advisory Partner in our Management Consulting Practice. As a seasoned global executive, he brings highly sought after expertise in both the Information Management and Information Technology professional services area.

DEFENCE & SECURITY “Five years ago, I was just a guy in a basement. No one knew me from a hole in the wall, other than those who knew me when I was in the navy.” — MARTIN TAILLEFER, FOUNDER OF MARITIME WAY SCIENTIFIC

Martin Taillefer is the founder of Maritime Way Scientific. PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON

Riding a wave of growth MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Orleans company’s acoustic modelling technology making big splash with high-powered partners such as Lockheed Martin

OBJ.CA

BY TOM PECHLOFF tom@obj.ca

last-minute decision to invest in a booth at a major defence and security industry showcase last year has paid off in spades for Ottawabased Maritime Way Scientific. It was at CANSEC, an annual event organized by the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries, that Lockheed Martin learned of the company’s acoustic modelling system. Acoustic modelling predicts how

sound travels in water and how effective sonar systems are at detecting targets. Maritime Way’s technology differs from its competitors’, president Martin Taillefer said, by offering acoustic modelling as part of a ship’s tactical decision-making, using mathematical algorithms for factors such as the depth of water, the frequencies being used and how much background noise is involved. “They happened to walk by the booth and said, ‘Oh. We need to talk,’” Mr. Taillefer said last week, just before his company announced Lockheed

Martin will fund continued research and development of Maritime Way’s acoustic modelling system and tactical decision aid technologies. The company made the announcement at the grand opening of Maritime Way’s new office on Youville Drive in Orleans. While Mr. Taillefer would not say how much funding his firm is getting, he did say he has a multi-year agreement with the global aerospace and defence giant. “The idea is to incrementally keep building and progressing. They bought

my vision and now we have to deliver,” he said, adding the funding will end if his company doesn’t come through to Lockheed Martin’s satisfaction. The 51-year-old started Maritime Way five years ago after a 20-year career in the navy. While he enjoyed his job in the service, he said he was not happy with the acoustic modelling technology being used. So, with the financial and emotional support of his wife, he decided to take what he called “a 90 per cent pay cut” and build his own system. “Five years ago, I was just a guy in a basement,” Mr. Taillefer said. “No one knew me from a hole in the wall, other than those who knew me when I was in the navy.” But some of his navy contacts were intrigued and came on board. Continued on page 16

Competition guarantees the best for Canada. For Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next-generation fighter, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is ready now for service through 2040. The best overall solution. Combat-proven. A balanced approach to survivability. Plus firm pricing and schedule. With 100% benefit to Canadian industry. To ensure the very best for all of Canada, which competition guarantees.

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

F/A-18E/F SUPER HORNET RAYTHEON

NORTHROP GRUMMAN

GENERAL ELECTRIC

BOEING

11 OBJ.CA

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

WINDOWS 2003 IS APPROACHING END OF SUPPORT

OBJ.CA

TUC Managed IT Solutions wants to make sure you take advantage of the best IT strategies and solutions for your business. Windows Server 2003 is quickly approaching end of life (July 14, 2015); which means it will no longer be supported by Microsoft!

WHAT DOES THIS M FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS?

• Microsoft will no longer issue patche for bug fixes or security issues (critic protection against malware, viruses a breaches), and will no longer offer m support for the product.

• You risk failing to meet industry com standards for handling of regulated d compliance could mean fines or prev ability to complete secure credit card

• Potential compatibility issues: new s and other hardware devices will not b integrate with Windows Server 2003.

TUC Makes

for Business

MEAN R

es or updates cal for and security mainstream

software be built to .

such as:

Need to know where to go from here?

Data centre efficiency: optimize your existing storage investments. Security: better protect corporate assets while providing users with flexible access. Resiliency: support your business continuity plans across your data

Easier administration & server management: manage multiple servers through a single dashboard. Leverage the power of the cloud: bring global-scale cloud services into your infrastructure.

Contact TUC to help you find the best migration solution & modernize your IT infrastructure.

info@tucmanaged.com 1-866-698-8454 www.tucmanaged.com/EOL

center and the cloud.

Compliance: meet your companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s compliance obligations.

Technology

Complicated

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

mpliance data. Nonvent your d transactions.

THE ADVANTAGES OF UPGRADING NEXT STEPS: TUC recommends that you take this opportunity to upgrade to a product WE CAN HELP that is supported such as Windows Server 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; bringing with it benefits

13 OBJ.CA

TUCmanaged.com/EOL | info@TUCmanaged.com | 1.866.698-8454

EVENTS WHICH MADE-IN OTTAWA COMPANY HAS THE BEST BUSINESS BRAND? GIANT TIGER

MINTO

17%

4% OTHER 4%

MITEL

FARM BOY

30%

13%

david@obj.ca

SHOPIFY

CONFIDENCE INDEX SCORE

114.20 117.0 119.20 DECEMBER 2013

JUNE 2014

APRIL 2015

APPROVAL OF MAYOR JIM WATSON UNSURE

APPROVE

68%

8% NEITHER APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE

21%

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS TO DOING BUSINESS RIGHT NOW?

OBJ.CA

Landmark local survey suggests company owners are feeling upbeat about the future: Pollster BY DAVID SALI

32%

DISAPPROVE

Biz confidence growing, study says

ACCESS TO SKILLED WORKFORCE 15% ACCESS TO CAPITAL 14% BUSINESS TAXES 13% BUSINESS LICENSING/PERMITTING ISSUES 12% MUNICIPAL BYLAWS 11% EFFICIENT TRANSPORTATION 8% PUBLIC TRANSIT 7% GROWTH RESTRICTION 7% USE OF ZONED LAND 7% DEVELOPMENT CHARGES 6%

ttawa’s business community is more confident than it was a year ago that sales and employment will grow, a landmark new survey says. Conducted earlier this spring, the Ottawa Business Growth Survey found that companies in the city scored an overall confidence index of 119.2, compared with 117.0 in June 2014 and 114.2 in December 2013. The index is a composite of five indicators, including sales, employment growth, perceptions about access to credit, time of customers to pay and market expectations. “What we’re seeing is that business confidence is slightly ahead of where it was in June 2014,” said David Coletto, CEO of polling firm Abacus Data, which conducted the survey. “That’s indicating to us that businesses are feeling a little bit better about their own opportunities to grow.” A total of 462 businesses finished at least half the survey, which was sponsored by the Ottawa Business Journal, the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce and Welch LLP, while 353 companies completed the questionnaire in its entirety. A more in-depth version of two previous surveys the chamber conducted last June and in December 2013, it asked business owners and managers their opinions on everything from Mayor Jim Watson’s job performance to which summer festival they liked best. “It was a good range of businesses in terms of size,” said Mr. Coletto. “We had basically all the different sectors of the city’s business community included, different sizes ranging from owner-operators to those that have 75 or more employees. We had far more participation this round than we had in the past. The more people who complete the survey, the more businesses that participate, the more analysis we can do below the surface.” About half of businesses that answered said their sales have increased in the past six months, while only 12 per cent said sales have declined. About 50 per cent of respondents said they are planning to hire more workers in the near future, with only six per cent expecting to cut jobs. Slightly more than half of the businesses that responded – 51 per cent – reported higher net income in 2014 than the year before, while 22 per cent held steady. A

MAYOR JIM WATSON. FILE PHOTO

majority expect revenues to grow again this year, with 37.5 per cent projecting doubledigit growth in 2015. Mr. Coletto said the overall results paint an encouraging picture of the local economy. “All the metrics that go into that confidence indicator indicate that businesses are feeling pretty positive,” he said. Still, there is some cause for concern in the findings. Slightly more than half of the companies said they have encountered barriers to doing business in the capital, with access to capital and skilled labour listed as the top two obstacles. “We found that for most of the businesses that identified it as a problem, it’s finding employees that have both the technical skills they’re looking for … and finding employees with previous experience in their sector,” Mr. Coletto said. “This survey just confirms the challenge. There are still lots of unemployed Ottawa residents out there. It’s just that they may not have the skills that businesses are looking for at the moment.” When it comes to local government, nearly 70 per cent of respondents said they approved of the job Mayor Jim Watson is doing, although just 37 per cent gave the thumbs-up to the performance of council as a whole. “It’s clear that the business community has recognized the leadership the mayor has provided, and for the most part approve of the job he’s done running the city,” Mr. Coletto said, noting Mr. Watson’s role as the face of the city’s upcoming Canada 150th

Announcement

“While we’re OK, I think most businesses would say there’s always room for improvement. They’re looking for leadership at all levels of government to find skilled employees, to maybe lessen the regulatory and tax burden that some businesses face.” – ABACUS DATA CEO DAVID COLETTO celebrations has probably enhanced his standing with local entrepreneurs. Under the category of results that should surprise no one, nearly eight out of 10 respondents named the Ottawa Senators as their favourite local professional sports franchise. Bluesfest, meanwhile, topped the list of favourite summer festivals or events at 37 per cent, followed by Canada Day on Parliament Hill at 21 per cent. “Everybody’s got their favourites, but it does show that Bluesfest has done a good job at sort of positioning itself as one of the more premier events that people really do enjoy to attend,” Mr. Coletto said. E-commerce juggernaut Shopify was named the best local business brand, being cited by 32 per cent of companies, but Farm Boy was right on its heels at 30 per cent.

Université d’Ottawa

“I don’t know if it’s a surprise, because I think so many of us shop there and see it as such an important local brand,” Mr. Coletto said. “It is a brand that I think people have a strong affinity for.” Overall, he said, the survey suggests that even though most businesspeople think the city is headed in the right direction, it still has work to do. “While we’re OK, I think most businesses would say there’s always room for improvement,” he said. “They’re looking for leadership at all levels of government to find skilled employees, to maybe lessen the regulatory and tax burden that some businesses face.” The full survey results will be unveiled at a breakfast at the Shaw Centre on June 9. For more information, go to ottawachamber.ca.

The Innovative Financial Group (IFG) would like to congratulate Sandra Byrne on her first year anniversary. As our newest Associate, it has been wonderful working with her. Her commitment to our organization and dedication to ensuring her clients’ financial well-being is commendable.

Sandra graduated the University of Western Ontario with a B.ACS (Major in Finance and Economics), has her accounting diploma and is licensed for Life, Accident and Health Insurance in Ontario. She brings over 12 years of public accounting, finance and client service experience to IFG. Her fundamental goal is to establish long-term, caring relationships based on value, quality, service, and most importantly…trust. By providing a clear and concise estate plan, she will ensure that the majority of your hard-earned assets are structured for tax-efficiency and that your estate is left in the hands of your loved ones. “We were excited to have Sandra join Innovative Financial Group, as she is a superior addition to our extremely knowledgeable team” notes Carmine Mazzotta, President of IFG. “Her tenure and background compliments our team and she will be invaluable as we assist our clients in focusing on setting strategic financial goals and implementing customized investment

strategies. Sandra will be instrumental in growing our IFG client base with sound strategies and services to the Ottawa market, supporting the overall estate planning cycle.” To learn more about the Innovative Financial Group’s many other service offerings and new initiatives, including how we can help protect your family from unexpected losses, please contact Sandra at 613-225-1555 ext. 15 or visit our website at: www.innfinancial.com.

University of Ottawa

MAKING GOVERNMENTS MORE ACCOUNTABLE Public administration student Olivia Dorey is a champion of transparency in government and founder of WhyItMatters.ca. Her goal: giving Canadians a clearer picture of how federal, provincial and municipal governments spend tax dollars.

DEFY THE CONVENTIONAL:

the Campaign for uOttawa

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

For her full story, as well as others, go to defytheconventional.ca

15 OBJ.CA

Continued from page 10 There were some tough times in the first three years, said Mr. Taillefer, adding his business was on its last legs when he was referred to CETAC-WEST, a private, not-for-profit corporation committed to helping SMEs develop their technologies and gain solid business footing. While CETAC-WEST works mostly with oil and gas companies in Western Canada, Mr. Taillefer decided to attend a workshop in Banff. It changed his life. “Almost as if Moses was coming down from the mountain,” he said. He was told the five things he was doing right and the five things that would sink the company within months. He has gone back to the workshop every year since and last year was named its entrepreneur of the year. Things started to pick up for his company in year four, Mr. Taillefer said, and revenues in Maritime Way’s fifth year were well into six figures, roughly 42 times what they were in year one. He is now a CETAC client and the group’s advisory board has been assisting him because Maritime Way is growing, thanks to National Research Council funding. But within a year, he said, he’ll be looking for assistance from the Ottawa business community. “You don’t have to be an expert in underwater acoustics to understand whether your business is successful or flopping,” he said.

With Lockheed Martin now in the picture, Mr. Taillefer said he expects year six to be even better, and that was the main reason it was time for the new office space. He said it will be much easier to manage the expected growth with his four full-time employees, four part-timers and four contractors working under one roof. The 1,000-square-foot space has been completely gutted and is designed to accommodate growth, he said. By mid-2016, Mr. Taillefer said he hopes to double his part-time staff and add two more full-time employees. While the Lockheed Martin investment is significant for Maritime Way, Mr. Taillefer said it’s also important for the company to diversify. To that end, it bid on a major project with the oil and gas industry in the United States. While Mr. Taillefer said he figured the bid to the U.S. Department of the Interior wouldn’t be successful, he did it anyway for the exposure. As it turns out, he made the short list, and Maritime Way got the exposure he wanted. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security later contacted the firm about getting its help building an underwater surveillance system to target narcotics submarines. While those discussions are continuing, Mr. Taillefer said winning that contract would be a “game-changer.”

Looking to invest in Commercial Plazas or Multi-Residential?

CALL TODAY!

Commercial Space For Lease 440 Preston Street

930 sq/ft plus 900 sq/ft of basement space available

Rockingham Avenue

527 sq/ft lawyers office available with good visibility on Bank St.

Commercial Building For Sale

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Preston Street

OBJ.CA

Approximately 1200 sq/ft of main floor with residential on the second floor. 3-4 parking spaces.

613-723-5300

The Manfredi Team / Royal LePage Gale Real Estate 105-383 Parkdale Avenue, Ottawa Ontario K1Y 4R4

Contact listing Agents for further details. Rocco Manfredi

Sales Representative manfredi@royallepage.ca

Jill Rochon

Licensed Assistant jillrochon@royallepage.ca

The Manfredi Team

— SPONSORED CONTENT —

Water, water everywhere?

Trust Brook Restoration to tame your building’s water woes Water is insidious. At least, in terms of its uncanny ability to go where it shouldn’t. It can penetrate a building envelope in any number of ways. In some instances, water infiltration is expected and it’s just a matter of ensuring it’s properly channeled out. (For example, the weeping holes in brickwork.) In other situations it’s the hidden enemy, eating away for months or even years before it’s unlawful entry is detected. All it takes is a little drip or trickle to turn galvanized steel to rusty dust and wood to mush. Damp conditions inside a wall or ceiling also give rise to mould, which feast on the adhesives common to many building materials for food, creating health problems for occupants. There can be any number of causes: a leaking pipe, deteriorated or improperly installed flashing or broken stucco. The problem can even start with design, when a certain aesthetic is favoured that doesn’t do enough to direct water away from the building. This is often the case with flashing that doesn’t extend far enough or long enough to properly perform its function and channel water away from vulnerable joints or corners.

The key, says Jeff Keays, Ottawa-based project manager for Brook Restoration, is to appreciate that investing in a proper fix in the first place is ultimately far more economical and far less troublesome than trying to cut corners and save money. “You need a contractor with the expertise and industry contacts to diagnose your problem and find the long-term solution that’s ideal for your situation,” he said.

BEWARE THE QUICK FIX Water infiltration is often a complex problem that requires everyone to do their homework. Each project has its own learning curve that requires a collaborative relationship between the property owner, the restoration contractor, as well as other consultants, as needed. When these problems arise, the best solution is to create a professional team that may include engineers, architects

and other subject matter experts, in addition to the contractor. Then draw on this expertise to find the best and most economical fix that addresses the root cause of your problem, to give you peace of mind for the long term. “It’s human nature to try and fix a problem for the least amount of money possible,” said Gary Roodman, Ottawa General Manager for Brook. “But this isn’t the best move for a multi-milliondollar property. An educated approach may cost a little more up front‎ but may save more money and hassle for the owner and the building’s occupants in the future.” Have a concern about water infiltration and control in your building? Visit www. brookrestoration.ca, or call Gary at 613796-9913, or Jeff at 613-716-6305 to discuss it.

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

WATER PROBLEMS ARE SELDOM OBVIOUS In many instances, there can be little if any visual evidence of a problem just from looking at the exterior of a wall. Finding the source is an exercise in detective work, in which you must start with the most obvious cause and work through a process of elimination. Sometimes this involves a little destructive testing, by cutting exploratory holes in a wall to see what’s inside and trace the source of the infiltration.

“You need a contractor with the expertise and industry contacts to diagnose your problem and find the long-term solution that’s ideal for your situation.”

17 OBJ.CA

OTTAWA’S BIGGEST & BEST CELEBRATION OF BUSINESS EXCELLENCE CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2015 RECIPIENTS Obaid Ahmed

Marie-Claire Holland

Charles-Antoine Rozon

F. Shawn Argue

Jonathan Hughes

Steve Schmalz

Steve Beauchesne

Neil Kennelly

Denise Siele

Tim Beaulieu

Martin Krátký-Katz

John-Philippe Smith

Brian W. Boucher

Alice Lafferty

Martin St-Onge

Yanick Brule

Shawn Lamarche

Jenna Sudds

Greg Burwell

Paul Lem

Rebecca Trueman

Roberto Campagna

Adam Mallory

Gordon Wadley

Ian Capstick

Stephan May

Brandon Waselnuk

Ian M. Charlebois

Jennifer McAndrew

Amy E. Yee

OAK Computing

Argue Construction Ltd. Beau’s All Natural Brewing Maplesoft Group

Lee Valley Tools, Ltd. Acquadrain Fusebill

Roca Homes MediaStyle

RE/MAX Citywide Reality., Brokerage

Michael Crichton Gowlings

Gyneya Dicks

Lago/Hooley’s/Booster Juice

Andrew Emmans

Corporate Housing Interiors Limited

Brittany Forsyth Shopify

Pat Gilbert

OPIN Software Inc.

Santé Universelle

Assent Compliance

KPMG LLP

PCL Constructors Canada Inc.

First Aid 4 U Inc

Equal Voice

MicroMetrics

Canada Post Corporation

Smith & Barber - Sculpture Atelier Inc. Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l.

Lamarche Electric Inc.

Kanata North BIA

Spartan Bioscience

Algonquin College

QNX Software Systems

FORTY UNDER

DREAM REIT

WelchGroup Consulting

Tattoo Hero

Mastermind Events

Nonlinear Creations

Derek Miller

NextGenerationHKY

Aydin Mirzaee SurveyMonkey

Joelle Parenteau Epic Perks

Natalie Raffoul

Clancy P.C. + Brion Raffoul

Andrew Reeves Linebox Studios Inc.

#ott40

Network with the city’s rising business stars!

OBJ.CA

For ticket info, email info@ottawabusinessevents.ca or call 613.236.7029 ext.135 Powered by Ottawa Business Events 2015 SPONSORS

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Forty Under 40 Gala | Thursday, June 18, 2015 @ Hilton Lac-Leamy.

LEAD SPONSOR

Individual Tickets: $175 Ottawa Chamber Members $195 Non-Members Corporate Tables of 10: $1575 Ottawa Chamber Members $1755 Non-Members

REAL ESTATE ‘Landmark’ debate over west-end condo Toronto developer says he’ll redesign controversial proposal to meet OMB architecture standards BY DAVID SALI david@obj.ca

he developer behind a proposed west-end condo tower says he intends to work with city officials to create an “iconic” top for the building so it meets the Ontario Municipal Board’s standard for “landmark” architecture. Sam Mizrahi, whose original proposal was rejected by city council last year, says he’s confident both sides can reach a consensus on a design that has the appropriate “wow factor” to stand out at the corner of Wellington Street and Island Park Drive. “It’s very clear that this is a very prominent and very important corner and that you need an iconic building there,” the Toronto-based developer told OBJ recently. “We work with all stakeholders in order to come up with something that’s great, and

we will continue to do that.” Council originally rejected Mr. Mizrahi’s plan for a 12-storey condominium because it violated city rules that limit buildings to nine storeys in that neighbourhood. The builder appealed the decision to the OMB, which has final say over municipal planning decisions. He argued a nine-storey building isn’t economically viable because the site is contaminated and would cost $2 million to clean up. In a written ruling earlier this month, the OMB gave Mr. Mizrahi two choices: trim three storeys off the tower or design the top in such a way that it qualifies as “landmark architecture.” The developer said he fully intends to go ahead with a 12-storey building. Kitchissippi Coun. Jeff Leiper, whose ward includes the proposed condo, said after the ruling became public that he thinks most of the community would still

Mizrahi’s planned condo at the corner of Wellington Street and Island Park Drive. COURTESY MIZRAHI DEVELOPMENTS

oppose a building of that height no matter what it looks like. He also questioned the OMB’s ability to judge “landmark architecture.” But Mr. Mizrahi said he doesn’t see that as an issue. “I think in architecture there are definitions, and there is structure to what

is iconic and what is landmark,” he said. “I agree that it is subjective to some point, but .. I think it can be addressed and measured.” He said his company has already contacted city staff in the hope of coming up with “collaborative approach” to solving the dispute.

— SPONSORED CONTENT —

Shaw Centre offers limitless creativity for event planners For gatherings large or small, it’s a functional, flexible space

hen planning an event, there are many variables, yet one of the most important questions prospective clients of the Shaw Centre should ask is one they typically do not. “I wish people would inquire about how flexible and creative we can be,” says Dawn Guindon, account manager for Ottawa’s beautiful downtown convention centre. “We can use this building in such imaginative and innovative ways. I always tell prospective clients to look beyond the traditional floor plans.”

Moroccan, Lebanese and much more. Meals can range from buffets to five-star gala evenings with gourmet food and wine,” says Guindon.

For example, the Centre can offer a traditional 57,000 square foot trade show floor in Canada Hall but treating the Centre as one huge cohesive space results in 192,000 square feet over four floors, including foyers and entryways as creative function space, giving an event the feeling of exclusivity and intimacy.

“Since our opening, we have hosted close to 2000 events for local, national and international guests, such as the NHL All-Star awards Fan Fair, the Juno Awards Gala, the Ottawa Wine and Food Festival and GTEC conference. As a result, we have gotten to know the Centre intimately and can maximize every square inch and make sure the space works effectively for each client, whether their event is large or small,” adds Guindon.”

Four facts about the Shaw Centre

• If an event has a majority of female attendees, a clever series of locking pocket doors can be adjusted, temporarily turning part of the men’s washroom into an extension of the ladies’ loo. • The Shaw Centre’s largest freight elevator can lift up to 24,000 pounds, or two elephants.

• The Centre was purposefully built to ensure universal accessibility, including tactile tiles and canedetectible floor strips to help the visually impaired navigate. • The Shaw Centre’s facilities include crEATe, a modern kitchen studio for intimate, interactive dinners and receptions.

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Creativity applies to food and beverage offerings as well. “Without having to leave the building, guests can enjoy customized menus throughout the day including gluten-free, vegetarian and a wide range of ethnic cuisines like Indian,

The Centre provides state of the art essential services in-house, including technical, audiovisual, expo design and setup. Consistent points of contact include account managers and a dedicated Event Service Manager who will work through all logistics, setup, timing, food and beverage needs and so forth.

19 OBJ.CA

TECHNOLOGY Bringing new energy to festival stages Ottawa startup looks to make its mobile solar generators a staple at major events, starting with next month’s Westfest BY CRAIG LORD Special to OBJ

ttawa startup Solar On Site plans to generate plenty of power – and a lot of buzz – at Westfest next month. The company aims to start a movement in the capital region to bring renewable energy sources to the city’s festival scene and beyond. “What we’re looking to do is help provide people an opportunity to get off the grid, and also get away from the fossil fuels and diesel and gas generators that are currently being used at festivals,” says Solar On Site co-founder Matthew Payne. The company was incorporated last November by four Ottawa friends with

the goal of being part of the first wave of a “green festivals” movement. Mr. Payne and his partners are hoping their mission resonates with festival-goers and organizers. “The green movement is a strong one. And we’re here to lead it as best we can in Ottawa,” he says. The sustainable startup rents mobile solar generators to festivals and special events, customizing the capabilities of the generators to its clients’ requirements. The team builds the generators themselves, either from scratch or from existing parts. “At this point, just attaching a few solar panels to your business or your house, I think, is not the only thought that is available. We can really take this energy

From left, Robert Payne, George Lessard, Matthew Payne and Jordan West. PHOTO PROVIDED

Business Growth Survey Breakfast • Be the first to hear the survey results from an exciting, new comprehensive survey of hundreds of local businesses • Gain valuable insights into economic trends and growth sectors • Complimentary copy of the survey results

Keynote:

Dr. David Coletto Audit

Tax

Accounting

Consulting

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

CEO, Abacus Data Expert Panel:

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

The Shaw Centre, Trillium Room

OBJ.CA

700 am: Registration and networking 745 am: Buffet breakfast 800 am: Presentation

Individual Tickets:

$35 + HST (Members) $50 + HST (Non-Members)

Corporate Tables of 8 with Signage: $245 + HST (Members) $350 + HST (Non-Members)

Jim McConnery Cyril Leeder Moderator Partner, Welch LLP

President, Senators Sports & Entertainment

Jeff Westeinde

Co-founder, Windmill Development Group

Cheryl Jensen President & CEO, Algonquin College

“There’s a lot of skepticism as to the abilities of these systems. Being able to prove what we’re capable of at Westfest is hopefully going to jump-start a movement.” – MATTHEW PAYNE, CO-FOUNDER OF SOLAR ON SITE

anywhere with our mobile units,” Mr. Payne says. Mobility isn’t the only draw for Solar On Site’s generators. The company also implements tracking technology so that panels can move to follow the sun’s rays, increasing the efficiency of its systems. Additionally, the generators can store up to six hours of energy at a time, a reassurance for festival organizers that the show will go on, rain or shine. Solar On Site currently has a fleet of three generators, with plans to expand. Its largest generator – capable of outputting 12,000 kilowatts of power – will be unveiled for the first time at Westfest’s stages during the Westboro arts and music celebration, which runs June 13 and 14. Festival founder Elaina Martin had been waiting a long time for an opportunity like Solar On Site. “As a free festival, it’s nearly impossible for me to ‘green’ in almost any way,” she says. “As soon as I thought that that was a possibility, I jumped on it.” Though solar-powered options are typically a more expensive route to power festivals, Ms. Martin says she sees it as more than just a matter of dollars and cents. “You might save a few dollars, but what

you’re doing to the environment will make up for it,” she says. “I’ll pay to be able to do my part, to be a pioneer at doing my part, and showing others that they can do it too. That’s really what our partnership is about this year.” Solar On Site sees Westfest as the ideal venue to demonstrate what its technology can do. “There’s a lot of skepticism as to the abilities of these systems,” Mr. Payne says. “Being able to prove what we’re capable of at Westfest is hopefully going to jump-start a movement.” Ms. Martin agrees. “We’re really just trying to show the city, let’s all stop being complacent just doing what we’ve always done and let’s start looking at the new innovations that are clearly right on our doorsteps,” she says. Mr. Payne adds he’s thankful that Westfest has taken a chance on proving the Solar On Site concept. To that end, the company has also joined the festival as a sponsor, seeing their relationship as a truly mutually beneficial partnership. Solar On Site has ambitions to expand to festival scenes all around the Ottawa region, as well as into applications for cottage life or in northern communities. In the meantime, Westfest will provide its first big test.

and present:

THE RETURN OF PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL TO OTTAWA; A CHAMPION FOR OTTAWA’S BUSINESS COMMUNITY

David Gourlay

President of The Ottawa Champions Baseball Club

Thursday, June 4, 2015 7:00 am - 9:00 am

Sheraton Ottawa Hotel –150 Albert St., 2nd floor- Rideau Room Individual Tickets: $30.00 + HST (Members) $45.00 + HST (Non-Members)

Corporate Tables of 8 with Signage $210+HST (Members) $315+HST (Non-Members)

Audio-Visual Rentals Locations audio-visuels

E-mail info@ottawabusinessevents.ca to receive weekly updates on all our events.

Business Golf Tournament Tuesday, August 26, 2014 Tuesday, September 1, 2015 8:30 am – 5:00 pm 9:00Clublink’s a.m. - shotgun start Greyhawk Golf and Country Club GreyHawk Golf Club 4999 Boundary Road, Ontario 4999Cumberland, Boundary Road, Cumberland, ON Don’t miss out!

double-shotgun tournament For a•• limited time: continental breakfast

• lunch Save $100 per foursome when registering with promo code: •

fun contests

•

plated dinner

• great prizes GOLFOBJREADER • networking reception

Don’t miss this fun-filled day on the green! Cost Individual Players tournament • Double-shotgun Early Bird: $179 + HST (ends June 30, 2014) Ottawa Chamber Member: $199 + HST • Fun contests Non-Member: $249 + HST & great prizes! Foursome • Networking cocktail reception Early Bird: $716 + HST (ends June 30, 2014) Ottawa Chamber Member: $796 + HST Non-Member: $996 + HST

Registration NOW OPEN at ottawachamber.ca Registration now open at ottawachamber.ca MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Registration Fees: Individual Players

Ottawa Chamber Member: $200 + HST Non-Member: $250 + HST

Foursome

LEAD SPONSOR

21 OBJ.CA

Ottawa Chamber Member: $800 + HST Non-Member: $1,000 + HST

THE LIST Company/Address/ Phone/Fax/Web

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

17 18 19 20

Deloitte 1600-100 Queen St. Ottawa, ON K1P 5T8 613-236-2442/613-236-2195 deloitte.ca KPMG LLP 1800-150 Elgin St. Ottawa, ON K2P 2P8 613-212-5764/613-212-2896 kpmg.ca PwC 800-99 Bank St. Ottawa, ON K1P 1E4 613-237-3702/613-237-3963 pwc.com/ca Ernst & Young LLP 1200-99 Bank St. Ottawa, ON K1P 6B9 613-232-1511/613-232-5324 ey.com/ca BDO Canada LLP 100-1730 St. Laurent Blvd. Ottawa, ON K1G 5L1 613-739-8221/613-739-1517 bdo.ca Welch LLP 123 Slater St., 3rd Floor Ottawa, ON K1P 5H2 613-236-9191/613-236-8258 welchllp.com Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton 2505 St. Laurent Blvd. Ottawa, ON K1H 1E4 613-236-2211/613-236-6104 rcgt.com Collins Barrow Ottawa LLP 400-301 Moodie Dr. Ottawa, ON K2H 9C4 613-820-8010/613-820-0465 ottawa.collinsbarrow.com Ginsberg Gluzman Fage & Levitz, LLP 287 Richmond Rd. Ottawa, ON K1Z 6X4 613-728-5831/613-728-8085 ggfl.ca Marcil LavallĂŠe 400-1420 Blair Pl. Ottawa, ON K1J 9L8 613-745-8387/613-745-9584 marcil-lavallee.ca McCay Duff LLP 141 Laurier Ave. 6th Floor Ottawa, ON K1P 5J3 613-236-2367/613-236-5041 mccayduff.com Hendry Warren LLP 200-881 Lady Ellen Pl. Ottawa, ON K1Z 5L3 613-235-2000/613-235-2643 hwllp.ca Andrews & Co. Chartered Professional Accountants 540 Lacolle Way Orleans, ON K4A 0N9 613-837-8282/613-837-7482 andrews.ca Logan Katz LLP 105-6 Gurdwara Rd. Ottawa, ON K2E 8A3 613-228-8282/613-228-8284 logankatz.com MNP 110-495 Richmond Rd. Ottawa, ON K2A 4B2 613-691-4200/613-726-9009 mnp.ca Parker Prins Lebano 1796 Courtwood Cres. Ottawa, ON K2C 2B5 613-727-7474/613-727-3715 parkerprinslebano.com Bouris, Wilson LLP 1701 Woodward Dr. Ottawa, ON K2C 0R4 613-727-8500/613-727-8585 bouriswilson.com Bessner Gallay Kreisman LLP* 400-340 March Rd. Kanata, ON K2K 2E4 613-836-8228/613-836-8338 bgk.ca McIntyre & Associates Professional Corp.* 200-900 Morrison Dr. Ottawa, ON K2H 8K7 613-726-7788/613-729-4477 mcintyreca.com Ouseley Hanvey Clipsham Deep LLP 200-205 Catherine St. Ottawa, ON K2P 1C3 613-562-2010/613-562-2012 ohcd.ca

Largest accounting firms (Ranked by number of accountants)

No. of No. of Local/ Ottawa Ottawa national accountants support staff offices

Managing partner(s)

Year established in Ottawa Services offered

435

4 55

Michael Runia

1946

Full-service firm provinding audit, tax, consulting, risk management and financial advisory services to a wide range of Canadian and international clients.

229

2 35

Grant McDonald

1840

Full-service firm, operating through four service lines: audit, tax, advisory, enterprise (private company advisor), providing services to public and private companies, government and public-sector agencies and not-for-profit organizations.

205

2 25

Carol Devenny

1907

Provides consulting services to various federal government departments; industry focused assurance; tax; consulting and deals services to public and private entities

190

1 15

Gary Zed

1906

Full-service firm: assurance; IT audit; fraud investigation; advisory services; domestic/cross-border tax; transfer pricing; transaction advisory to key industry global associations; emerging growth; entrepreneurial; not-for-profit; government

175

11 112

Robert Rheaume Denis Godcharles AndrĂŠ Bolduc

1963

Bilingual audit and assurance; tax, U.S. tax, SR valuations; litigation support; insolvency and debt restructuring, consulting (planning, performance, transformation, change); risk management, technology software solutions; business transition

125

1 11

Micheal Burch

1918

Personal and corporate tax planning; SR&ED tax credits; accounting/financial reporting; business advisory; doing business in Canada; financial statement audit; government contribution audit/compliance audit; M corporate finance

105

7 85

Jean Schnob

1947

Full service

2 45

Kenneth Tammadge

1963

Full-service firm: audit and assurance; taxation (personal, corporate, estate, international); insolvency and debt restructuring; business valuations; financial advisory; government consulting

4 5

Deborah Bourchier

1946

Full-service, specializing in owner-managed businesses. Assurance; advisory; accounting and tax services; corporate restructuring; estate and succession planning; real estate; medical and dental professionals; construction; not-for-profits

2 1

Lionel Nolet

1980

Auditing and accounting; taxation; financial and management services; business start-ups; accounting personnel recruitment

1 0

Blair Davidson

1946

Full service including: auditing; accounting; taxation (corporate and personal); business advisory; business valuation; corporate reorganizations; fund administration; succession planning; business purchase and sales

1 0

Marie Fraser

1995

Auditing and assurance taxation services; financial planning; personal taxation for entrepreneurial companies and not-profits; corporate tax planning

1 1

Jeff LeBlanc David Brighten

1979

Audit and assurance; business management services (outsourcing); personal; corporate and estates/trusts taxation; financial statements; bookkeeping; business succession planning; restructuring and financing; bank financing; mentoring; planning

1 0

Gary Katz

1994

Personal; corporate; SR cross-border; U.S. taxation; tax planning and compliance; assurance; business advisory; corporate reorganization; back office support; estate and succession planning; recruiting services; bookkeeping

1 75

Michael Dimitriou J Douglas McLarty

1981

Assurance; accounting; tax; consulting; transition planning; enterprise risk; corporate finance; insolvency; valuations; forensics; corporate finance

1 2

Steve Parker

1996

Full service, except bankruptcy.

1 0

Jennel Recoskie Sue Holtom

1960

Full service, except bankruptcy, actuarial and benefits.

1 1

Michael McCrann

1950

Auditing and accounting for private companies; financial advisory services; personal and corporate tax; mergers and acquisitions; estate planning

1 0

James McIntyre

1981

Full service, except actuarial and benefits.

1 0

Eric Wilson

1984

Accounting; auditing; corporate tax; personal tax; financial consulting services

WND = Would not disclose. *Did not respond - using most recently updated info

OBJ.CA

22 Should your company be on this list? If so, please send details to research@obj.ca. This list is current as of May 25, 2015 by Ottawa Business Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced by any method in

whole or in part without written permission by Ottawa Business Journal. While every attempt is made to ensure the thoroughness and accuracy of the list, omissions and errors sometimes occur. Please send any corrections or additions by e-mail to research@obj.ca. OBJ lists are primarily compiled using information provided voluntarily by the organizations named. Some firms that may qualify for the list are not included because the company either failed to respond to requests for information by press time, because the company declined to take part in the survey or because of space constraints. Categories are drawn up in an attempt to gather information of relevance to the Ottawa market. Research by Patti Moran. Please send questions and comments to research@obj.ca.

FOR THE RECORD People on the move

Hats off

Soloway Wright LLP has welcomed four new members to its team. Julia Heintzman and Ben Hagen join the firm as lawyers and Terilynn Anderson and Christine Powell have been named partners. Lynn Ladd has joined The OTUS Group in the role of business development specialist. Ms. Ladd was most recently general manager at Henschel Business Services. Sidense announced Bob Daly as the company’s new chief financial officer. Mr. Daly will oversee Sidense’s financial planning and reporting. He was most recently CFO of Klocwork. Tweed Marijuana has announced the appointments of Tim Saunders, who will assume the position of CFO, and Mark Zekulin, who becomes the company’s new president. Mr. Saunders was most recently the president of Black Canvas Consulting.

COFOVO Energy founder Richard Beal has been presented with the Mitacs Entrepreneur Award for his company’s efforts to introduce low-cost, highly efficient solar energy technologies. Mr. Beal earned his PhD in materials science as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University. Kivuto Solutions is a finalist in ICMI’s 2015 Global Contact Center Awards. Kivuto was recognized for its customer support team under the Best Multilingual Support Center category. Eagle Professional Resources has received the 2015 Professional Development Award presented by the Association of Canadian Search, Employment and Staffing Services. The award recognizes exceptional commitment to employee education and awareness through continuous learning opportunities for employees at all levels.

Contracts The following contains information about recent contracts, standing offers and supply arrangements awarded to local firms. Maplesoft Consulting Inc. 408 Churchill Ave. Description: Informatics professional services Buyer: PWGSC $6,896,444

H O T E L • E X T E N D E D S T AY sohomet.com

300 lisgar street

613 558 8747

Teksystems Canada Inc. 1130 Morrison Dr. Description: Informatics professional services Buyer: PWGSC $4,597,629

CGI Information Systems and Management Consultants Inc. 1410 Blair Pl. Description: Document imaging - TBIPS Buyer: PWGSC $2,225,193

S.i. Systems Ltd. 170 Laurier Ave. W. Description: Informatics professional services Buyer: Employment and Social Development Canada $4,203,057

ADRM Technology Consulting Group Corp. 45 St. Andrew St. Description: Informatics professional services Buyer: Employment and Social Development Canada $1,491,769

Modis Canada Inc. 155 Queen St. Description: Informatics professional services Buyer: PWGSC $3,831,357 Veritaaq Technology House Inc. 2327 St. Laurent Blvd. Description: Informatics professional services Buyer: Employment and Social Development Canada $3,302,402

Dalian Enterprises and Coradix Technology Consulting, in joint venture 151 Slater St. Description: Informatics professional services Buyer: Employment and Social Development Canada $833,940

- SPONSORED CONTENT -

Make your meeting historic at Pinhey’s Point Pinhey’s Point Historic Site was established in 1820 by Hamnett Pinhey as a homestead for his family. Its rolling hills, pleasing river views and historic manor house have all been preserved for modern visitors to enjoy.

Helping the community welcome people with intellectual disabilities to live, work, and play as valued citizens.

LiveWorkPlay would like to thank the Ottawa community for supporting 20 great years of building more inclusive neighbourhoods and workplaces. With your help, our leading-edge approach to housing, employment, citizenship, and relationships is changing the lives of individuals, families, workplaces, and neighbourhoods in Ottawa and beyond. And we aren’t done yet! Please join us as we start our journey on the way to the next 20 years of community-building!

How To Help Build A More Inclusive Ottawa Give time: volunteer.liveworkplay.ca Make connections: jobs.liveworkplay.ca Donate: give.liveworkplay.ca /liveworkplayfans @liveworkplay

23 OBJ.CA

If you’ve got a larger party, consider the marquee tent, which is suitable for up to 150. Pinhey’s also offers extras, such as the Historic Snack Break, where your party can help prepare 19th century refreshments. Staff can lead guided tours of the facility or organize a round of traditional lawn games. For more information, e-mail museums@ ottawa.ca or call 613-247-4830 x 221.

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Pinhey was both a highly successful businessman and prominent political leader in his time. How appropriate then that his former home is now being offered as a space for meetings and events. There are separate indoor and outdoor options to choose from. Or enjoy a combination. The historic ballroom, overlooking the Ottawa River, can be enjoyed by up to 50 people.

1995-2015

MONDAY, MAY 25, 2015

Project1:Layout 1 16/03/2015 12:09 PM Page 1

OBJ.CA

Ottawa Office: 2275 Stevenage Dr., Bay 2, Ottawa, ON K1G 3W1 Phone: 613-248-8887 | Fax: 613-248-8881

Toronto Office: 11 Kelfield St. Toronto, ON M9W 5A1 Phone: 416-663-7976 | Fax: 416-663-3650

Yo u r To t a l R e s t o r a t i o n R e s o u r c e www.brookrestoration.ca