BOOK OF LISTS 2026 by Great River Media inc.

AWARD-WINNING ARCHITECTURE. OTTAWA PROUD.

UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES BUILDING

*LEED® latinum Certification

Celebrating 20 years of Excellence

Two decades of tailored IT solutions. Enterprise-level expertise delivered at a scale and price that fits your business.

IT Services

Reliable, responsive support from a team that knows your business. We keep your systems running smoothly, from desktops to servers, so your team can focus on growth and productivity.

Microsoft Cloud Services

Cloud today is more than storage - it’s secure, flexible, and essential for modern work. We help you adopt Microsoft 365, cloud storage, collaboration tools, and zero-trust security, enabling your team to work efficiently and your business to stay resilient.

Hardware & Software

From evaluation to deployment, we help you select and integrate the right devices, applications, and cloud tools. LARA-TECH ensures everything works together seamlessly for maximum efficiency and reliability.

Security

Protect your business with modern, layered cybersecurity. We assess your environment and implement solutions that strengthen your defenses and fit your budget.

For a free consultation contact: info@laratech.com 613-288-0924

D1-130 Terence Matthews Crescent, Kanata, ON K2M 0J1

Welcome to this year’s Book of Lists

The Book of Lists is one of our readers’ perennial favourites. Every year it delivers up-to-date data, listings and factoids about almost every aspect of business in Ottawa. It remains a unique source of hard-to-access information on local companies.

In this digital age, where most of us are overwhelmed by the amount of information that comes at us each day, we believe the Book of Lists serves as a reference tool and guide. We hope it will be useful as you follow business leads, look to expand your professional network or simply want to know more about the local business community.

On the following pages, you’ll find detailed facts and figures on more than 600 companies. For ease of use, we’ve divided the publication into various sections that focus on the city’s key economic sectors. The rankings of the largest firms, broken down into dozens of industry categories, are at the heart of the Book of Lists. We’ve also highlighted notable businesspeople and companies in our community, including our CEO of the Year for 2025 and other award recipients.

Of course, compiling and updating this publication takes a lot of work over several months. Much of the credit has to go to OBJ’s Susan Habib and our design team led by Tanya Connolly-Holmes. Once again this year we’ve put together the publication with the help of leading-edge tech, which we think will have many benefits for us and for you, our readers.

This edition is full of information on some of the city’s largest businesses, most innovative companies and leading businesspeople. We hope it will find a spot on your desk/desktop for many months to come.

Anne Howland Editor in Chief

P.O. Box 91585

Ottawa, Ontario, K1W 1K0 Tel: 613-696-9494 obj.ca

PUBLISHER

Michael Curran

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Anne Howland

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Tanya Connolly-Holmes

FINANCE

Cheryl Schunk

CONTRIBUTORS

Mia Jensen

Marissa Galko

Sonia Mendes

David Sali

RESEARCHER

Susan Habib

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Celine Haché-Paquette

ADVERTISING SALES

Cindy Cutts

Eric Dupuis

Robyn Hunter

PRESIDENT Michael Curran

HST No. 876285606

Printed in Canada ©

All original contents copyright 2026 by Ottawa Business Journal. The 2026 Book of Lists is published by Ottawa Business Journal a publication of Great River Media. This publication contains information considered accurate at the time of printing. However, the publisher is not responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.

BUSINESS SERVICES

Best Places to Work in 2025

1. Knak

Knak fosters a culture of creativity, collaboration and balance, supported by a flexible hybrid model and strong employee engagement. With standout perks like wellness programs, milestone rewards and employee ownership, Knak builds a values-driven workplace where individuals feel heard, valued and set up for shared success.

CO-FOUNDER/CEO: Pierce Ujjainwalla

EMPLOYEES: 98

2. Stoneworks Technology Inc.

Stoneworks fosters a welcoming, inclusive culture rooted in a “pay-it-forward” philosophy, offering strong benefits and ongoing community support. With a focus on personal growth, team success and putting family first, employees thrive in a workplace that values learning, celebration and meaningful impact.

CEO: Jody Burton

EMPLOYEES: 25

3. Snowed In Studios

Snowed In Studios has been a leader in Ottawa’s videogame industry for 15 years, known for its peoplefirst culture and strict no-crunch policy. With a focus on transparency, career growth and work-life balance, the studio offers a supportive, fun environment where employees can thrive both professionally and personally.

STUDIO HEAD: Nigel Franks

EMPLOYEES: 117

4. Relax Massage Group

Relax Massage Group is a therapist-first clinic that prioritizes the well-being and growth of its team to deliver exceptional client care. With more than 20 years in the industry, it fosters an inclusive, supportive and fun culture, making it one of Ottawa’s leading employers of RMTs.

OWNER/FOUNDER: Melissa Gardner

EMPLOYEES: 30

5. Ottawa General Contractors

With its family-like culture, Ottawa General Contractors fosters a fun, respectful and engaging environment by offering flexible schedules, competitive pay and perks such as free Friday lunches. It supports the team’s growth with customized workflows and performance-based rewards, leading to a truly connected and rewarding workplace.

PRESIDENT: Fares Elsabbagh

EMPLOYEES: 29

6. HW Partners

HW Partners, formerly Hendry Warren LLP, fosters a collaborative, supportive culture where employees grow both personally and professionally. With flexible hours, social events, community involvement and strong mentorship and CPA development programs, the firm prioritizes balance, connection and career growth.

PARTNER: Shaina Watt

EMPLOYEES: 68

7. Dilfo Mechanical Ltd.

Dilfo Mechanical fosters a respectful, collaborative culture where employees are valued, supported and engaged in meaningful work across major projects and a growing service division. With strong safety standards, career development and a commitment to work-life

balance, Dilfo’s values and trusted industry relationships create a stable, rewarding workplace.

PRESIDENT: Danny Dillon

EMPLOYEES: 286

8. Entuitive

Entuitive is a purpose-driven, B Corp-certified firm that prioritizes innovation, collaboration and sustainability with a people-first culture supported by hybrid work, strong benefits and a focus on wellness and DEI. As a worker-owned company, it empowers employees through mentorship, mobility opportunities and meaningful engagement, creating a workplace where people thrive.

CEO: Brock Schroeder

EMPLOYEES: 338

9. MP Lundy Construction Inc.

MP Lundy Construction is a culture-first company where professionals are supported, challenged and valued through strong mentorship, generous benefits and long-term career opportunities. With a focus on employee well-being and a close-knit, high-performing team, Lundy fosters a workplace where people thrive.

PRESIDENT/CEO/OWNER: Sean Lundy

EMPLOYEES: 38

10. TPH Plumbing and Heating

TPH is redefining work in the trades through a culture of innovation, integrity and craftsmanship where every employee is empowered to grow and lead. With cuttingedge tools such as 3D BIM and a strong focus on safety, collaboration and work-life balance, TPH builds not just systems but lasting careers and futures.

PRESIDENT: Patrick Taillefer

EMPLOYEES: 130

11.

numbercrunch

numbercrunch fosters a fun, flexible and people-first culture where connection, curiosity and collaboration thrive. With unique team-building activities, meaningful benefits and a strong sense of belonging, it’s a workplace where employees enjoy coming to work.

CO-FOUNDER: Susan Richards

EMPLOYEES: 27

12. Invest Ottawa

Invest Ottawa offers a flexible and impact-driven workplace where employees grow alongside a diverse team of both long-standing and new staff. As the city’s lead economic development agency, Invest Ottawa fosters strong community partnerships and a culture grounded in trust, belonging and equal opportunity.

PRESIDENT/CEO: Sonya Shorey

EMPLOYEES: 82

13. Forest Products Association of Canada/Canadian Wood Council

The Forest Products Association of Canada and Canadian Wood Council foster a collaborative, multigenerational culture where employees feel valued. With a strong employee net promoter score, hybrid work, in-house coaching and a focus on well-being, the organizations prioritize purpose, growth and balance.

PRESIDENT/CEO: Derek Nighbor

EMPLOYEES: 53

14.

Trellis

Trellis is an Ottawa-based software company helping Amazon and Walmart sellers grow through AI-powered ad optimization and merchandising tools. The company focuses on the key pillars of price, product, placement and promotion. Trellis fosters a collaborative startup culture.

CEO: Fahim Sheikh

EMPLOYEES: 44

15. Pomerleau Construction

Pomerleau fosters a purpose-driven culture grounded in authenticity, innovation and inclusion, where every employee has the opportunity to lead and grow. With flexible work, strong learning and wellness programs and community projects, the company builds a workplace where people thrive.

CEO: Philippe Adam

EMPLOYEES:: 3,803

16. March Networks

March Networks is a global leader in intelligent video surveillance and business intelligence solutions. The company fosters a collaborative, innovation-driven culture that values flexibility, professional growth and employee input. Its commitment to sustainability, diversity and cutting-edge technology makes it a purpose-driven and people-focused workplace.

PRESIDENT/CEO: Peter Strom

EMPLOYEES: 141

17. Searidge Technologies

Searidge Technologies fosters a collaborative, purposedriven culture where employees feel empowered, heard and united in transforming aviation. With strong leadership, meaningful work, standout perks like daily lunch and RRSP-matching, the company maintains high engagement, low turnover and a shared sense of pride.

CEO: Moodie Cheikh

EMPLOYEES: 57

18. Alliance Engineering & Construction Ltd.

Alliance Engineering & Construction is known for its team-oriented culture that emphasizes innovation, professional development and well-being. With flexible schedules, mentorships, social events and benefits such as RRSPs and long summer weekends, employees feel motivated to grow.

PRESIDENT: Peter Paciorek

EMPLOYEES: 99

19. seoplus+

seoplus+ offers a purpose-driven workplace where employees create meaningful impact through innovation, collaboration and client success. With strong professional growth opportunities, competitive benefits and a commitment to community, the company fosters high engagement and long-term retention.

CEO: Eddy Abounehme

EMPLOYEES: 45

20.

Mann Lawyers LLP

Mann Lawyers is a compassionate, collaborative firm where every team member is valued and supported through mentorship, career development and flexible work arrangements. Its inclusive culture and commitment to wellness create a meaningful workplace where people thrive.

CO-MANAGING PARTNER: Andre Martin

EMPLOYEES: 63

Hats off to 2025 Newsmakers of the Year Liam Mooney and Emma Cochrane

BY MARISSA GALKO

In January 2025, Liam Mooney was watching TV with his fiancée and business partner Emma Cochrane when Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded to comments from the U.S. president about Canada becoming the 51st state.

“I was really bothered,” Mooney told OBJ at the time. “As a former political staffer working in Ottawa (and) as a branding and political consultant strategist, I just saw the opportunity to do something quickly because of the nature of this problem and, being a proud Canadian, it seemed like it could be a fun, cheeky kind of way to respond to this issue.”

And so Mooney and Cochrane, co-founders of Ottawa-based Jackpine Dynamic Branding, put together an apparel brand designed to support Canada’s sovereignty. It started with baseball caps and tuques with the wording “Strong and Free” and “Canada Is Not For Sale,” and in French “Fort et libre” and “Le Canada n’est pas à vendre.”

Less than a week later, Ford’s team inquired about getting a hat for the premier to wear when he came to Ottawa for the first ministers’ meeting. Mooney worked around the clock to make it happen and it paid off. After Ford addressed the media wearing his “Canada Is Not For Sale” hat, sales skyrocketed. Mooney told OBJ at the time that in the span of 90 minutes he sold $20,000 in hats.

Since then, Mooney and Cochrane have handled a multitude of business challenges and given media interviews to outlets from across the country and around the world.

It’s no surprise that Mooney and Cochrane are the 2025 recipients of the Newsmaker of the Year award, selected by OBJ and the Ottawa Board of Trade. OBJ caught up with Mooney to see what he and Cochrane have been doing since January and what they plan to do next.

The transcript has been edited for length and clarity.

What have you been up to with the ‘Canada Is Not For Sale’ brand since January?

Well, we went global. We now make completely madein-Canada products. We have a registered trademark. We’ve partnered with companies across Canada, including institutions such as OCAD University in Toronto. We’ve invested millions of dollars in workers and in factories across the country. We’ve donated $10,000 to Wounded Warriors Canada, an organization that dedicates its services to serving first responders of various kinds.

Our brand was on the stage of Saturday Night Live with Mike Myers. The words were uttered in the Oval Office by the prime minister to the president of the United States. A Blue Jays fan was kicked out of the Rogers Centre for wearing our hat and both Rogers and the Blue Jays said it was an absolutely huge mistake.

It’s been a real honour to be along for this ride.

What have you learned from this experience?

At the national level, I learned that Canadians love their country. They’re proud of their country and will stand

up for it. There are a lot of really amazing Canadian businesses out there. We saw people in every province and territory buying our hats. But there are gaps in our supply chains since globalization. Also, there are several industries that had proud traditions in Canada that could be reignited. With Canadian know-how and ingenuity, we could easily identify opportunities to enhance a process, to augment a machine or to improve production for certain items.

On a personal level, I learned that my capacity is so much more than I had previously thought, imagined or understood. We sort of naively just stepped right into this and kept saying yes to things. I think that that adventure that’s still ongoing has been very rewarding.

What’s it been like dealing with all this media attention, especially international press?

There was a global curiosity and everybody interpreted it differently. Some were coming from a social angle or technological and others from economic or political. You kind of become almost an ambassador for Canada, not that I was calling myself that. Journalists started asking about the broader mood in the country and asking for the bigger context. They were asking about the political system, especially when we did interviews during the Ontario election and the federal election.

We did Russian state media twice and Chinese state media in Canada once. In the context of speaking with international media, it’s tricky. You want to represent your nation and your community as well as possible by showing them that we’re energetic, optimistic and doing stuff about it. Everything just happens so fast when you’re a part of the news flow.

What’s next for the ‘Canada Is Not For Sale’ brand?

We’re working on something really cool for ‘Canada Is Not For Sale.’ It’s a new product made in Ontario. We’re working with a tool-and-die company to create something for Christmas.

Only nine months into it, I think we are really feeling motivated to continue making more in Canada and continue to find ways to keep money invested in Canadian businesses, Canadian workers to create Canadian products. I’ve always been inspired by this idea of cathedral thinking; these people who would set out centuries ago to make a cathedral and they would know that maybe they or not even their grandchildren would see this completed. And so in that sense, I see it in what we’re building right now. We are proof that if Canadians put their mind to it, we can do this.

CANADA’S CLEANERS

Proudly serving Ottawa and all of Canada for over 55 years

Our business is tak ing care of yours. Exper tise in spaces from retail, industrial, educational, o ce, commercial residential, healthcare, airpor ts, and more!

Customized ser vices based on your unique needs

We provide innovative cleaning solutions that exceed industry standards.

Award-winning green cleaning and sustainable practices

Unlock new business opportunities with BDO

Whether you’re pursuing growth, contemplating succession, considering M&A, or planning a new technology solution, BDO’s professionals bring the industry experience and insight to help your business thrive. Together, we transform purpose into progress and collaboration into measurable results.

As one of Canada’s leading full-service professional services firms, we remain deeply committed to the communities we serve—fostering meaningful partnerships and working alongside you to achieve more.

www.bdo.ca

THE LIST

Deloitte Canada

Queen Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5T8 613-236-2442 / 613-236-2195 deloitte ca

Canada 710-99 Bank St Ottawa, ON K1P 1E4 613-237-3702 / 613-237-3963 pwc.com/ca

1800-150 Elgin St Ottawa, ON K2P 2P8 613-212-5764 / 613-212-2896 kpmg.ca

Ernst & Young LLP (EY) 1200-99 Bank St Ottawa, ON K1P 6B9 613-232-1511 / 613-232-5324 ey com

BDO Canada LLP 1700-180 Kent St Ottawa, ON K1P 0B6 613-237-9331 / 613-237-9779 bdo ca

MNP LLP

1600 Carling Ave. Suite #800 Ottawa, ON K1Z 1G3 613-691-4200 / 613-726-9009 https://www.mnp ca/

6 Welch LLP 350 Albert Street, Suite 700 Ottawa, ON K1R 1A4 613-236-9191 / 613-236-8258 welchllp com

8 Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton 200-1900, City Park Drive Ottawa, ON K1J 1A3

613-236-2211 / 613-236-6104 rcgt com

9 Baker Tilly Ottawa LLP

400-301 Moodie Dr Ottawa, ON K2H 9C4 613-820-8010 / 613-820-0465 bakertilly ca/en/ottawa-ontario

GGFL LLP

287 Richmond Road Ottawa, ON K1Z 6X4

613-728-5831 / 613-728-8085 ggfl.ca

HW Partners

200-881 Lady Ellen Pl. Ottawa, ON K1Z 5L3 613-235-2000 / 613-235-2643 www.hwpartners ca

Logan Katz LLP 105-6 Gurdwara Rd. Ottawa, ON K2E 8A3 613-228-8282 / 613-228-8284 logankatz.com

Lekadir LLP 402-1900 City Park Dr Ottawa, ON K1J 1A3 613-824-0570 / 613-824-1398 lekadir com

McCay Duff LLP 210-979 Bank St Ottawa, ON K1S 5K5 613-236-2367 / 613-236-5041 mccayduff com

ON K4A 0N9 613-837-8282 / 613-837-7482 andrews

ACCOUNTING FIRMS

not-for-profit, government

and consulting

Accounting, tax, consulting, HR advisory, consulting, process improvement, succession, insurance services, enterprise risk, family office, corporate finance, SR&ED, business valuations, forensics & litigation, corporate recovery bankruptcy

Full-service firm providing audit &

Firm specializing in audit, tax, strategy and performance consulting, IT audit, contribution audit, tax credit, business succession and continuity, business valuation, sales and acquisitions, recovery and reorganization (business and individual).

Full-service firm: audit and assurance, taxation (personal Canadian and US, corporate, estate, international), business valuations, financial advisory, and other consulting and entrepreneurial services for private enterprises

Comprehensive range of tax, accounting, and business advisory services for business owners, healthcare professionals, and high-net-worth individuals to maximize success at every stage — from growing a business to succession planning and new ventures

and

THE LIST

Company/Address

Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

2600-160 Elgin St Ottawa, ON K1P 1C3 613-233-1781 / 613-563-9869 gowlingwlg.com

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP 1300-100 Queen St Ottawa, ON K1P 1J9 613-237-5160 / 613-787-3558 blg.com

Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP 500-99 Bank Street Ottawa, ON K1P 6B9 613-780-8661 / 613-230-5459 nortonrosefulbright com

Emond Harnden LLP 707 Bank St Ottawa, ON K1S 3V1 613-563-7660 / 613-563-8001 ehlaw ca

Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l. 1400-340 Albert St Ottawa, ON K1R 0A5

613-238-2022 / 613-238-8775 perlaw ca

Soloway Wright LLP 700-427 Laurier Ave. W Ottawa, ON K1R 7Y2

613-236-0111 / 613-238-8507 https://solowaywright com/

Dentons Canada LLP 1420-99 Bank St Ottawa, ON K1P 1H4 613-783-9600 / 613-783-9690 dentons com

8 Kelly Santini LLP 2401-160 Elgin St Ottawa, ON K2P 2P7 613-238-6321 / 613-233-4553 kellysantini.com

Mann Lawyers LLP 300-11 Holland Ave Ottawa, ON K1Y 4S1

613-722-1500 / 613-722-7677 mannlawyers

Low Murchison Radnoff LLP 400-1565 Carling Ave Ottawa, ON K1Z 8R1

613-236-9442 / 613-236-7942 lmrlawyers com

11 Smart & Biggar 55 Metcalfe Street, Suite 1000, P O. Box 2999, Station D Ottawa, ON K1P 5Y6 613-232-2486 / 613-232-8440 smartbiggar ca

Brazeau Seller LLP 700-100 Queen St Ottawa, ON K1J 1J9 613-237-4000 / 613-237-4001 brazeauseller com

13 McMillan LLP 2000-45 O'Connor St Ottawa, ON K1P 1A4 613-232-7171 / 613-231-3191 mcmillan.ca

Sicotte Guilbault LLP 1-5925 boul. Jeanne D'Arc

Ottawa, ON K1C 6V8 613-837-7408 sicotte ca

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

100 Queen Street,

LAW FIRMS

Pierre-Paul Henrie Jennifer Teskey 1984

Full-service firm with local, national and international capabilities. Advises private and public companies of all sizes/ stages of development, not-for profit entities, and government/public sector on business law, advocacy and intellectual property

Full-service law firm with expertise in business law, litigation/ dispute resolution and intellectual property solutions

Antitrust and competition, banking and finance, construction, corporate, M&A and securities, employment, environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG), insurance, IP, litigation and disputes, real estate, regulation and investigations

Management-side employment and labour law, wrongful dismissal claims, human rights and harassment complaints, human resources training, employment contracts, workplace policies and sick leave management, WSIB, OHS, pension and benefits

Anthony P McGlynn

Aaron Rubinoff 1971

Full-service law firm specializing in: business law, commercial disputes, labour and employment law, commercial real estate development, intellectual property, immigration, tax, personal legal needs, police law, international arbitration.

community. Today, they build on that history while always looking to the future for how to best meet the needs of their clients

and

construction

THE LIST

Company/Address

Phone/Fax/Web

Emond Harnden LLP

707 Bank St Ottawa, ON K1S 3V1

613-563-7660 / 613-563-8001 ehlaw ca

Nelligan Law

300-50 O'Connor St Ottawa, ON K1P 6L2

613-238-8080 / 613-238-2098 nelliganlaw ca

RavenLaw LLP 1600-220 Laurier Ave. West Ottawa, ON K1P 5Z9

613-567-2901 / 613-567-2921 ravenlaw com

Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l. 1400-340 Albert St Ottawa, ON K1R 0A5

613-238-2022 / 613-238-8775 perlaw ca

Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP 2600-160 Elgin St Ottawa, ON K1P 1C3 613-233-1781 / 613-563-9869 gowlingwlg.com

Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP 500-99 Bank Street Ottawa, ON K1P 6B9

613-780-8661 / 613-230-5459 nortonrosefulbright com

Soloway Wright LLP 700-427 Laurier Ave. W Ottawa, ON K1R 7Y2 613-236-0111 / 613-238-8507 https://solowaywright com/

Champ & Associates 43 Florence St Ottawa, ON K2P 0W6 613-237-2441 / 613-232-2680 champlaw ca

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP 1300-100 Queen St Ottawa, ON K1P 1J9 613-237-5160 / 613-787-3558 blg.com

Kelly Santini LLP 2401-160 Elgin St Ottawa, ON K2P 2P7 613-238-6321 / 613-233-4553 kellysantini.com

Dentons Canada LLP

1420-99 Bank St Ottawa, ON K1P 1H4

613-783-9600 / 613-783-9690 dentons com

Bird Richard 508-130 Albert St Ottawa, ON K1P 5G4

613-238-3772 / 613-238-5955 lawyersforemployers ca

Lister-Beaupré LLP 200 Catherine St Ottawa, ON K2P 2K9 613-234-2500 / 613-234-2501 listerlawyers com

McMillan LLP

2000-45 O'Connor St Ottawa, ON K1P 1A4 613-232-7171 / 613-231-3191 mcmillan.ca

Tierney Stauffer LLP 510-1600 Carling Ave Ottawa, ON K1Z 0A1

613-728-8057 / 613-728-9866 tslawyers

Low Murchison Radnoff LLP 400-1565 Carling Ave Ottawa, ON K1Z 8R1 613-236-9442 / 613-236-7942 lmrlawyers

LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRMS

(RANKED BY NUMBER OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LAWYERS PRACTICING LOCALLY)

No. of labour or employment lawyers Head of local employment practice Year established in Ottawa Services offered

55 Lynn Harnden, Partner 1987

17 Andrew MontagueReinholdt, Partner & Practice Group Leader 1963

17 Kim Patenaude, Partner 1992

16 Joël M. Dubois, Partner 1971

9 Elisa Scali, Partner 1887

8 Tate McLeod, Local Chair, Employment and Labour 1984

Employment and labour law for unionized and non-unionized employers, wrongful dismissal claims, human rights and harassment complaints, human resources training, employment contracts, workplace policies, sick leave management, WSIB, OHS

Wrongful dismissal, severance packages, constructive dismissal, layoffs employment contracts, human rights and discrimination, harassment and workplace violence, union representation, class actions, pension, benefits, occupational health and safety, employment standards

Union-side labour law, employment law, human rights law (including pay equity), constitutional law (including the Charter) and judicial review of government action.

Grievance arbitration, pay equity, judicial review, disciplinary proceedings, employment contracts, wrongful dismissals, human rights, labour relations, collective bargaining, disability claims, employment disputes and recruitment practices

Counsel and representation in multiple aspects of employment law, labour relations, human rights, respect and safety in the workplace, and employment standards

Full-service management-side: employment contracts/disputes, pay and employment equity, wrongful dismissals, human rights, labour relations, grievance arbitrations, OHS, severance packages, executive compensation/liability, collective bargaining

8 Kyle Van Schie Christopher Edwards Alan Riddell, Partners 1946 https://solowaywright com/service/employment-labour-and-public-law/

7 Paul Champ, Principal Lawyer 2009 Labour, employment and human rights law. Representation of unions, individuals and groups, including wrongful and constructive dismissal; severance advice; privacy; and health and safety

6 Dan Palayew, Partner 1952

6 Sean Bawden , Partner 1976

5 Catherine Coulter, Counsel, Ottawa 1985

Full service: employment contracts, wrongful dismissals, human rights, severance package advice, executive compensation/liability, collective bargaining, disability claims, employment disputes, benefit plans, occupational health and safety, harassment, arbitrations, union organizing.

Employment contracts, termination packages and wrongful dismissal, non-compete and non-solicitation clauses, employment policies and procedures, employment standards claims, human rights and discrimination, harassment and investigations

Full-service firm: wrongful dismissal, corporate reorganization, employment contracts, executive compensation, employment practices/standards, hiring and termination procedures, privacy and restrictive covenants, COVID-19

4 Caroline Richard, Partner 1999 Management-side labour and employment law providing advice and representation on human rights, workers' compensation, labour relations, occupational health and safety, collective bargaining, workplace violence/harassment investigations

4 Andrew Lister, Managing Partner 2009

Martin J Thompson, Office Management Partner, Ottawa

Full service in both official languages for employers and employees. Wrongful and constructive dismissal, human rights and harassment complaints, WSIB, occupational health and safety, collective bargaining, employment standards, pensions and benefits, duty of fair representation complaints

pp g your big ideas

ideas

Your intellec tual proper ty is the cornerstone of your success. Ensure ever y aspec t of it is protec ted with the unparalleled exper tise of Osler ’s Intellec tual Proper ty team. Whether it ’s patents, trademarks, domain names, or copyrights, our law yers bring together legal acumen, sharp analy tical skills, and a business-oriented mindset to secure the value of your groundbreaking ideas. Trust us to help protec t what matters most to you.

Your intellec tual proper ty is the cornerstone of your success. Ensure ever y aspec t of it is protec t with the unparalleled exper tise of Osler ’s Intellec tual Proper ty team. Whether it ’s patents, trade domain names, or copyrights, our law yers bring together legal acumen, sharp analy tical skills, an business-oriented mindset to secure the value of your groundbreaking ideas. Trust us to help pro what matters most to you.

At Osler, we understand that your intellectual property is vital to your business. Our leading IP team brings unmatched legal expertise, strategic insight, and a business-ﬁrst approach to protecting what sets you apart. From patents and trademarks to domain names and copyrights, we safeguard the full spectrum of your innovations. Trust Osler to protect the ideas that power your success.

For more information about Osler ’s Intellectual Property practice, visit osler.com/ip

osler.com/ip

J. Bradley White

Ottawa Managing Partner Chair, National Intellectual Property Group

Partner and Chair, Intellectual Property

Par tner and Chair, Intellectual Proper ty

bwhite@osler com

bwhite@osler.com 613.787.1101

bwhite@osler.com

Barr y Fong

Barry Fong Trademark Partner Intellectual Property

Barr y Fong

rtner, Intellectual Property ong@osler com

Par tner, Intellectual Proper ty bfong@osler.com

bfong@osler.com 613.787.1097

Osler, Hoskin & Harcour t

Toronto Montréal Calgar y Vancouver Ottawa New York osler.com

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Toronto Montreal Calgary Ottawa Vancouver New York osler.com

THE LIST

Company/Address

Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

2600-160 Elgin St Ottawa, ON K1P 1C3

613-233-1781 / 613-563-9869 gowlingwlg.com

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

1300-100 Queen St Ottawa, ON K1P 1J9

613-237-5160 / 613-787-3558 blg.com

MBM Intellectual Property Law LLP 1400-275 Slater St Ottawa, ON K1P 5H9 613-567-0762 / 613-563-7671 mbm.com

PATENT AND TRADEMARK FIRMS

Local, national and international businesses of all sizes/stages of development, public sector/ government agencies academic/research institutions, inventors

Research laboratories, biotech and

Moffat & Co 715 - 11 Holland Ave Ottawa, ON K1Y 4S1 613-232-7302 / 613-235-2508 moffatco com 13 Joe Ulvr, Managing Partner Joe Ulvr, Managing Partner

Marks & Clerk Canada

45 O’Connor Street, Suite 300 Ottawa, ON K1P 1A4 613 236 9561 marks-clerk.com 9

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

James Baker, Partner, Head of Life Science & Chemistry Catherine Lovrics, Partner, Head of Trademarks & Copyright David Ruston, Partner, Group Head of Patents

100 Queen Street, World Exchange Plaza, Suite 320 Ottawa, ON K1P 1J9 613-235-7234 / 613-235-2867 osler com 8 Barry Fong, Partner Trademarks J. Bradley White, Chair, National Intellectual Property Department

ARCADE - Intellectual Property and Business Law 215-1673 Carling Ave Ottawa, ON K2A 1C4 613-237-1512 / 613-237-9580 arcadeiplaw com

Kirby IP Canada

55 Murray Street, Suite 300 Ottawa, ON K1N 5M3 613-237-6900 / 613-237-0045 kirbyip com

Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP/s.r.l. 1400-340 Albert St Ottawa, ON K1R 0A5 613-238-2022 / 613-238-8775 perlaw ca

Smart & Biggar

55 Metcalfe Street, Suite 1000, P O. Box 2999, Station D Ottawa, ON K1P 5Y6 613-232-2486 / 613-232-8440 smartbiggar ca 6

7 Pierre Robichaud, Partner Mike Andrews, Partner

6 Trevor Mee Robert Feutlinske, Patent Agents/Managing Partners

6 Alain D Bourassa, Head

Reshika Dhir, Co-Practice Group Leader for Patents: EICT Jonas Gifford, Co-Practice Group Leader for Patents: EICT Graham Hood, Trademarks Practice Group Leader Daphne Lainson, Practice Group Leader for Patents: Life Sciences & Chem/Bio

James Baker Office Managing Partner Jonathan Colombo , Canadian Managing Partner

Canadian and multi-national companies, individual inventors, government agencies

1921 New ventures to multinational corporations, universities, other research institutions and individuals

Patents, industrial designs, trademarks, copyrights, IP litigation. Key sectors include pharma, biotech, technology manufacturing.

Patents, trademarks, industrial design, copyright, domain names, chemical engineering, computer technology, bioscience, IT, telecom, IP litigation, licensing

Practice solely in IP: patents, trademarks copyrights, industrial designs, licensing and IP, transactions, litigation/dispute resolution, regulatory practice, trade-secret programs, due diligence

Patents, trademarks, copyright and industrial designs, prosecution.

IP Strategy & Portfolio Management; Patent Drafting and Prosecution, Trademarks & Brand Protection, Copyright and Digital Media, IP enforcement and Litigation, Licensing, Marketing & Advertising and Life Sciences Regulatory Compliance

Stratford Group | Stratford

Intellectual Property

100-350 Legget Dr Kanata, ON K2K 2W7 613-868-4514 stratford.group 6

BRION RAFFOUL LLP

329 Churchill Ave. N Ottawa, ON K1Z 5B8 613-521-8844 www.brionraffoul.com

Aventum IP Law LLP

104-555 Legget Dr., Tower A Ottawa, ON K2K 2X3 613-232-5300 / 613-563-9231 aventum.law

710-190 O'Connor St

ON K2P 2R3 613-238-6404 / 613-230-8755 cassanmaclean.com

J. Bradley White, Managing Partner, Ottawa 1946

Pierre Robichaud Partner Mike Andrews, Partner

Trevor Mee Robet Feutlinske, Patent Agents/ Managing Partners

Anthony P McGlynn Co-Chairman & Partner Aaron Rubinoff Co-Chair & Partner

Canadian and multinational companies in pharmaceuticals technology, biotech, life sciences, apparel, electronics, consumer products entertainment, sports, food services

2003

Local, regional, domestic and international clients in the fields of tech, life sciences, chemical, industrial, R&D, entertainment, fashion, and consumer products and services

1959 Not Disclosed

1971 Corel, Energizer Brands, North Face, Ralph Lauren, Club Monaco, Blackberry

Stuart Wood, CEO 1906

Leah Begleiter Rodin, Patent Practice Lead, Stratford Intellectual Property Jim Roche, President & CEO, Stratford Group

Natalie Raffoul, Managing Partner Natalie Raffoul, Managing Partner

Victoria Carrington Chantal Bertosa, Managing Partner, Owner, Lawyer and Trademark Agents

J. David Barrans, Patent Agent and Shareholder Johanna Coutts, Lawyer, patent and trademark agent and shareholder Chris Dejardin, Trademark Agent and Shareholder

Carrington Chantal Bertosa, Managing Partner, Owner, Lawyer and Trademark Agents

Universities, SMEs, large/ multinational companies innovating in: computer hardware/software, AI, telecom; industrial/mechanical engineering and life sciences/ biotech.

2008 Various organizations across Canada and the US

2008 Government agencies; multinational companies; universities, SME's and startups

and international clients in all industry sectors, including tech startups to SMSEs to Fortune

Patents, trademarks, copyrights, domain name disputes, industrial design, plant breeders' rights, IP litigation, pharma, biotech, chemistry and mechanical, chemical and software engineering

Full service domestic and international firm focused on the protection, enforcement, exploitation, financing and commercialization of intellectual property and other knowledge-based assets

Patents; trademarks; copyright; industrial design; biotechnology; plant breeders' rights; integrated circuit topographies; intellectual property searches

Patents; trade-marks; copyrights; industrial designs; licensing; trade secrets; validity and infringement searches; opinions and related litigation

Patents, trademarks, copyright and media, industrial designs, litigation, licensing and IP transactions, life sciences (regulatory and compliance), IP management and strategic counselling.

Information and Communications Technology(ICT), Life Sciences, Clean Technology, Defence, Software, Consumer products, Physics

IP portfolio management, licensing and dispute resolution; patent drafting and prosecution for telecom, electronic software, mechanical, medical; copyright, trademark and design registration

THE LIST

Company/Address Phone/Fax/Web

Mercer (Canada) Limited

550-55 Metcalfe St., Ottawa, ON K1P 6L5 613-230-9348 mercer ca

Boyden

300-979 Bank St Ottawa, ON K2P 0C2 613-742-3220 boyden.ca

Business Sherpa Group (virtual HQ) Ottawa, ON K4A 5B6 1-866-702-1190 businesssherpagroup com

TalentMap

500-1000 Innovation Rd. Ottawa, ON K2L 1T9 613-801-1999 talentmap com

Stratford Group | Stratford Intellectual Property

100-350 Legget Dr Kanata, ON K2K 2W7 613-868-4514 stratford.group

TAP

201-110 Didsbury Rd. Ottawa, ON K2T 0C2 613-222-2499 tapstrategyandhr com

iHR Advisory Services F2-130 Terence Matthews Cr Ottawa, ON K2M 0J1 613-686-6364 ihradvisoryservices ca

Right Management Canada Inc 201-1565 Carling Ave Ottawa, ON K1Z 8R1 1-800-237-4448 www.right com

AFA Groupe Conseil inc. / AFA Consulting Group Inc. Slater Street Ottawa, ON K1P 5H9 613-230-7023 www filion.ca

VeCATS Inc. 11-300 Earl Grey Dr, 106 Ottawa, ON K2T 1C1 613-915-9449 www vecats

Clariti Group Inc. 150 Elgin Street, 10th Floor Ottawa, ON K2P 1L4 613-656-2010 claritigroup ca

Korn Ferry Brookfield Place, Bay Wellington Tower 181 Bay Street, Suite 3810 Toronto, ON M5J 2T3

613-238-4785 / 1-888-210-6976 kornferry com

HR CONSULTING FIRMS

(RANKED BY NUMBER OF LOCAL EMPLOYEES)

Cory Skinner, Partner, Office Leader Genevieve Lemieux, Partner Public Sector, Crown Corporations, Private Sector Not-for-Profit

Jim Harmon, Managing Partner, Ontario Michael Naufal, Managing Partner

The National Capital Region's most prominent and respected organizations including technology companies, public sector institutions, social impact entities and industry leaders

Margo Crawford Founder & Chair Todd Luckasavitch, CEO Ottawa Network for Education Pearl Morissette Ottawa Salus Corporation

Group health/wellness benefits, pension/ retirement savings/ investments, total rewards/compensation design, pay equity, employee engagement/ digital platforms, change management, workday implementation

Senior-level executive/board search, leadership/board advisory services, and interim management

Regulatory compliance, HR policy, onboarding and offboarding, compensation/organization reviews, payroll, benefits, staff engagement senior HR leadership, professional development, recruitment/executive search.

TalentMap is Canada’s Employee Listening Experts

Jordan Pynn, President Stratford Intellectual Property

Various organizations across Canada and the US

Myriam Davidson, VP, Stratford Intellectual Property

Bruce Weippert, CHRE, President TAP Strategy Terri Harrison, President TAP Institute

Government; healthcare; notfor-profit; tech; community and social services; associations; construction.

Virtual IP Department Services, Internal & External IP Audits, Portfolio Impact Assessment, and proactive IP strategy protection, and management—covering patents, trademarks, trade secrets, design patents, and copyrights to maximize innovation value

End-to-end HR services, HR program development, leadership coaching, organizational review/design; workforce planning; change management, compensation planning/design; policies

Karen Brownrigg, Founder and CEO

CHBA; Child and Nature Alliance of Canada; Drug Free Kids Canada; Carleton University; uOttawa

Dhillon, Senior Account Director WND

HR Audits, employment contracts, HR policies, job descriptions, salary scales, compensation program design, organizational design, employee engagement, succession planning, terminations, workplace accommodations, conflict resolutions, investigations

Outplacement; career transition; career development; talent management services including assessment and leadership development programs; executive coaching; performance and succession management

Coaching and developing talent; assessment of potential and selection; career management and transition; organizational health

Transition Services and Advocacy work for Soldiers, RCMP, Coast Guard, Veterans, and their families. Additionally, VeCATS and VetTD provide Transition Training to ensure those that served get the skills industry is looking for

Employee transition support (outplacement); leadership & team development (coaching & facilitated workshops); DEI services; wellness workshops; workplace investigation & restoration, general HR consulting services

THE LIST

Victor Insurance Managers Inc. (Victor Canada)

500-1400 Blair Towers Pl.

Ottawa, ON K1J 9B8 (613) 786-2000 / (613) 786-2001 www victorinsurance ca

Cowan Insurance Group/ Cowan Benefits Ltd.

7th Floor-1420 Blair Pl. Ottawa, ON K1J 9L8 613-741-3313 / 613-842-4206 cowangroup ca

2712 St Joseph Blvd. Ottawa, ON K1C 1G5 613-824-0441 / 613-824-7344 palladiuminsurance ca

4 Mercer (Canada) Limited 550-55 Metcalfe St., Ottawa, ON K1P 6L5 613-230-9348 mercer ca

1111 Prince of Wales, Suite 100 Ottawa, ON K2C 3T2 343-809-5972 / 343-809-5972 mindstride.ai

205-460 West Hunt Club Rd. Ottawa, ON K2E 0B8 613-897-7463 primebenefitsgroup com

Meldrum Horne and

301-222 Queen St Ottawa, ON K1P 5V9 613-233-9105 / 613-233-9105 meldrumhorne com

Gatineau, QC J8Y 6N5

819-771-2196 / 819-771-2197 beaudry-deschatelets com

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS FIRMS

Here’s to those who punch above their weight

Ottawa is full of them. Companies that were born here and exploded globally. That have transformed e-commerce, supply chain management, business communications, cyber security, and countless other industries. Organizations that have helped people and made a big impact from our small town.

You’ve proven that armed with good ideas, strong work ethic, and the right attitude, there’s nothing stopping companies from delivering best-in-class solutions from right here in Ottawa. Ask us how we know.

THE LIST

Company/Address

Phone/Fax/Web

seoplus+

825 Exhibition Way, Suite 209 Ottawa, ON K1S 5J3

613-866-9327 / 866-980-7587 https://seoplus com

2012

Acart Communications 400-171 Nepean St Ottawa, ON K2P 0B5 613-230-7944 acart com 34 1976

Banfield 35 Armstrong St Ottawa, ON K1Y 2V4 613-722-6832 banfield.agency 31 1973

spark*advocacy

6-71 Bank St Ottawa, ON K1P 5N2 (613) 367-5513 sparkadvocacy ca 30 2016

5 Simple Story Videos 421 Richmond Road, Suite 203 Ottawa, ON K2A 4H1 1 877-513-2422 simplestoryvideos com 25 2011

Xactly Design & Advertising Inc. 204-311 Richmond Rd. Ottawa, ON K1Z 6X3 613-745-2225 xactlydesign.com 25 2002

Great River Media PO Box 91585 Ottawa, ON K1W 1K0

613-696-9494 / 613-696-9494 greatriver ca 24 2003

TRUEdotDESIGN 100-145 Spruce St Ottawa, ON K1R 6P1 613-800-TDOT (8368) truedotdesign.com

MARKETING AND ADVERTISING AGENCIES

(RANKED BY NUMBER OF LOCAL EMPLOYEES)

Eddy Abou-Nehme, Co-Founder / Chief Executive Officer

Brock Murray, Co-Founder / Chief Operating Officer

Andrew McWiggan, Partner & Chief Revenue Officer

Theresa Forman, Partner & Chief Strategy Officer

Timothy Jones, President

Perry Tsergas, President and CEO, Partner

Adrian Jean, Chief Creative Officer, Partner

Dave Hale, CEO Gabriel Proulx, President

Denis Sabourin, CEO Laura Williams, Director Steve Harding, Director Blair Burchill, Director

Anne Howland, Editor-in-Chief Tanya Connolly-Holmes, Design Director Cheryl Schunk, Finance Manager

Ottawa Senators Hockey Club, Preston Hardware, Currey Insurance & Investments, Egg Farmers of Canada, Elections Canada, Government of Canada, OC Transpo and College of Family Physicians Canada (CFPC).

SEO, paid search and social advertising, content marketing, digital marketing.

Brand architecture, video + animation, demand generation, campaign strategy, brand strategy, GTM (Go-to-market) strategy, programmatic, (DSP/SSP) media desk (buying and planning), Conversion rate optimization (CRO), web development, app development

Government of Canada, National Arts Centre, Giant Tiger, Canadian Institute for Health Information, Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Museum of Nature Strategy, Creative, Media, Digital, Motion & Video

Bell Canada, Canadian Medical Association, Agnico Eagle Mining, Thales, University of Ottawa Heart Institute

Library of Parliament, World Wildlife Fund, UNHCR, The Ottawa Mission, Nav Canada, Payments Canada, City of Ottawa, The University of Ottawa, Athennian, Sumo Logic, Bell, York University, The Royal Ottawa

Accora Village, Ashcroft, Boyd, Caivan, CAA, Commissionaires, Colonnade, Canada Royal Milk, Comfort Zone, Dilfo, Drop, Gold Bar, Heart Institute, Kamiwaza AI, MindBridge, Merkley, Muskoka Cabinet, Palladium Insurance, Ringette Canada, Segway, Vodkow

Professional service firms, post-secondary institutions, non-profit associations and charities, business services

Full-service integrated marketing & communications agency. Specializing in branding, design, advertising campaigns, social media, media buying, PR, public opinion research & web development for clients interested in awareness, reputation & advocacy

We partner with brands, institutions, and agencies to create video content that connects with people, crafted with care, strategy, and storytelling.

Full service retainer style agency creating big ideas, campaigns with results, and managing brands through strategy, content & design.

With 30 years of local media experience, Great River Media provides content marketing, custom publishing, digital marketing (social, display, programmatic and email), video production, design and event production.

BIG ideas deserve BOLD marketing. We're the marketing minds behind some of the region's top builders, architects, and developers, taking brands to the next level with strategy, creativity, and a whole lot of MOXIE.

300-20 James Street Ottawa, ON K2P 0T6

9 Alphabet Creative

613-244-0858 alphabetcreative com 23 2000 Tony Lyons, President & Chief Strategy Officer

S3 McMillan

Associations: CREA, CCA, OREB, CAGBC, CPF, CAMRT, TIAC, TIAO, TIAA, Electricity Canada, Egg Farmers of Canada. Non-Profit: Hydro Ottawa Group, Perley Health, Ottawa Hospital. Tourism: Tourism Kingston, RTO9, Destination Nunavut Private: Minto Group

Brand integration consulting.Integrated marketing services: brand strategy, advertising campaign planning and execution, content marketing, digital marketing, media planning and buying. Web development, ecommerce, AI integration and apps 10

Full-service creative agency from brand through demand – for clients like BMW, HUB International, and Reworld. Services include brand strategy and visualization, launch campaigns, website design, and much more 11

150 Elgin Street Ottawa, ON K2P 1L4

613-789-1234 S3mcmillan.com

Mediaforce

150 Elgin St. Floor 8 Ottawa, ON K2P1L4

613-729-0500 mediaforce ca

K2M 0J1 613-369-8333

Mediaplus Advertising

103-141 Catherine St Ottawa, ON K2P 1C3 613-230-3875 / 613-230-1458 mediaplusadvertising.com

Accurate Creative 100-57 Auriga Dr Ottawa, ON K2E 8B2 613-723-2057 / N/A accurate ca 17 1988

15 karmadharma 200-346 Richmond Rd. Ottawa, ON K2A 0E8 613-728-4404 karmadharma.ca 16 2017

Excentric Agency

390-300 Earl Grey Dr Ottawa, ON K2T 1J4 613-435-8552 excentric.ca

ON K1R 7X6 (613) 882-7434

Creative Officer

Don Masters, President/Creative Director Christine Kincaid, COO

Stacey Sauvé, CEO & Partner

Megan Landry, Producer & Partner

Eric Lapointe, Account Director & Partner

Karen Bramhill, Chief Experience Officer

Annik Daoust, COO

Peter Georgariou, Founder and CEO

Victoria Adams, Founding Partner, Creative Director

Kristy Smith, Partner, Technical Director

Canada Post, Ottawa Tourism, Ottawa International Airport Authority, City of Ottawa, Royal Canadian Legion, OSEG, Chicken Farmers of Canada, Tartan Homes, Atlético Ottawa, Rideau BIA, Orléans BIA, Belleville Senators, Appraisal Institute of Canada

Gov. of Canada, Gov. of Ontario, City of Ottawa, Hydro Ottawa, Health Products Stewardship Association, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, CropLife Canada, Defence Construction Canada, Standards Council of Canada, Canadian Wood Council

Kubota, CHEO, Montfort Hospital, The Ottawa Hospital, Coaching Association of Canada, Children's Aid Foundation, St-Vincent de Paul, University of Ottawa, Simon Fraser University

Abbott, AECL, CAA, Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada, Gastops, Kongsberg Geospatial, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, National Dental Examination Board, Office of the Senate Ethics Officer, Sotera Health, Nelson Labs, Nordion, Sterigenics

The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation, SAAS NORTH, Calian, Beechwood Cemetery, OCDSB, La Maison D'Or, TAG HR, Ottawa Education Group, Mental Health Commission of Canada, Youth Ottawa, Lanark Lifestyles

At Cayenne, we spice up brands that refuse to blend in. Trusted by leaders, innovators, and changemakers across healthcare, education, finance, and law, our work turns heads and fuels growth.

Otto's Automotive Group, Bayshore Shopping Centre, Manulife Centre, Mapleview Centre, EDA, Embassy Hotel & Suites, Otto's Restaurant Group Ottawa Dental Society, Andaz Hotel, Ashbury College

SEO, SEM,

infographics, and full-scale web design and development

Advertising, content, branding services

Campaign strategy and execution, brand and corporate identity, video and photography, web design and development, motion graphics and animation, content development, advertising, digital and traditional design and layout

Strategy: Navigate complex challenges with focused insights. Creative: Build memorable brands and marketing that captivate and connect. People: Strengthen team dynamics, fostering harmony and engagement for a thriving workplace

End-to-end marketing services including graphic design & branding, website design & development, SEO strategy, PPC campaign management & monitoring, marketing strategy & automation, branding & logo design, motion graphics & video production.

Demand generation, digital marketing, performance marketing, lead generation, digital strategy, social media marketing, SEM, PPC, SEO

Strategic

and

THE LIST

Company/Address

AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT DEALERS

(RANKED BY NUMBER OF LOCAL EMPLOYEES)

Phone/Fax/Web No. of local employees Key local executive(s)

Podium Audio Visual

38-81 Auriga Dr Ottawa, ON K2E 7Y5

613-277-1536 podiumav com

Encore Canada

3020 Hawthorne Rd., Unit 300A Ottawa, ON K1G 3J6

613-526-4414 / 613-526-0850 encore-can.com

FCi (Fleming Communications Inc.) 373 Coventry Road Ottawa, ON K1K 2C5 613-244-6770 fci.ca

Epiphan Video

Local offices / Offices outside the NCR Year est in Ottawa Major products and capabilities

210 Chris Whiting, President & Managing Director 1 1 2002

175 Robert Yaworski Regional Director, Production Centre and Venues Brent Beatty, Director of Sales - Capital Region David Laramee, Drector of Operations 14 250 1983

170 David Wall, COO John Saull, President Mike Fleming, CEO 1 0 1995

400 March Rd.Suite 510 Kanata, ON K2K 3H4 613-599-6581 / 613-482-4613 epiphan.com 24 Mikhail Jiline, CTO / Co-founder Jeff Kushner, CFO 1 1 2003

Davidson Violette & Associates Inc. 488 Gladstone Avenue Ottawa, ON K1R 5N8 613-225-2798 / 613-224-6214 www dvai.ca 20 Adam Tubman John Davidson Gilles Violette, Partners

Baldwin Studio 9 Capella Crt

Ottawa, ON K2E 8A7

613-235-5263 / N/A www.baldwin.studio

15 Alex CoonMr, Chief Operating Officer 2 2 1984

Services for computer presentations

Services for traditional A/V presentations Other presentation products

Rentals and sales permanent installations boardroom integration, digital signage, projector and LCD/LED TV installation/sales, direct sales, PA systems, interactive projectors, LED lighting, Stage lighting, Staging, Webcast and Livestreaming 24/7 service, laptops and projectors, wireless mice, Internet routers, conference phones video conferencing, projection screens podiums with PA systems, Webcast and Livestreaming Round wooden podiums, wireless mics and PA systems projection screens with dress kits, up to 16-foot high blue velour drape, video switching and distribution, Lighting, Hybrid webcasting and conferencing Webcast and Livestreaming, TV stands, LED specialists, digital signage, permanent installations distributed audio systems, 4K TVs Projectors, Screens, Pipe and Drape, Wired and Wireless Microphones, Laptops

Creative services, lighting, projection including mapping, scenic services, special events and entertainment, interactive technology

Wi-Fi and Internet; computer rentals; presentation management; online events including streaming, webcasting and videoconferencing Flat screen displays

Mobile apps; online events; social media; interactive technology including interactive kiosks, e-posters audience response and voting systems

Audio Video Design, Installation & Programming, Facility and enterprise telecommunications infrastructure. Sound Masking & Wireless WND WND WND

High resolution audio/video capture, encoding, recording and streaming hardware; USB video grabbers; Cloud solutions, professional streaming and recording systems. Award-winning AV hardware and software solutions

DVAI provides professional audio-visual solutions including design, integration, and support for meeting rooms, collaboration spaces and public environments—delivering reliable, user-friendly systems that enhance communication and engagement

Audio, video, lighting, staging, event production, webcasting, recording, video editing, motion graphics, content creation, creative design, voice-over, translation, studio services equipment rental, and technical direction.

Products offered enable lecture recording and broadcasting, multiple overflow hall broadcasting, remote attendee viewing and video conferencing.

DVAI provides reliable AV systems for computer-based presentations, ensuring seamless connectivity, sharp visuals, and clear sound. Our solutions make it easy to present, share, and collaborate effectively in any professional setting.

Audio systems microphones projection, LED displays, lighting, staging, video playback, hybrid streaming, recording, event management, on-site technicians rigging, power distribution, and full technical production support

Products for live event switching, recording and streaming. Solutions for Education, Houses of Worship, Corporate, Medical, Government, Courts and Legal

DVAI designs and integrates advanced AV systems for presentation spaces, ensuring clear audio, vivid visuals, and seamless control, creating reliable, userfriendly spaces that enhance communication and deliver professional, impactful presentations

Video recording, medical imaging, webcasting, conference recording

DVAI’s products include high-quality displays, projectors, control systems, and audio solutions designed for seamless computer integration to deliver clear visuals crisp sound, and intuitive operation for professional, impactful presentations

Interactive Audio Visual

6-5459 Canotek Rd. Ottawa, ON K1J 9M3 613-748-9388 / 613-742-7738 interactiveaudiovisual.com

Signature AudioVideo LTD 126 Iber Rd. Stittsville, ON K2S 1E9 613-831-7140 / 613-831-7094 sigav com

12 Ian Smith, President 1 0 2003

Turnkey A/V and unified collaboration solutions; complete design, integration and support; presentation, web conferencing, video streaming, command and control, auditoriums stadium, digital signage Crestron, Extron, QSC/QSYS certified. AV-as-a-Service; Canada-wide & U.S.-wide project deployment capabilities

Projection systems; large format displays and video walls interactive collaboration displays; complete audio systems for small to stadium sized applications, audio and video streaming and recording; mobile audio production equipment

All forms of audio and video signal selection and distribution, including network based AV-Over-IP; remote monitoring, reporting and analytics; AVsolutions-as-a-service (AVaaS); digital signage and wayfinding; broadcast video production equipment Live and on-demand video streaming for mission critical and broadcast applications; court systems; operating theatre AV; service level agreements (up to 24/ 7/365); on-site staffing support

7 000-square-foot retail/design center; sales, installation, design; supports audio; video; theatre; lighting; shading; automation; furniture; service; networks

Projectors, screens remote controls, speakers, amplifiers, microphones, furniture

Rental of LCD/ multimedia projectors, LCD and LED monitors, computer monitors and laptops

Rental of all traditional AV including delivery/ pickup and installation/ dismantling

Teleconferencing, video conferencing, simultaneous interpretation services, audio and video recording, multimedia duplication services streaming services via any platform, rigging services, acrylic podiums

Sales, rentals and installations of DJ/club/ corporate/audio and video production, lighting, staging, computers, projection, LED, wireless microphones

Audio, video and lighting equipment for small to large meetings, special events, galas and conferences Rents equipment and provides technical services

Sales rentals, and installations of screens, projectors, LED monitors, multiple screens LED monitors, projectors, screens fast folds, wireless microphones speakers, drape, staging, lighting Perfect cue, polycom, powerpoint, webcasting

Variety of projectors screens of all sizes LCD monitors from 55" to 86" and laptops

Rental of all audio video and lighting equipment, screens of all sizes, various projectors, technical services, delivery, setup

Polycom, clear acrylic podiums, Perfect Cue, pipe and drape, stage backdrops, staging

REAL ESTATE

Hugh Gorman is the 2025 CEO of the Year

BY DAVID SALI

As the CEO of Colonnade BridgePort since 2008, Hugh Gorman has guided the firm to the pinnacle of the local real estate industry.

The company, with roots stretching back to 1985, is now Ottawa’s largest privately owned commercial property manager with a total portfolio of more than 13 million square feet in Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

But Colonnade BridgePort is more than a professional landlord. Under Gorman’s guidance, it has evolved into a multifaceted organization that is building some of Ottawa’s most anticipated multi-residential developments while raising tens of millions of dollars to finance those projects and others through its burgeoning asset and investment management business.

Forty years after it was born, the firm is still energetic and visionary, with plans to expand into other jurisdictions and raise two new funds to bankroll future development.

For those reasons and more, Gorman is the 2025 CEO of the Year as selected by OBJ and the Ottawa Board of Trade. The Carleton University alumnus is the 26th recipient of the award, joining a prestigious group of past winners that includes Minto Group’s Roger Greenberg, Shopify co-founder Tobi Lütke and Kinaxis CEO John Sicard.

“It’s almost impossible not to admire Hugh for all that he’s accomplished in business and for his contribution to his community,” said Anne Howland, OBJ’s editor-inchief. “What he and his team have delivered will leave a real legacy for the city for decades to come.”

Ottawa Board of Trade president and CEO Sueling Ching, who first got to know Gorman when he joined a committee of CEOs that tackled issues arising from the pandemic, describes the longtime real estate executive as the “epitome of being both a visionary but also a kind and thoughtful leader in a way that inspires others to be the same.”

Those traits have served Gorman, 57, well in his current role as chair of the Ottawa Board of Trade’s economic development committee. In 2024, he was

“I think Ottawa's got so much potential. There’s no city like it that I’ve travelled to.”

instrumental in enlisting partners such as Invest Ottawa, Ottawa Tourism, BOMA Ottawa and the National Capital Commission to launch the Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda, which detailed 60 steps needed to bring new life to the city’s downtown core by 2034.

But Gorman’s biggest contributions to the

community he loves have come in real estate.

The man who began working at property manager Canderel as a teenager has forged a remarkable career that includes stints as a senior executive at some of Canada’s biggest firms. After just a few years in the business, he was in charge of leasing some of the capital’s most prestigious office buildings, including Constitution Square.

His decision to strike out on his own in 2008 marked the turning point in Gorman’s career. The firm originally known as BridgePort Realty Partners took a few years to find its footing, but it eventually made a name for itself with bold, visionary moves like redeveloping a parcel of contaminated former industrial land at McRae Avenue and Scott Street into a thriving mixed-use project that included blue-chip tenants Farm Boy and Alterna Savings.

In 2016, Gorman was a key figure in orchestrating perhaps the most important transaction in the firm’s history — its merger with family-owned real estate developer Colonnade Management, a dominant player in the local industry with clients including companies such as Investors Group.

Since then, Colonnade BridgePort has evolved into an undisputed local leader in three fields: real estate services, property development and capital management.

In nearly a decade since the merger, the company has extended its reach into the Greater Toronto Area and the East Coast, where it set up offices in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Meanwhile, Colonnade BridgePort’s capital arm continues to grow. The company is in the midst of raising two new funds worth $50 million each — one aimed at financing new projects in the Ottawa area and the other targeted at “value-add” real estate in Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces.

On the development side, the value of its multiresidential pipeline now exceeds $2 billion.

Yet even as the company he leads has risen in stature, Gorman is still the same old Hugh, his friends say, the guy who isn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and do whatever it takes to get the job done. And he believes the best is yet to come for the community he’s helped build.

“I think Ottawa's got so much potential,” Gorman said. “There’s no city like it that I’ve travelled to. But I just think sometimes we’re not vocal enough about what we’ve got and what we’re capable of. I think we’re at this tipping point. We’ve just got to get out there and tell the story.”

From Claridge Homes to the CHEO Foundation, Neil Malhotra is the 2025 CFO of the Year

BY SONIA MENDES

The chief financial officer of Claridge Homes, Neil Malhotra, was selected as the CFO of the Year for 2025 by the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Board of Trade.

OBJ sat down with Malhotra to discuss his CFO journey and how he’s contributing his expertise to community projects.

The transcript has been edited for length and clarity.

Claridge Homes was founded by your father, Bill Malhotra, and has been central to your family for almost 40 years. How did that shape your formative years and the start of your career?

We grew up with it, it was always part of our lives. My father immigrated here in the mid-’70s, he's a structural engineer. After working with a local structural engineering firm, he moved to reviewing plans at the City of Ottawa. As he tells it, he got tired of approving other people's plans and decided to do his own projects. My brother and I were young at that time, 11 or 12. On Sunday mornings, I would go with my father to look at a building he was working on. As a teenager, I worked in the office and helped with sales in a couple of presentation centres. I spent one summer on a construction site. I was away at Western University for four years and I distinctly remember coming home after graduation thinking I would take the summer off. I think I was home for three days and there was an opening and I’ve been here ever since. It's just sort of in our blood and we're proud of it.

What have been some defining moments for you in your role as CFO at Claridge?

I’ve been here full time for just over 25 years. I carry the CFO title, I deal with more of the financial side of the business. My brother carries the COO title, my father acts as the CEO. But we wear different hats and work in all aspects of the business; we’re kind of a three-headed monster for big decisions. Over the past decade, the biggest large-scope project was the development of purpose-built rental properties. We worked with the city and CMHC and banks to be able to make that happen. I’m

proud we developed almost 3,000 units. But I'm proudest of the fact that we've had a very successful transition to introducing a second generation. There are folks in our situation in our industry and other businesses and it's not always smooth. When you have a successful father, it’s easy to maybe not be the hardest-working person. I think my brother and I have done a pretty decent job of providing value and growing the business.

What is the most important attribute to have as an effective CFO?

Ultimately, having perspective of the big picture is critical for all CFOs. It's easy to get overly focused on straight numbers, but understanding where your operations is coming from and prevailing issues are very important. Having the longterm outlook allows us to always consider the big picture in our decision-making. We have a luxury: we're a private company, we don't have a partner. I think that’s a little more challenging in other spaces, whether you’re a public company that has to report every three months, or you have investors you’re constantly reporting to.

How have you parlayed your skills and knowledge as a CFO into economic development issues such as the mayor's housing task force and downtown revitalization? In the case of the housing task force, Claridge probably builds the widest variety of housing in the city; we’ve built condos, we do multi-res, we have a seniors’ housing business, and we build houses in the suburbs. We were

very involved in affordable housing in the early ‘90s. We tried to bring a perspective of things that are preventing us from building that stuff today, why it's harder. I try to bring a broad perspective; I’m not bringing the Claridge perspective to everything I do. It's what is best intended for the city, not what's best intended for me. I try to bring honest opinions and reasonable data to back up suggestions.

Downtown is a different animal; it's about creating a community that will keep attracting people. Beyond the residential units we’ve built into the downtown core, Claridge has done a lot of things that we don’t necessarily get credit for. We’ve introduced three new grocery stores downtown in the last 10 years, which was a huge void if you were north of the Queensway and west of the Rideau Centre. It makes the communities vibrant. Around the Farm Boy on Metcalfe Street, we put up 850 units in the immediate couple of blocks.

Tell me about your role as co-chair for the CHEO Foundation’s capital campaign aiming to raise $220 million in support of CHEO’s campus redevelopment plan and your work with the Senators on LeBreton Flats. My wife, Ainsley, has been involved with the CHEO Foundation for a long time, she's the past chair. My job, along with the other co-chairs and cabinet members, is to really tell the story of CHEO and why this expansion is required. There hasn't been a significant increase in the facility since it was built 50 years ago but the community has at least doubled, so we've got a heck of a lot more kids around. I think CHEO is probably the most important institution in the city, because if we can't help children get to a spot in life where they can be functioning adults, everything else is kind of out the window.

With the Ottawa Senators, it’s a joint effort with my brother. Technically, I’m chair of the real estate committee for the ownership. I’ve seen our role as helping Michael (Andlauer) understand real estate in the city, supporting Cyril (Leeder) in navigating to get a deal with the NCC and helping guide the process of planning and development of the arena. We’re trying to help them get the right people around the table, we’re passing on our general knowledge to hopefully make the project successful.

Mann Lawyers legal team. Handy for any situation you might find yourself in.

THE LIST

Company/Address Phone/Fax/Web

WSP Canada Inc. 2611 Queensview Dr Ottawa, ON K2B 8K2 613-829-8299 / 613-829-8299 https://www wsp com/en-ca/

Stantec Consulting 300-1331 Clyde Ave Ottawa, ON K2C 3G4 613-722-4420 stantec.com

J.L. Richards & Associates Limited 1000-343 Preston St Ottawa, ON K1S 1N4 613-728-3571 jlrichards ca

BPA 580 Terry Fox Drive Ottawa, ON K2L 4B9 613-591-1533 https://bpa.ca/

5 Novatech 200-240 Michael Cowpland Dr Kanata, ON K2M 1P6 613-254-9643 https://novatech-eng.com/ civil-engineering/

Goodkey Weedmark & Associates Ltd. 1688 Woodward Drive Ottawa, ON K2C 3R8 613-727-5111 gwal.com

Egis Canada Ltd.

750 Palladium Drive, Suite 310 Ottawa, ON K2V 1C7 613 836 2184 egis-group com

Gradient Wind Engineering Inc. 127 Walgreen Rd Ottawa, ON K0A 1L0 613-836-0934 gradientwind.com

Adjeleian Allen Rubeli 1005-75 Albert St Ottawa, ON K1P 5E7 613-232-5786 / na aar ca

Dillon Consulting 101-177 Colonnade Rd. Ottawa, ON K2E 7J4 613-745-2213 / 613-745-3491 dillon.ca

Jp2g Consultants Inc. 410-1150 Morrison Dr Ottawa, ON K2H 8S9 613-828-7800 / 613-828-2600 jp2g.com

ENGINEERING FIRMS

(RANKED BY NUMBER OF LICENSED ENGINEERS IN OTTAWA)

Keller Engineering 500-885 Meadowlands Dr Ottawa, ON K2C 3N2

613-224-1594 / 613-224-1642 kellerengineering.com

AmirOmar Abd El Halim, Executive Vice President Regional Leader - Ontario & Atlantic Canada Francois Lemay, Executive Vice President, Sector Leader - Property & Buildings Dominique Quesnel Vice-President

Dylan Hemmings, Vice President, Regional Leader, Ontario

Saverio Parrotta, President & CEO René Lambert, Chief Financial Officer; Board Member

Patrick St. Onge, Executive Vice-President Brian Johnson, Vice President - Structural Georges Maamari, Vice President - Mechanical Brent Weatherdon, Managing Director - Ottawa Xavier Ragusich, Managing Director - Gatineau

John Riddell, President

FrancisW.A. Bann P.Eng., Managing Principal

Trish MacDonald, Vice President of Human Resources Mark Ward, Chief Operating Officer Graham Lancaster, General Engineering Leader

Vincent Ferraro Andrew Sliasas Un Yong Jeong, Principals

Justin Vienneau, Vice President Jean-Michel Carrière, President

Brent Loney, Environmental Specialist Rory Baksh, Planner

Neil Caldwell, Chief Executive Officer David Nguyen, Vice President

Greg Woltman, Structural

Barry Charnish, Principal

Megan Rhind, Principal

Anne bourgeault, Director of Business Development

Patricia Costa, Studio Manager_Architecture

Jonathan Hughes OAA, Chief Operating Officer

Tobias Fellows OAA

Principal

Peter Croft OAA, Director, Operations

Andrée Ball, Vice President, Corporate Services

Matt Michaluk, Director

Building Science & Restoration

Justin Tudor, President

Buildings; Municipal infrastructure; Urban planning; landscape architecture; water resources; Rail,Roads, Ports & Aviation; Land development; Highways; Bridges; Sustainable development, Energy, Resources & Industries,Earth & Environment,Net Zero,ESG

Water/wastewater; transportation; mechanical/ electrical/structural/civil; building engineering; surveying; land development; urban planning, landscape architecture

Civil, electrical, mechanical, environmental, energy systems, and structural engineering; architecture; and land use planning

All specialties related to building engineering. Including: Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Sustainability, Building Automation, Security, Cogeneration, Commissioning, Fire Protection, Geothermal, Renewable Energy, Telecoms, and Food Services

Municipal, land/site development; transportation, water resources engineering; planning and project management; landscape architecture

Mechanical and electrical consulting engineering

Key player in architecture, consulting, construction engineering and mobility services. We create and operate intelligent infrastructures and buildings that respond to the climate emergency and contribute to more sustainable territorial development

Wind and Snow Engineering Structural Engineering Acoustics, Noise, and Vibration Engineering

Structural building engineering consultant providing services in all areas of structural and envelope planning and design.

Planning; management; engineering; environmental science

Mechanical, electrical, structural, civil, municipal, water resources; environmental services; hydrogeology; GIS; energy management, land use planning.

Residential, Commercial, Institutional, Healthcare & Hospitality, Cultural, Sports & Recreation, Retail, Mixed-Use Labs & Data Centres, Transportation, Transit-Oriented Development, Restoration, Renovations & Special Projects

NORR is an employee-owned, fully integrated A&E firm. Our professional team of 800 architects, engineers, planners and interior designers work collaboratively over 12 market sectors from offices located in Canada, US, UK and UAE.

Building science; building envelopes; structural; electrical and mechanical (HVAC) engineering; alternate energies; project management

Description

One of the world’s leading professional services firms, uniting its engineering, advisory and science-based expertise to shape communities to advance humanity wsp com/en-CA

Initial conceptual development project planning and community engagement through to design, construction, commissioning, maintenance, decommissioning and remediation.

Employee-owned, multidisciplinary firm offering services in engineering, architecture, and land use planning with a reach extending across North America and the world.

Engineering firm specializing in the Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Sustainability design of buildings. With expertise in the private and public sectors, the firm also specializes in security, telecoms, commissioning, and geothermal systems

Civil, water resources & transportation engineering; land use planning; urban design; feasibility studies, site plan and subdivision development, municipal preliminary and detail design projects

Experts in mechanical and electrical consulting engineering for commercial, institutional, light industrial, and mixed-use residential buildings. Also providing engineering advocacy, expert testimony, sustainability services, and detailed reports

We provide a full range of consulting engineering and technical solutions in infrastructure, transportation, energy and the building industries We handle project management to deliver projects like highways, bridges, rail systems across Canada.

Wind engineering, damper design and fabrication, snow and ice load studies, air quality studies, vibration control, and environmental noise and acoustics

AAR is a leading structural and building envelope firm known for innovative, practical solutions and technical excellence

Community infrastructure/ strategies, contaminated sites management, energy transition, environmental management, facilities, land development, transportation

Providing comprehensive, personalized service to municipalities, private developers, school boards, First Nations, postsecondary institutions, government organizations

Structural, Building Envelope Sustainable Building Consulting, Special Projects & Renovations, Energy & Carbon Performance, Fire & Pedestrian Modelling, Restoration, Bridge Design & Rehabilitation, Construction, and Transportation.

Our mission is to create socially aware, environmentally responsible, and financially viable architecture and engineering design solutions to ensure our clients achieve their business goals while contributing to healthier and sustainable places

Building condition assessment; design; contract administration; energy studies; asset management studies; reserve fund studies; technical audits

THE LIST

Company/Address

NORR Architects & Engineers Limited

600-55 Murray St Ottawa, ON K1N 5M3

613-241-5300 norr com

Kasian Architecture, Interior Design, and Planning 135 Laurier Avenue West Ottawa, ON K1P 5J2 613-314-5887 kasian.com

3 Architecture49 150 Isabella St Ottawa, ON K1S 1V7 613-238-0440 architecture49 com

J.L. Richards & Associates Limited 1000-343 Preston St Ottawa, ON K1S 1N4 613-728-3571 jlrichards ca

ARCHITECTURE FIRMS

(RANKED BY NUMBER OF REGISTERED ARCHITECTS)

Patricia Costa, Studio Manager_Architecture

Jonathan Hughes OAA, Chief Operating Officer Tobias Fellows OAA Principal Peter Croft OAA, Director, Operations

PSPC, Global Affairs, BGIS, Bank of Canada, JLL, Rogers, WSIP, Canadian Blood Services, Ellis Don, Bird Construction, City of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital, Carleton University Algonquin College, Canada Post Corporation, The Ottawa Airport

An integrated full-service firm, NORR provides multi-disciplinary services including architecture, interior design, structural engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, master planning and urban design.

Defense, Aviation, Healthcare, Embassy & Security work, Academic facilities, Large scale heritage renovations, Public buildings, Interior design and workplace, Recreation facilities, Multi-unit residential/seniors, municipal buildings

Security/defence, sports/entertainment, education, healthcare, hospitality, commercial, heritage, industrial, retail, interior design and landscape architecture

Provencher Roy 47 Clarence Street, suite 440 Ottawa, ON K1N 9K1 613-686-6339 / 613-680-6339 provencherroy ca/en/ 19 50 1986

NEUF architect(e)s 400-10 Rideau St Ottawa, ON K1N 5W8 613-234-2274 NEUF ca 18 28 1971

Saverio Parrotta, President & CEO

René Lambert, Chief Financial Officer; Board Member N/A

Martin Tite , Principal, OAA, AAA, NSAA, AANB, FRAIC, LEED-AP

Jenny Lafrance, Studio Director, OAQ, OAA, PMP, LEED Associate Carolyn Jones, Principal, OAA, OAQ, NSAA, AANB MRAIC, LEED-AP, BD + C

Alex Leung, Principal, OAA, MAA, AANB, MRAIC

Frank Puentes, Partner Architect Evelyne Cardinal, Ottawa Office Director

Figurr Architects Collective 252 Argyle Ave Ottawa, ON K2P 1B9 613-695-6122 figurr ca 15 50 1989 Roberto Campos, Architect, Partner

HOK Inc.

1100 - 480 University Avenue Toronto, ON M5G 1V2 613-683-1807 hok.com 15 40 1996 Denis Seguin, Senior Regional Practice Leader Kristi Castilloux, Practice Leader, Principal

CSV Architects 190 O'Connor St., Suite 100 Ottawa, ON K2P 2R3

613-564-8118 csv ca 14 36 1998

KWC Architects 201-383 Parkdale Ave Ottawa, ON K1Y 4R4 613-238-2117 kwc-arch.com

Jessie Smith Anthony Leaning Darryl Hood, Principals

Kelly Koroluk, Managing Partner / Principal Ran Zaig, Principal/ Partner

Janis Hamacher, Principal Laszlo Mohacsi Principal/Partner

PSPC; BGIS; University of Ottawa; Carleton University; School Boards: CEPEO, CECCE, OCDSB, CSDCE; DND/DCC; CHEO; City of Ottawa; Canadian Museum of History; Algonquin College; La Cite Collegiale, Monfort Hospital.

National Defence Ministry + Cadillac Fairview; KRP properties; SINA; Claridge Homes; DCC; Dream; Great West Life Realty Advisors; Groupe Lépine; Perley Health; Brigil; Canada Post; Regional Group; Windmill Developments

Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation, CAHDCO, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, Zibi, Dream, Theia Partners, Hazelview Investments, New Commons Development, Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est, Gemstone, KTS Properties, Taggart, CAE

Shepherds of Good Hope, John Howard Society, City of Ottawa, Andrew Fleck Children's Services, Ottawa Community Housing, Gastops, Laurysen Kitchens, City of Kingston, Municipality of Mississippi Mills CECCE, OCSB, Cornerstone, SWCHC

Sustainable/net-zero design, educational, office buildings, lab and industrial, government and military, health care, social housing, transportation, integrated design process, design-build.

Certifications

Institutional, corporate, industrial, recreational, education, affordable housing, municipal, first nation's, residential, sustainable design, adaptive reuse, sacred spaces, health care

Strategic facility planning, architecture and interior design, feasibility studies, programming, consolidation planning, sustainable design, heritage restoration.

Sustainable design, Net Zero design, Passive House LEED consulting, institutional, commercial, educational, multi-unit residential, non-profit residential, child care centres, office fit-ups, new construction, adaptive reuse, heritage conservation.

Institutional, commercial, residential, heritage adaptive use, sustainable design, labs and scientific facilities, multi-unit residential, functional programming, financial institutions 10

RMA+SH Architects 216 Pretoria Ave Ottawa, ON K1S 1X2 613-567-1361 / 613-567-9462 robertsonmartin.com

Hobin Architecture

63 Pamilla St

Ottawa, ON K1S 3K7 613-238-7200 hobinarc.com

IDEA Inc.

200-310 Hunt Club Road Ottawa, ON K1V 1C1 613-728-0008 integrateddesign.ca

Edward J. Cuhaci and Associates Architects Inc.

40 1986

Luke Boonstra

Robert Martin Danica Robertson, Principals 40 Elgin Street Renovations, Province House Rehabilitation Charlottetown, North Park Armoury Halifax, National Press Building Rehabilitation, Beechwood Cemetery, Landon's Bay, GAC-Various Sites

Sara Woolverton, Partner

Dan Henhoeffer, Partner

Patrick Bisson, Partner

Rheal Labelle, Partner

Melanie Lamontagne

Partner

Reinhard Vogel, Principal

Marc Thivierge, Principal

BarryJ Hobin, Founding Principal

Wendy Brawley, Principal

Doug Brooks, Principal

Ryan Crowle, Principal, ME, MIEEE, ASHRAE

Dino Di Sano, Principal, Architect, B.Arch, OAA, MRAIC, LEED®AP

Chris Warner-Smith Principal, Architect M.Arch, OAA

City of Ottawa, Ottawa Community Housing, United Counties of Leeds & Grenville, Dundas Manor; Campus Developments, Regional, Uniform, Le Groupe Maurice, Sienna, Trinity, Taggart, Colonnade Bridgeport, Gerik, Avenue 31; Eastern Ontario school boards

Architecture, Feasibility studies, planning, building condition assessments, building envelope science heritage conservation, barrier-free design, sustainable design, security design, tenant fit-ups, interiors, commercial, residential, institutional

Master planning, feasibility studies, concept & detailed design for seniors & long-term care affordable housing, multi-residential, custom homes, education, churches, commercial, recreation & civic sectors. LEED, Passive House & Accessible design.

Government/institutional, universities, municipal, recreational, laboratories, corporate/commercial, interior design, sustainable design/LEED accredited, residential, heritage, net zero 14

100-171 Slater St Ottawa, ON K1P 5H7 613-236-7135 cuhaci.com

Pye & Richards - Temprano & Young Architects Inc. 824 Meath Street Ottawa, ON K1Z 6E8 613-724-7700 https://www.prty ca

6 18 1963

Zofia Jurewicz, President Jerzy Jurewicz, Vice-President David Bull, Vice-President

6 23 1901 Eliseo Temprano, Principal Architect

Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Upper Canada District School Board, Ottawa Carleton District School Board, Ottawa Catholic School Board, Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est, Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario, Catholi

Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB), Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB), Algonquin College, City of Ottawa, PSPC, Morguard, KRP Properties, BGIS

Educational, institutional, labs, health care, seniors' housing, mixed use, heritage restoration, interior design, master planning, space planning, fit-ups

Federal government, schools, universities, tech, commercial, industrial, restaurants, residential, heritage restoration, programming and feasibility studies

THE LIST

Company/Address Phone/Fax/Web

Colonnade BridgePort 200-16 Concourse Gate Ottawa, ON K2E 7S8 613-225-8118 / 613-225-3898 colonnadebridgeport ca

Morguard Investments Limited, Brokerage

402-350 Sparks St Ottawa, ON K1R 7S8 613-237-6373 / 613-237-0007 morguard.com

3 District Realty 20 James Street, Suite 100 Ottawa, ON K2p 0T6 613-759-8383 / 613-759-8448 districtrealty com

4 KRP Properties 300-555 Tower B Legget Dr Ottawa, ON K2K 2X3 613-591-0594 krpproperties com

Regional Group 1737 Woodward Dr Ottawa, ON K2C 0P9 613-230-2100 regionalgroup com

6 Arnon Corp. and Arnon Development Corp. Ltd 1801 Woodward Dr Ottawa, ON K2C 0R3 613-226-2000 / 613-225-0391 arnon.ca

Metcalfe Realty Company

210-130 Albert St Ottawa, ON K1P 5G4

613-563-4442 metcalfe ca

Richcraft Properties Ltd.

201-2280 St. Laurent Blvd. Ottawa, ON K1G 4K1

613-739-5777 / 613-739-7102 richcraft com

9 Taggart Realty Management 708-225 Metcalfe St Ottawa, ON K2P 1P9

613-234-7000 / 613-235-8910 taggart ca

Merkburn

2191 Thurston Drive, Unit 4 Ottawa, ON K1G6C9 613-224-5464 merkburn.com

Inside Edge Properties 200-464 Bank Street Ottawa, ON K2P 1Z3 613-226-9902 ieproperties com

O'Connor St., Ste. 730 Ottawa, ON K1P 1A4 613-690-7400 / 613-563-3217 quadreal.com

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MANAGERS

Blue Heron Mall ,1500 Bank St. Signature Centre, 499 Terry Fox Dr. Kenson Building, 225 Metcalfe St

1547 Merivale, 4037 Carling, 62 Steacie Drive, 308 Legget, 383 Parkdale, 436 Hazeldean, 1827 Woodward, 1701 Woodward, 88, 93 & 95 Hines, 1145 & 1171 Newmarket, 1550 & 1570 Liverpool, 2003 St. Joseph, 1440 Cyrville, 1380 Star Top, 866 Campbell

2 Gurdwara Road, 4-6 Antares Drive, 464 Bank Street 1541 Merivale Road, 680-690 Bank Street, 1657-1673 Carling Avenue, 1223 Michael Street, 4200 Labelle Street, 4210 Labelle Street, 1209 Michael Street, 1150 Cyrville Road, 14 Chamberlain Avenue

THE LIST

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE BROKERS

1723 Carling Ave Ottawa, ON K2A 1C8

613-725-1171 teamrealty ca

Coldwell Banker Sarazen Realty Brokerage 1090 Ambleside Dr Ottawa, ON K2B 8G7 613-596-4133 cbsarazen.ca

Avison Young Commercial Real Estate Services, LP, Brokerage 800-45 O'Connor St Ottawa, ON K1P 1A4 613-567-2680 / 613-567-2671 avisonyoung.ca

MetroCity Property Group 201-255 Michael Cowpland Drive Ottawa, ON K2M 0M5 6137339494 metrocitycommercial.com

Colliers 1005-99 Bank St Ottawa, ON K1P 6B9 613-567-8050 / 613-567-8035 collierscanada.com

Cushman & Wakefield Ottawa 400-55 Metcalfe Street Ottawa, ON K1P 6L5 613-236-7777 cwottawa.com

7 CBRE

Royal LePage Performance Realty 165 Pretoria Ave Ottawa, ON K1S 1X1 613-238-2801 performancecommercial.ca

Marcus & Millichap 301-275 Bank St Ottawa, ON

333 Preston Street, Suite 420 Ottawa, ON K1S 5N4 613-963-2640 / 613-963-2630 https://www.lennard.com/

THE LIST

Company/Address

LWG Architectural Interiors Inc.

211-2141 Thurston Dr

Ottawa, ON K1G 6C9

613-739-3699 / 613-739-3965 lwg-ai.com

4Té inc.

377 Dalhousie Street, Suite 301

Ottawa, ON K1N 9N8

613-232-4499 4te ca

Parallel 45 Design Group Ltd.

240-700 Industrial Ave Ottawa, ON K1G 0Y9

613-738-7600 parallel45 ca

Architecture49

150 Isabella St

Ottawa, ON K1S 1V7

COMMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGN FIRMS

(RANKED BY NUMBER OF ARIDO REGISTERED DESIGNERS)

15 3

9 1

8 2

Bryan Wiens David Gibbons, Principals

Chantal Boyer-Casey Emily Chamberlain Tzoofit Hammer Principals

Confidential

PWGSC, BGIS,City of Ottawa, NAVCanada, CDA, Dentons,TCU Dev, Ellis Don, Minto, PCL, Colonnade, Homestead, Taggart CIRA,CIMA, Smart & Biggar, Welch, Crown, BMT, Gerik; Architects: CLV,DSAI, Hobin,KWC,RLA

Liz Miller Sarah Oakley Robin Peixoto, Principals WND

613-238-0440 architecture49 com 6 105 Tanya Irvine, Principal Interiors

NORR Architects & Engineers

Limited

600-55 Murray St Ottawa, ON K1N 5M3

613-241-5300 norr com 6 40

HOK Inc.

1100 - 480 University Avenue Toronto, ON M5G 1V2

613-683-1807 hok.com 5 6

Atkinson Schroeter Design Group 410 Laurier Ave. W Ottawa, ON K1R 1B7

613-563-3797 asdginteriors com 4 1

NEUF architect(e)s

400-10 Rideau St Ottawa, ON K1N 5W8

613-234-2274 NEUF ca

Provencher_Roy 410-47 Clarence St Ottawa, ON K1N 9K1 613-686-6339 provencherroy ca

MCROBIE Architects + Interior Designers

100-66 Queen St Ottawa, ON K1P 5C6

613-238-2072 mcrobie com

[in]tempo design studio 100-357 Waverley St. W Ottawa, ON K2P 0W4

613-565-5500 intempo ca

Carlyle Design Associates LTD

205 Island Park Dr Ottawa, ON K1Y 0A3

613-728-7880 carlyledesign.ca

design2space, inc.

203 Catherine Street, Unit 213 Ottawa, ON K2P1J5 613-299-1150 design2space com

3 28

Patricia Costa, Studio Manager_Architecture

Jonathan Hughes OAA Chief Operating Officer

Tobias Fellows OAA, Principal Peter Croft OAA, Director, Operations

Government of Canada, PSPC, National Defence, Sobeys, Global Affairs Canada, Metrolinx, Ottawa Police Services, WSP

PSPC, Global Affairs, BGIS, Bank of Canada, JLL, Rogers, WSIP, Canadian Blood Services, Ellis Don, Bird Construction, City of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital, Carleton University, Algonquin College, Canada Post Corporation, The Ottawa Airport

Denis Seguin, Senior Regional Practice Leader Kristi Castilloux, Practice Leader, Principal N/A

Sonja A. Schroeter, Principal

Frank Puentes, Partner Architect Evelyne Cardinal, Ottawa Office Director

3 47 Anna Westlund, Partner

2 16

James Salem, President Tony Fuso, Vice President Jill Trower, Vice President Ian Willson, Vice President

City of Ottawa, CREA, Merkburn Holdings Colliers, PSAC, KRP, Apollo, GWLRA, Epic, Groupe MACH

High-tech and professional offices embassies, lobby repositioning and basebuilding work, non-profits, hotels and restaurants, multi-family residential

In 2025 MCROBIE led the delivery of large and complex projects for retail developers office owners, institutions and the federal government, as well as specialized projects in the recreational, residential and educational sectors

1 3 Marianne Dupont President WND

0 Anne Carlyle, Principal

Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Mt Sinai Hospital, Toronto, West Park Healthcare Centre, Toronto, NIpissing University Student Union, One Kids Place, North Bay, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehab Hospital, Toronto, Ronald McDonald House Toronto

Specializes in commercial interiors with a focus on workplace design/sustainability. Project visioning, space planning, concept design, furniture design/specifications, design development, construction drawings and specifications, construction administration.

Full commercial interior fit-up including programming and planning. Specialties include change management-Prosci, furniture strategies, GoC Workplace/ABW, REVIT, BCIN, WELL, LEED

Full corporate/ commercial office design, retirement community, specialty & medical/dental, optometry programming and facility space planning; design development; permit and construction documentation; BCIN, LEED ID+C, WELL accredited professionals

Commercial Interior Design services including; functional programming, concept planning and renderings through to creating tender ready construction packages. Building sustainable, WELL and LEED certified projects for local and national clientele

Functional programming and master planning for institutional and commercial projects; feasibility studies; furniture, fittings and equipment; design and procurement; building information modeling.

Interior design, feasibility studies, programming, space planning, schematic design, concept design, contract documents, contract administration, consulting.

Functional programming, space planning, design concept renderings, construction documents, furniture procurement, project and move management

National Defence Buildings, Institutional buildings and offices, Residential units, Affordable and Student Housing, Retirement homes and hotels, Industrial and commercial spaces, Sustainability + Leed + Carbon Zero Certifications

Commercial interiors studio focused on innovative office design. Visioning and workplace strategy/programming, full design services from test-fits to concept, drawings permit and construction administration, furniture. LEED/ WELL certification.

Feasibility studies, functional programming, space planning, conceptual design, construction & permit drawings, construction administration, GC Workplace design, accessibility review, part 3&9 code review furniture services, sustainability and WELL

Strategic space planning, real estate development, creative integrated furnishings, AV, IT, acoustic solutions, sustainable architectural interiors

Visioning, consulting, planning for facilities development; interior design; furniture planning and design; wayfinding and signage design; and art program development, all for for health care, education and other public-sector organizations

Cow Refin

I n n o v a t i n g t h e w a

V i r t u a l O f f i c e S o l u t i o n

V i r t u a l A d m i n S e r v i c e s

M e e t i n g , C o n f e r e n c e s

P r i v a t e O f f i c e s

F u l l S e r v i c e M a n a g e d

J o i n t h e C l u b !

D e d i c a t e d T e a m S u i t e

SERVICED OFFICE SPACES

THE LIST

TOP 20 HOTTEST OTTAWA

Can prefab homes help the housing shortage?

Local builders tell us what has to change

BY SONIA MENDES

As they await details of how Build Canada Homes (BCH) will engage homebuilders to tackle the country’s housing crisis, some local companies hope their prefabricated, modular processes can be part of the solution.

Build Canada Homes is a new federal agency, launched this year by Prime Minister Mark Carney, that will build affordable housing at scale. According to the agency’s website, it will leverage public lands, offer flexible financial incentives, attract private capital, facilitate large portfolio projects, and support modern manufacturers.

Paul Kealey, founder and CEO of Ottawa-based EkoBuilt, established in 2004, welcomes the government’s new initiative and hopes his firm can benefit.

“The heavy emphasis on modular, prefab building fits with our systems and values. We’re hoping there's an engagement process and a proper procurement process –– that the government is not just transfixed on large housing corporations –– because, ultimately, some of them aren't focused on the highest energy-efficiency targets or healthy-building targets.”

The exact criteria for builders to work on BCH projects are not known, but the agency will be able to partner with private-market developers. Initially, BCH plans to build non-market housing on federal land before taking a wider focus on Canada’s housing crisis.

Builders like Kealey underscore the benefit of the prefabricated approach in expediting the construction process.

“Without prefabrication, house projects –– whether they're single homes or small, multi-family buildings –– typically take 12 months,” said Kealey. “When we prefabricate, we can cut that time in about half.”

While he commends Build Canada Homes for aspiring

to a sustainable approach, Kealey said he hopes concepts such as energy-efficiency are truly prioritized as the government considers its homebuilding partners.

EkoBuilt specializes in “passive house” design, which utilizes a unique building standard for ultra-high energy efficiency.

“The biggest benefits are the energy savings from a heating and cooling perspective. The passive house uses 80 to 90 per cent less energy compared to houses built to code,” said Kealey. “It's easy building a home as cheaply as possible from a dollar-value perspective, but it's very difficult maintaining that low affordability cost into the future if it isn't focused on conserving energy.”

While passive homes cost about 10 per cent more than a standard build, Kealey said that’s negated through savings in utilities, making passive homes a more affordable choice as energy prices rise. Now in six provinces and more than 35 U.S. states, EkoBuilt’s houses are also “hydro-thermically protected,” meaning they are airtight but vapour-open so mold cannot grow within wall or roof systems.

PREFABRICATION AND RISK REDUCTION

In the Bank and Heron area, Ottawa’s Theberge Group has just broken ground on its second and third prefabricated modular projects: two, eight-unit apartment buildings. Jeremy Silburt, the firm’s director of acquisitions, planning and development, said he was drawn to the idea of prefabrication as a way to mitigate risk.

“Project development is a very risky game. You run into all kinds of problems on-site with weather delays, changing prices for materials, (issues with) availability of trades,” said Silburt, adding that Theberge also has multiple 200- to 375-unit buildings in traditional, on-site construction. “I thought if I could find a way to do it better, that changes the development game.

“When we build them in a factory with a fixed-price

contract, it's very easy for us to get to a tighter number in terms of what our costs are –– we have a smaller contingency to work with.”

In partnership with Guildcrest Homes, another modular builder, Theberge developed a standardized build that could be “rapidly reproduced across the city,” said Silburt. “We came up with an eight-unit design that could be put on a standard-sized lot in Ottawa. Then we could go and do this across multiple lots.”

Silburt said the company’s first modular apartment building went up near Carling Avenue and Churchill Avenue in March 2025. The modular components were built by Guildcrest in Morewood, Ont., about 45 minutes southeast from Ottawa.

“We have plans to deploy a couple more throughout the year,” said Silburt. “We’re venturing into volumetric, modular multi-family. We’re exploring the opportunity of doing that on a larger scale.”

SETTING THE INDUSTRY UP FOR SUCCESS

While housing from Theberge is outside the initial mandate of BCH to build not-for-profit housing, Silburt said he sees an opportunity for the federal government to stimulate overall demand for prefabricated, modular homes in all aspects of Canadian housing.

“I think it’s a good way to foster an industry,” said Silburt, adding the prefab sector has always struggled to keep pricing at par with traditional, stick-built construction. “We may see market housing creep in as a combination with affordable housing. Then they'll open it up to those of us who are traditional, private developers to help them get to their (long-term) goals.”

Jason Burggraaf, executive director of the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association, agrees.

“The question to my mind is, ‘Can the government remove the barriers that have prevented mass marketization of prefabricated homes up to this point?’” said Burggraaf.

Since the housing market is cyclical, he explained, it makes it harder for prefabricated building manufacturers to gain traction since they can’t rely on steady sales. If the government could offer sustained ordering, it would set the industry up for future success, Burggraaf said.

“If you want to hit those bigger milestones –– if you want to do 5.8 million homes across the country in the next decade –– you’ve got to break that housing cycle of low market activity, high market activity,” he says.

As Canada’s population has grown, the pace of homebuilding hasn’t kept up with demand. Burggraaf said that if Canada wants to double homebuilding output from 220,000 to 400,000 units a year –– as the government is aiming to do –– the approach needs to change.

“We're not talking about increasing factory-built housing at the expense of regular, build-on-site housing, we're looking at every avenue where we can get housing supply,” he said. “We’re talking about increasing the size of the pie –– really trying to double it.

“I don't know that prefab is necessarily the solution that's going to fix everything, but it's an avenue of housing supply that we can certainly scale-up to get us closer to where we want to be.”

Silburt pointed to successful models of prefabricated, modular homebuilding in other countries.

“If you look around the world –– if you go to Sweden, the United States, Singapore –– we are years behind the rest of the world in terms of how you build factory homes cheaply and efficiently, we're 30 years behind,” said Silburt. “The government's got to get better at how they procure; whatever we can do to get this industry going and get it on its feet (in Canada) –– it's a struggling industry.”

An EkoBuilt passive home.

TECHNOLOGY

LIST COMPILED BY INVEST OTTAWA

StoreLocators Inc.

25 Ottawa tech startups you should know about

Year Founded: Started November 2023, incorporated August 2024

Founder(s)/CEO: Ivan Sanchez, CEO and co-founder; Ryan Pamplin, chairman and co-founder; Landon Silla, VP engineering and co-founder

Number of Employees: Four (three based in Ottawa)

Product Description: A platform tracking live product inventory in more than 100,000 retail locations across North America, helping to boost online and retail sales.

Whimble Care Inc.

Year Founded: 2021

Founder(s)/CEO: Emma Brown

Number of Employees: Six

Product Description: Whimble’s on-demand platform connects people with disabilities to personal care attendants for support at home and events.

FirstList

Year Founded: 2023

Founder(s)/CEO: Derek Hooper and Andrew Paliga

Number of Employees: Four

Product Description: A private listing platform that helps real estate agents and their clients market and access pre-market properties before they hit the MLS.

Downpay

Year Founded: 2022

Founder(s)/CEO: Diana Birsan and Denis Zgonjanin

Number of Employees: Six

Product Description: Downpay helps Shopify merchants offer partial payments and deposits, making high-value purchases more accessible while improving merchant cash flow and checkout conversions.

Onik Inc.

Year Founded: 2023

Founder(s)/CEO: Rob Villeneuve, co-founder and CEO/CTO, and Jeremy Francis, cofounder and COO

Number of Employees: Two

Product Description: Onik continuously monitors website performance and accessibility, detecting speed issues, broken components and compliance gaps.

GameStrat

Year Founded: 2015

Founder(s)/CEO: Tunch Akkaya (CEO), Elijah Wu (CTO) Number of Employees: 11

Product Description: Real-time video replay software for coaching, training and performance analysis across sports and tactical training.

H2 Analytics

Year Founded: 2017

Founder(s)/CEO: Hugo Hodgett (founder and CEO)

Number of Employees: 26

Product Description: EASE is a software platform that lets users create and deliver realistic, data-rich training exercises reflecting modern operational tempo.

Metropolitan Technologies

Year Founded: 2022

Founder(s)/CEO: Daly Brown,co-founder and CEO; Nick Foubert, co-founder and CTO.

Number of Employees: Two and growing

Product Description: A decentralized connectivity, IoT/ OT cybersecurity and data mesh platform to connect and protect critical infrastructure assets in extremely challenging environments.

Quantropi

Year Founded: 2018

Founder(s)/CEO: James Nguyen, co-founder and CEO; Randy Kuang, co-founder and chief scientist Number of Employees: 18

Product Description: Quantropi’s QiSpace platform delivers quantum-secure cryptographic solutions that protect defence, enterprise communications, IoT and embedded markets.

Tactiql

Year Founded: 2022

Founder(s)/CEO: Michael Nelson

Number of Employees: 15

Product Description: Tactiql’s software, Fulcrum, conditions remote, multi-modal sensor data to enable universal interoperability with military command, control and intelligence software.

CounterCrisis Tech

Year Founded: 2020

Founder(s)/CEO: Don Williams, CEO; Melanie Williams, director

Number of Employees: Five working shareholders with subject matter expertise

Product Description: IC4W is a software product that enables organizations to better manage critical information in real time so they can fight major emergencies with optimal effectiveness.

Four DRobotics Corp.

Year Founded: 2009

Founder(s)/CEO: Jeremy James, co-founder/CEO; Pierre Poirier, co-founder; Matt Harrington, cofounder/board member

Number of Employees: Seven

Product Description: Software that transforms work by automating dangerous, mundane tasks.

MAE Robotics Inc.

Year Founded: 2018

Founder(s)/CEO: Mojtaba Ahmadi, CEO and president

Number of Employees: Six

Product Description: Advanced force-torque sensors to enable safe robotic interaction with the environment.

ReasonX Labs

Year Founded: 2024

Founder(s)/CEO: Umair Siddique, CEO and co-founder; Donia Chaouch, CPO and co-founder; Mary Yazdani, co-founder and COO/CSO

Number of Employees: Four full-time, plus collaborators. Product Description: Foundational systems and safety engineering platform that automates physical AI development.

RentalTide

Year Founded: February 2025

CEO: Nick Sutherland

Number of Employees: Four

Product Description: An all-in-one booking and POS software for boat rentals, marinas, and more — reservations, payments, waivers, deposits and fleet tracking.

GoKidu Technologies

Year Founded: 2023

Founder(s)/CEO: Puja Pachchigar

Number of Employees: Seven

Product Description: Secure, affordable platform for known sperm, egg and surrogate donation; connecting families with verified donors, legal tools and community support.

Loon

Year Founded: 2022

Founder(s)/CEO: Ghayath Janoudi (CEO), Mara Rada (COO)

Number of Employees: Eight

Product Description: Scientifically validated, regulatory-grade AI platform that optimizes drug reimbursement to reduce timelines and fast-track patient access to approved therapies.

Pluvo

Year Founded: 2024

Founder(s)/CEO: Alexandre Labreche (CEO), Vanessa Galarneau (CFO), Andrew Ingram (CTO), Sebastian Fallenbuchl (COO)

Number of Employees: 13

Product Description: An AI-powered platform for continuous financial planning, scenario modelling and strategic forecasting.

RV Management USA

Year Founded: 2022

Founder(s)/CEO: Joel Williams-Walters (CEO), MichaelAnthony Clement (COO), Bhavik Mistry (CTO), Khristine Lahaie (head of customer success)

Number of Employees: Five

Product Description: A platform that helps RV owners consign their vehicles into managed rental fleets, powered by vertical SaaS and professional fleet managers.

Stratosfy

Year Founded: 2018

Founder(s)/CEO: Madan Kanala

Number of Employees: Four

Product Description: Stratosfy uses AI and sensors to

monitor restaurant refrigeration, preventing spoilage, reducing labour and automating compliance for safer, smarter kitchen operations.

EcoSafeSense Inc.

Year Founded: 2023

Founder(s)/CEO: Olga Koppel

Number of Employees: Three

Product Description: Mobile sensors and AI-powered software for hyperlocal air quality monitoring to support public health, sustainability and smarter environmental decision-making.

Garma Energy

Year Founded: 2025

Founder(s)/CEO: Chris Stern (CEO), Reza Lotfalian (CTO), Ian Hilborn (COO)

Number of Employees: Four

Product Description: Garma Energy is a technologyagnostic thermal energy storage (TES) developer and operator, delivering decarbonized heat with the lowest levelized cost of heat (LCOH) at point of use.

GreenVeil Packaging Inc.

Year Founded: 2024

Founder(s)/CEO: Ali Maleki (Founder and CEO)

Number of Employees: Three

Product Description: GreenVeil develops fully biodegradable, antimicrobial packaging solutions for food and agriculture that extends shelf life, reduces waste, enriches soil and replaces petroleum-based plastics.

JPlug.io

Year Founded: 2022

Founder(s)/CEO: Jorge Pantoja (CEO), Mark Fossen (CIO), Jim Dawson (VP of Sales)

Number of Employees: Four

Product Description: JPlug is a software platform that allows easy integration of EV charging stations and drivers to any user experience.

Tinybox Systems

Year Founded: 2023

Founder(s)/CEO: Oliver Zhang, Pooya Saberi, Charlie Frise

Number of Employees: Six

Product Description: Tinybox uses aerospace technology to enable builders to construct homes anywhere in 48 hours. Overall, Tinybox can build 10 times faster and at 30 per cent lower cost.

24/7

Background screening. Security services.

Proudly Canadian.

Trained professionals delivering dependable protection — day and night.

commissionaires.ca

THE LIST

Company/Address

Phone/Fax/Web

Calian Group

770 Palladium Dr Ottawa, ON K1V 1C8 1-877-225-4264 calian.com

General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada 1941 Robertson Rd. Ottawa, ON K2H 5B7 613-596-7000 gdmissionsystems ca

Solink

390 March Rd. Kanata, ON K2K 0G7 1-844-635-7305 / n/a solink.com

ADGA Group 21 Fitzgerald Road Ottawa, ON K2H 8R6 613-237-3022 adga.ca

Gastops

1011 Polytek St Ottawa, ON K1J 9J3 613-744-3530 gastops com

CAE Defense & Security, Canada

350 Legget Dr., Ste 200 Ottawa, ON K2K 2W7 613-247-0342 cae com

MDA Space

302 Legget Dr Kanata, ON K2K 1Y5

613-599-7602 / N/A mda.space

March Networks

303 Terry Fox Dr Ottawa, ON K2K 3J1 613-591-8181 marchnetworks com

Babcock Canada

800-75 Albert St Ottawa, ON K1P 5E7 613-567-2764 babcockcanada.com

Med-Eng 2400 St. Laurent Blvd. Ottawa, ON K1G 6C4 613-482-8835 med-eng.com

ICOR Technology inc. 935 Ages Drive Ottawa, ON K1G6L3 613 745 3600 https://icortechnology com/

Allen-Vanguard Corporation

2405 St. Laurent Blvd. Ottawa, ON K2G 5B4 613-739-9646 allenvanguard.com

CloseReach Ltd. 900 Morrison Drive, Suite 204 Ottawa, ON K2H 8K7 613-505-0262 / 877-238-2134 www closereach.ca

Convergence Design Services

204 William St W Arnprior, ON K7V 1K5

613-622-3325 www cnvg.ca

Provectus Robotics Solutions Inc.

DEFENCE AND SECURITY COMPANIES

(RANKED BY NUMBER OF LOCAL EMPLOYEES)

No. of local employees Key local executive Year est. in Ottawa Major markets

2000 Chris Pogue President, Defence and Space Patrick Houston, CEO Robin Richardson, Senior VP of Marketing and Corporate Communications 1982

Defence, Space, Healthcare Energy and Utilities, Public Safety, Government

775 Joel Houde, Vice President/General Manager 1948 Canada and allies nations worldwide

400 Mike Matta, CEO 2009

350 Jean-Marc Lanthier, CEO & President 1967

Retail, restaurant, financial, warehousing, C-store, automotive, property management and more

Defence, Public Safety & Security, Higher Education & Research, Real Property & Infrastructure, Government Partners & Industry

195 Shaun Horning, CEO 1979 Defence, aviation, energy, marine

150 France Hébert, President, Defense & Security Canada and International 1947 Federal government defence and security, critical infrastructure, public safety, OEMs

150 Roxanne PremontPageau, Director of Operations - Vision Systems & Sensors 1969 Global

145 Peter Strom, CEO 2000

100 Tony March, CEO 2008

80 Rob Reynolds General Manager 1981

73 Andrew Kavalersky Vice President of Sales and Marketing Pawarit Puwarattanakul, Marketing and Communications Specialist 2005

Banking, retail, cannabis, transit, commercial, industrial, education, Cstore, QSR and government enterprises and SMBs

Defence, Security, and Aerospace Wildfire suppression services Emergency medical services

Explosives Disposal (Military and Public Safety), CounterTerrorism, Demining, Special Operations, Border Security, Port Security

ICOR serves global law enforcement, non-domestic military, and first responders, supporting EOD SWAT, and Hazmat/CBRN teams, with robots used in over 60+ countries and backed by Cadre Holdings’ expertise in first response and safety worldwide

Major clients

Government of Canada, DND Canadian Armed Forces, NATO, Defence OEMs, Space OEMs

Department of National Defence, U.K. Ministry of Defence, U.S. Department of Defense, more than 20 allied nations around the world

Tim Hortons, Moxie's Classic Grill, Five Guys, JYSK, Canadian Tire Domino's Pizza

Canadian Armed Forces/DND, Shared Services Canada, Correctional Services Canada, as well as multiple government departments focused on safety and security

Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace, IMP Aerospace & Defence, Bell Helicopter, Airbus Helicopters, RCAF, RCN, USAF

DND, Defence Research and Development Canada, Canadian Coast Guard, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris MAS, Airbus, Boeing, General Atomics

Canadian Space Agency, DND, Lockheed Martin, Airbus, Boeing, European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), Sierra Nevada Corp., OneWeb, Northrop Grumman, MELCO

OC Transpo, Hamilton Health Network, Tommy Bahama, Yesway Convenience Stores, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), Toronto Community Housing, Canadian Tire Centre, and many more

DND

Military and public safety agencies worldwide, including Department of National Defence, US DoD, NATO Member Nations

ICOR’s notable clients include the RCMP, the Philippine Navy, the Malaysian Navy, and Los Angeles law enforcement, with our robots recognized as national training standards in multiple countries for EOD and first-responder operations

47 Bobby Strawbridge, President 2003 Military, public safety & security agencies First responders

Cecile Hurley, Chief Operating Officer John Hartin, Vice-President, Strategy Kevin O'Rourke President/CEO 2004

20 Ben Seaman, President 1990

CloseReach operates across Canada and the far north working with DND and other defence contractors. Project initiatives include NORAD Modernization, digital transformation (i.e. Digital Navy), business/enterprise architecture, QETE + NETE GRC, etc.

CloseReach customers include major GC departments including DND (multiple projects/areas: Army, Air Force, Navy, DEA, CAFCYBERCOM, QETE, DSVPM, Digital Services Group), Canada Border Services Agency, Transport Canada, Shared Services Canada, TBS, GAC

Automotive, Avionic/Space Defense, Systems/ Electronics/Mechatronics contract design engineering MDA Space, L3Harris, CMC, Pleora, Ottawa Infotainment

Description of specialty areas

Digital Solutions, Training and Simulation Solutions, Cyber Solutions, Communications and Connectivity, Healthcare Solutions, Continuity and Resiliency Solutions, Engineering and Manufacturing

We are world leader in C5ISRT and Anti-submarine Warfare. We are now taking that formula for success and applying it into RPAS technologies which will enable Canada to be at the forefront of that highly critical defence capability

Connects and synchronizes brick-and-mortar business systems including video and POS data, providing insight into physical security, loss prevention, and operations issues

We deliver embedded expertise and secure technical solutions that strengthen national security and support those who serve

Leading provider of intelligent condition monitoring solutions used in Aerospace, Defence, Energy, and Industrial applications to optimize the availability, performance, and safety of critical assets

Modelling/simulation and training, system and software engineering, human factors, capability engineering, life-cycle support

Geointelligence, robotics and space operations satellite systems

March Networks specializes in intelligent IP video surveillance solutions, offering a comprehensive suite of products and services designed to enhance security and provide valuable business intelligence

Engineering support services Critical asset management In-Service Support and asset through-life management Aerial firefighting Air ambulance

Bomb Suits; Blast Sensors; Demining protective equipment; specialized tools for Bomb Disposal; Search kits; Blast Attenuation Seats

ICOR specializes in designing and manufacturing highquality, innovative, and cost-effective bomb disposal robots and tools for EOD and SWAT teams. We provide critical protection to safely counter IEDs, assess threats, and manage hazardous materials

Develops and delivers equipment, customized training and integrated solutions for defeating terrorist and extremist threats

CloseReach is DND's enterprise architecture solutions provider supporting the QualiWare EA, process management, GRC and business management system platform. Services provided: software deployment, configuration/customization; training, and support

Mechanical/Mechatronic Design Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Signal/Power Integrity, Thermal/Vibration Analysis, EMI/EMC compliance, MIL-STD and DO-160 Qualification 14

1740 Woodroffe Ave Building 400 Ottawa, ON K2G 3R8

613-898-2390 https://www.provectus-robotics com 20 Paul Rocco, President 2010 Defence and security, airports, law enforcement, agriculture, mining N/A

Autonomous kits (A-Kits) for unmanned vehicles 16

David Pratt and Associates Ltd.

350 Sparks Street, Suite 605 Ottawa , ON K2H 7K3 613 791 7148 https://dpa.ltd/ 15 Kelly Williams, COO David Pratt, Principal 2015 Defence and Security

Emcon Emanation Control - A Spectrum Control company

Raytheon, Marmen, Calian, Hatch, TACTIQL, Allen-Vanguard, Computacenter

Shipbuilding and naval systems, drones and aerospace, armoured vehicles, C5ISR, and infrastructure 16

100-360 Terry Fox Dr Kanata, ON K2K 2P5

613-270-9009 ext 322 https://ssia.spectrumcontrol.com/ 15 Steve Rosinski, Director Business Development 1969 Defence; communications; private sector; DND; government; agencies DND; government agencies

Security systems; emanation control; tempest equipment; product development; Tempest/Emsec teting services and manufacturing

THE LIST

Company/Address

Convergence Networks

900 Morrison Dr Suite 206 Ottawa, ON K2H 7L1

613-721-3331 convergencenetworks com

Opti9 Technologies

1050 Morrison Dr Ottawa, ON K2H 8K7

613-454-5810 opti9tech.com

NeoLore Networks 302-2781 Lancaster Rd. Ottawa, ON K1B 1A7 613-594-9199 neolore com

Arcadion

185 Rideau St Ottawa, ON K1N 5W4 (613) 505-4424 www.arcadion.ca

CloseReach Ltd.

MANAGED SERVICE PROVIDERS

900 Morrison Drive, Suite 204 Ottawa, ON K2H 8K7 613-505-0262 / 877-238-2134 www closereach.ca 21 2004

Davidson Violette & Associates Inc. 488 Gladstone Avenue Ottawa, ON K1R 5N8 613-225-2798 / 613-224-6214 www dvai.ca

LARA-TECH

D1-130 Terence Matthews Cresc Kanata, ON K2M 0J1 6132880924 laratech.com

PolarData Inc. 1505 Laperriere Ave, Suite 323 Ottawa, ON K1Z 7T1 613-491-1404 polardata.com

65 Denzil Doyle Court, Unit 116 Ottawa, ON K2H 9C4 613-227-4357 www capitaltek.com

K2W1A7

Michele Rowe, Exec Mo Mekieh, Account Manager Stefan Wint, VP Sales

Cecile Hurley, Chief Operating Officer

John Hartin, Vice-President Strategy Kevin O'Rourke, President/CEO

CDW, Ottawa Education Group, OakWood Homes, Richcraft Robotics Centre

DVAI Managed IT Services primarily serves small to midsized businesses, professional firms, and organizations that rely on secure, efficient technology, providing tailored IT solutions that support productivity and growth.

Convergence Networks is a leading Cybersecurity and managed IT Provider, empowering businesses to leverage technology securely. We deliver end-toend solutions across IT, cybersecurity cloud, modern workplace, and responsible AI adoption.

Cloud Infrastructure services including cloud backup and disaster recovery, managed cloud servers, data resiliency & cyber security, AWS consulting and migration services, Microsoft consulting and services

IT services provider, cloud services, cybersecurity, training.

Managed IT Services (MSP), Managed Cybersecurity Services (MSSP), Managed Cloud Services, AI & Data Solutions, IT Helpdesk, IT Assessments, Networking & Connectivity, SaaS, Software Development, IT governance cybersecurity compliance

CloseReach offers software, bespoke business solutions and consulting services supporting business & enterprise architecture, GRC, and AI initiatives, as well as process, application portfolio & cybersecurity mgmt via the QualiWare software platform

DVAI delivers proactive support cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and data protection to keep your business running smoothly. We monitor, manage, and optimize your IT systems to reduce downtime, while enhancing security

Cloud Computing Solutions IT Support Services Network Support Services Managed/Monitored server/workstation Agents Cyber Security All cloud services offered are Canadian

PolarData Inc. is a (MSP) that delivers services, such as network, application, infrastructure and security, via ongoing and regular support and active administration on customers’ premises, in a secure cloud infrastructure

Managed IT Services, Cybersecurity, Cloud Migrations, AI Implementations, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Hardware & Software Upgrades, Business Process Optimization, Network Design & Installation, Penetration Testing, IT Strategy & Planning, vCISO

Bevel provides fractional workforce solutions under one hourly rate, giving clients access to specialists across People, Technology, and Operations for strategic support, project delivery, and scalable growth.

and cloud solutions reseller

LoyaltyOps helps companies turn culture into

Kanata

THE LIST

Company/Address

Phone/Fax/Web

MindBridge Analytics Inc.

80 Aberdeen Street Suite 400 Ottawa, ON K1S 5R5 (613) 667-1236 https://www.mindbridge.ai/

Raven.ai

150 Isabella Street, Unit #150 Ottawa, ON K1S 1V7 https://raven.ai/

FundMore

7 Bayview Station Rd Ottawa, ON K1Y 3B5 647-363-6336 https://fundmore.ai/

Advanced Symbolics 109 York St Ottawa, ON K1N 5T4 https://www.advancedsymbolics com/

5 NuEnergy.ai 132 Glenora St Ottawa, ON K1S 1J3 613-884-7959 https://www.nuenergy.ai/

Human Resource Systems Group

ltd.

6 Antares Drive, Phase 1, Unit 8 Ottawa, ON K2E 8A9 613-746-6605 hrsg.ca

Braiyt AI 1339 Wellington St. W Suite 1B Ottawa, ON K1Y 3B8 https://www.braiyt.ai/

8 NEXTRIA INC.

60 Chem. Meredith Chelsea, QC J9B 2N7 833-639-8742 / n/a https://nextria.ca

Novacene.ai

123 Slater Street, Suite 610 Ottawa, ON K1P 5H2 (800) 717-0814 https://novacene.ai/

Four DRobotics Corp 900 Greenbank Road Suite 525 Ottawa, ON K2J 4P6 613 739.2687 https://www fourdrobotics com/

Vigilant AI 262 Percy St Smiths Falls, ON K7A 5B3 (613) 863-2673 https://www vigilant-ai.com/

Brainware AI 225 Hemlock Road Rockcliffe Park, ON K1M 1K4 https://www.brainwareai.com/

32 Mary Hill Cres Richmond, ON K0A2Z0 613 604-9600 https://www.myscg.ca/

135 Moresby Drive Kanata, ON K2M2E4 8736882337 www ecosafesense

110 Didsbury Road Ottawa, ON K2J 4T4 6138759240

613-567-8900

Worried about Y2Q?

Meet Ottawa’s quantumsafe innovators leading the race to defend

BY ROB THOMAS

They call it Y2Q. A turning point when quantum computers will be powerful enough to easily crack today’s encryption. Financial records, government documents and military secrets could all be at risk. Sophisticated hackers are already harvesting encrypted data they cannot yet crack, based on the assumption it will soon be crackable.

“Everything needs defending.” That was the warning from quantum researcher and entrepreneur Stephanie Simmons to a parliamentary committee on innovation and technology in 2022, noting that a single quantum computer is all that would be needed for “an adversary to have god-like access to all modern and stored communications.” These days, Simmons is co-chair of Canada’s Quantum Advisory Panel.

The idea that hackers might hoard secure data isn’t new. Post-Quantum CEO Anderson Cheng coined the phrase “harvest now, decrypt later” to describe the potential threat more than 15 years ago. But what sounded like a nifty science-fiction premise in 2009 is now an imminent threat to today’s digital security systems.

Quantum computing is knocking at the door, our locks aren’t adequate and the thief may already be inside the building. But here in Ottawa, the race to defend is well underway.

OTTAWA’S QUANTUM-SAFE INNOVATORS

Crypto4A operates from an unremarkable two-level office suite nestled in a central Ottawa business park near the point where Carling Avenue snakes under the Queensway. From the outside, there are no indications of the quantum challenges that software engineers on the inside are tackling. It seems fitting. Crypto4A is in the business of programming and assembling quantum-secure HSMs, or hardware security modules, seemingly plain metal units foundational to a transition to post-quantum cryptography.

Traditional cryptography works like a decoder ring. Both parties share a secret key that allows them to

decipher each other’s messages. But if anyone else gets hold of the key, the messages are exposed. Most modern systems get around this risk by using two keys: a public key that lets anyone send a secret message, and a private key that only the receiver can use to decipher it. The public key cannot be used to crack the private key thanks to complex mathematical problems that are easy to solve in one direction but cannot be solved in reverse. Not by conventional computers. Not yet.

This is the crux of the quantum threat. Crypto4A CEO and co-founder Bruno Couillard warns that this twokey trick has secured the internet for the past 30 years. He likens the fix required to Boston’s Big Dig, a 15-year, multi-billion-dollar megaproject to replace that city’s raised Central Artery with an underground highway.

“This is a physical world equivalent to what we're trying to do in the cryptographic world. We're trying to maintain what exists today functional, lift it, go underneath, change the entire foundation to be post-quantum ready or PQC-enabled. And then put everything back down without stopping the beat of the internet,” he says.

This is Couillard’s vision, to underpin the internet’s crypto foundations without interrupting the flow. And he may be uniquely placed to tackle the challenge. Crypto4A’s quantum-ready, tamper-proof and cryptoagile HSMs are the next generation of security concepts pioneered in the Luna HSM, which was created by Bruno Couillard’s earlier company, Chrysalis-IT.

The approach has found traction. In 2024, the company was awarded a $3.75-million repayable federal contribution to scale its technology. More recently, Crypto4A announced a strategic partnership with Korean Quantum Computing to commercialize Korea’s first postquantum-cryptography-based security solution.

On the opposite side of the Queensway from Crypto4A, Quantropi occupies an open-concept, sixthfloor suite. Its walls are adorned with striking computercode-infused murals devised by digital artist Eric Chan, who creates under the moniker eepmon.

“Everything we do has a meaning to it,” Quantropi co-founder and CEO James Nguyen explains. “The

“Everything we do has a meaning to it. The name Quantropi comes from the two words quantum entropy. We say ‘bring it on’ as our tagline because no matter if it's a supercomputer, a super-AI computer, a quantum computer, a super-quantum computer; no matter what the threat is, bring it on!”

Quantropi co-founder and CEO James Nguyen

name Quantropi comes from the two words quantum entropy. We say ‘bring it on’ as our tagline because no matter if it's a supercomputer, a super-AI computer, a quantum computer, a super-quantum computer; no matter what the threat is, bring it on!”

This philosophy extends to the decor. As Nguyen explains, the murals on the office’s three structural pillars represent the three guiding principles of the company’s software: establishing trust between parties, leaving attackers uncertain, and harnessing entropy to forge strong keys.

Quantropi may sport a different look than Crypto4A, but its goal is similar. “We believe that any solution out there needs to preserve existing infrastructure,” Nguyen says. “Imagine we had to change all the plumbing and the pipes in the city. Do you think that'd be possible?”

This is why, he explains, Quantropi’s approach is software-based. It is expandable at a high level, incorporates quantum-ready algorithms and promises the ability to adapt quickly to new threats.

“It's realistic and focused on what people actually do, the way they actually use the technology,” he says.

NATO has taken an interest. Quantropi was among seven Canadian companies selected for the 2025 cohort of Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA).

So while these two Ottawa-based innovators are leading the way, the test will be whether their quantumready solutions can be scaled across every sector.

THE RACE TO SECURE EVERYTHING

Awareness is growing. According to a 2025 Data Threat Report from Thales, 63 per cent of organizations surveyed point to future encryption compromise as a top quantum-related threat, although few report having plans in place. Those findings are consistent with similar global surveys of IT and security professionals. The race to secure everything began at a leisurely pace, but now is looking more and more like a sprint to the finish.

Mathematician Peter Shor launched the race in 1994 by demonstrating how a quantum computer could break traditional cryptography. The pace quickened in 2016, when the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology launched a competition for quantumsecure algorithms. But the contest didn’t really heat up until 2022. That’s when the initial results of the competition were announced, the U.S. Congress passed the Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act and other nations began to follow suit.

At the time, Simmons likened a practical quantum computer to transformative technologies such as the semiconductor or nuclear fission. “After incubation within academia for decades, there is a shift, a mass proliferation of entrepreneurial activity around many distinct approaches, and then, finally, a dominant design emerges,” she said in her testimony to the committee.

That quantum race is now well underway, with the winners yet to be determined. It’s not known how many years there are until Y2Q, but Canada appears to have laid its bet on five to 10 years. A roadmap for Canada’s public service announced in June sets a quantum-ready deadline of 2035 for all departments, while systems susceptible to “harvest now, decrypt later” face a tighter five-year deadline. All departments must have initial migration plans in place by April 2026.

That timeline may prove challenging for government and industry. Canada’s National Quantum Strategy notes that past cryptographic transitions have been slow, that out-of-date systems are still in use and that the post-quantum transition will be “broader” and more difficult than previous ones.

TOURISM

WANT TO IMPROVE OTTAWA’S NIGHTLIFE?

We asked the Forty Under 40 for their suggestions

BY MIA JENSEN

Live music, family events and reliable transit — these are all things that the 2025 Forty Under 40 recipients love and want to see more of after the sun goes down in the capital.

As Ottawa works to shed its “boring” reputation, everyone from business leaders and city officials to community members and influencers have thrown around ideas for ways to bring the city to life at night. But the city’s rising business leaders have some ideas of their own.

The annual Forty Under 40 awards recognize entrepreneurs and professionals from across all types of industries for their business accomplishments, professional experience and community involvement. We asked this year’s recipients how they would improve the city’s nightlife, from multi-purpose venues and all-age activities, to cultural programming and improved late-night transit.

Here’s what some of the respondents had to say.

“I love art, food and supporting local businesses/ talent so would love more unique pop-up events that showcase these areas.”

Patrick Vice Vice-President of Engineering, Fullscript

“I’d love to continue to see more venue diversity in Ottawa — too many touring acts skip the city in favour of Toronto or Montreal. With the right spaces and support, we could attract a wider range of artists and build a more vibrant, inclusive nightlife scene. I’d also like to see continued investment in public transit, which is essential for making nightlife and culture accessible to everyone.”

Nadine Atkinson Partner, BDO Canada LLP

Diana Birsan

Co-founder and CEO, Downpay

“I’d love to see more late-night venues that blend creativity and community — like spaces that host pop-up art, indie film or live music alongside local food and drink. Ottawa has the talent and energy, but we need more spots that stay open late and feel less like bars and more like gathering places for artists, entrepreneurs and curious minds.”

Sarah Vandenbelt

Broker and Founder, Paradigm

Commercial Real Estate & Brokerage

“I’d love to see more support for live music in Ottawa — small venues, pop-up concerts and outdoor performances that give local artists a platform and bring more energy to the city’s evenings. Creating vibrant music hubs would add culture, community and a reason to stay out past dinner.”

Idan Scher

Rabbi, Congregation Machzikei Hadas

“Ottawa’s nightlife can be energized by ensuring reliable late-night transit to key entertainment hubs and creatively repurposing our city’s iconic cultural spaces for dynamic nighttime events. In a city as diverse as ours, we should also celebrate that richness by offering culturally driven experiences that attract and engage a wide range of communities.”

“More restaurants and lounges that smoothly transition from dinner to a lively bar vibe as the night goes on.” Emma Pollon-MacLeod CEO, NutriChem

“Have more places for kids and families to play and enjoy after dark.”

Alexander Caudarella

CEO,

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

Marry Gunaratnam

Senior Vice-President of IT, Northern Credit Union

“I would create more diverse, all-ages evening venues that blend live music, local food and cultural programming to make Ottawa’s nightlife more vibrant and inclusive year-round.”

Joel Kowalski

Vice-President and River Operations Manager, Wilderness Tours

“Close more streets in entertainment districts to vehicle traffic on select dates. Allow adjacent restaurants/ bars to extend special event licensed space into the closed street.”

Tessa Kampman

Senior Project Director, BBB Architects Ottawa

“I would look to attract exciting events that bring the city downtown and invest in creative landscape design, furnishings and lighting within the downtown core.”

Sébastien Lavoie

Founder and President, La Vie en Bois

“As a lifelong hockey fan and Sens supporter, I’d launch a rotating bar crawl during home games, with shuttles running between downtown bars in each intermission. Paired with team-themed cocktails and post-game events, it would bring the energy of the rink into the city core, boosting nightlife and supporting local venues.

Mary Anne Carter

Principal and Partner, Earnscliffe Strategies

“I’d prioritize revitalizing Sparks Street and developing Ottawa’s waterfront into a true destination for nightlife — think patios, live music and cultural programming that bring people together after hours. We have untapped potential in these areas to create vibrant, walkable spaces that keep the city alive well into the evening.”

Tori Waugh

Founder

and

CEO,

Conservation Ag

“Invest in enabling organizations (like Debaser!) and promoters. Collaborate with traditional community and event funders on public-private partnerships to coordinate support.”

“Turn Lansdowne into Vegas for one night a week — fireworks, DJs and zero judgment for bad decisions.”

Alberto Aguilar Founder and CEO, Plantaform

Pamela Lai

Medical Director, ExecHealth

“Create opportunities for common ‘daytime businesses’ (i.e., coffee shops, retail stores) to leverage their space and clientele to offer nightlife entertainment.”

Matthew Brown

Vice-President of Customer Success, Solink

“Invest in creating multi-purpose entertainment districts that blend late-night dining, live music venues and cultural hubs. Make these areas accessible by multi-mode transportation to attract a broader demographic to the downtown core.”

Jennifer Beckert

Director of Finance

Transformation, Shopify

“I would recommend more diversity in our nightlife scene. Bars are fun – but we should also think about what else we could offer to get people out of their houses after work and after the kids go to bed.”

“I'd

add either a night market on Sparks Street with street vendors

or I'd

enhance the (Rideau) Canal to be a destination in the summer (restaurants, bars, etc.).” Maximillian Bailey CEO, Spoonity

THE LIST

Marriott Ottawa

100 Kent St Ottawa, ON K1P 5R7

613-238-1122 ottawamarriott com

The Westin Ottawa 11 Colonel By Dr Ottawa, ON K1N 9H4

613-560-7000

613-237-3600 marriott

Lord Elgin Hotel

100 Elgin St Ottawa, ON K1P 5K8

613-235-3333 lordelgin.ca

Hilton Lac-Leamy

3 Casino Blvd. Gatineau, QC J8Y 6X4

819-790-6444 https://casinos.lotoquebec.com/fr/lacleamy/accueil

Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites Ottawa Downtown 361 Queen St Ottawa, ON K1R 0C7 613-234-6363 / 613-230-0111 https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/yowcdgi-hiltongarden-inn-ottawa-downtown

Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Airport 2400 Alert Road Ottawa, ON K1V 1S1 613-288-9001 https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/yowapgi-hiltongarden-inn-ottawa-airport/

8 Brookstreet 525 Legget Dr Ottawa, ON K2K 2W2

613-271-1800

180 Cooper St Ottawa, ON K2P 2L5

613-236-5000 / 613-238-3842 www.suitedreams com

HOTELS

100 Coventry Rd. Ottawa, ON K1K 4S3

613-741-2300 / 613-741-8689 hamptoninn3.hilton.com

& Suites

101 Kanata Ave Kanata, ON K2T 1E6 613-271-3057 / 613-271-3060 hisottawa.ca

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 4837 Albion Road Ottawa, ON K1X 1A3 613-822-8668 https://casino.hardrock.com/ottawa

https://www germainhotels com/en/alt-hotel/ ottawa

hyattplaceottawest com

Wingate by Wyndham Kanata West Ottawa 8600 Campeau Drive Kanata, ON K2T 0R4 613-321-0063 wyndhamhotels com/wingate/kanata-ontario/ wingate-kanata-west-ottawa/overview

THE LIST

Company/Address Phone/Fax/Web

K1R 0C7 613-234-6363 / 613-230-0111 https://www.hilton.com/en/ hotels/yowcdgi-hilton-gardeninn-ottawa-downtown

Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites Ottawa Downtown 361 Queen St Ottawa, ON K1R 0C7 613-234-6363 / 613-230-0111 https://www.hilton.com/en/ hotels/yowcdgi-hilton-gardeninn-ottawa-downtown

Clarendon Lanes (GWLRA Residential) 20 & 24 York St Ottawa, ON K1N 1K2 613-482-3344 / 613-860-8702 clarendonlanes ca

ON K1P 5C7 613-688-6200 restays com

reStays Ottawa 101 Queen St Ottawa, ON K1P 5C7 613-688-6200 restays com

613-702-6710 mintoapartments com

Chapel St Ottawa, ON K1N 8P5 613-789-6000 160chapel.com

com

EXTENDED STAY & FURNISHED SUITE PROVIDERS

(RANKED BY NUMBER OF SUITES)

Everything I need is right on-site, including incredibly helpful planning support and superb Five Star cuisine - plus with 576 interconnected hotel rooms there’s never any worries about convenience, comfort or safety. That’s why I choose the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre

• Complimentary parking, wiﬁ and no service/gratuity fees added

• Centrally located, 5 minutes from downtown and Ottawa’s best attractions

• 43,000 square feet of customizable fully serviced meeting space

• Certiﬁed Green Key meetings and fully accessible

• Attached to two newly renovated hotels; Hampton by Hilton Ottawa and the Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa East

THE LIST

Company/Address Phone/Fax/Web

EY Centre

4899 Uplands Dr Ottawa, ON K1V 2N6 613-822-8800 eycentre ca

Canada Aviation and Space Museum 11 Aviation Pkwy Ottawa, ON K1G 5A3 613-327-4611 https://ingeniumcanada.org/

3 Rogers Centre Ottawa 55 Colonel By Dr Ottawa, ON K1N 9J2 613-563-1984 / 613-563-7646 rogers-centre ca

Palais des congres de Gatineau 50 Maisonneuve Blvd., 3rd floor Gatineau, QC J8X 4H4 819-595-8000 / 819-595-8012 congresgatineau.com

Hilton Lac-Leamy 3 Casino Blvd. Gatineau, QC J8Y 6X4 819-790-6444 https://casinos.lotoquebec.com/fr/lacleamy/accueil

The Westin Ottawa 11 Colonel By Dr Ottawa, ON K1N 9H4 613-560-7000 marriott com/yowwi

Ottawa Conference and Event Centre 200 Coventry Rd. Ottawa, ON K1K 4S3 613-288-3450 / 613-667-9888 ottawaconferenceandeventcentre com

Ottawa 100 Kent St Ottawa, ON K1P 5R7 613-238-1122 ottawamarriott com

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 4837 Albion Road Ottawa, ON K1X 1A3 613-822-8668 https://casino.hardrock.com/ottawa

Hotels by Marriott

101 Lyon St. N Ottawa, ON K1R 5T9 613-237-3600 marriott com/yowdm

National Arts Centre - Meetings and Events 1 Elgin St Ottawa, ON K1P 5W 613-232-5713 / 613-943-1403 nacmeetings ca

War Museum 1 Vimy Pl. Ottawa, ON K1A 0M8 819-776-7146 warmuseum.ca/facilityrentals

Canadian Museum of History 100 Laurier St Gatineau, QC K1A 0M8 819-776-7018 / 819-776-7059 history ca/facilityrentals

Canada Science and Technology Museum 1867 St Laurent Blvd Ottawa, ON K1G 5A3 613-991-3044 https://ingeniumcanada.org/scitech

Shenkman Arts Centre 245 Centrum Blvd. Ottawa, ON K1E 0A1 613-580-2787 / 613-580-2656 shenkmanarts ca

Fairmont le Château Montebello 392 Notre Dame St Montebello, QC J0V 1L0 819-423-6341 / 819-423-5106 fairmont com/montebello

St. Elias Centre Conference & Banquet

750 Ridgewood Ave Ottawa, ON K1V 6N1 613-737-4997 / 613-737-6493 steliascentre com

Strathmere 1980 Phelan Rd W North Gower, ON K0A 2T0

613-489-2409 / 613-489-2630 strathmere com

MEETING AND CONVENTION SPACES

WELCOME TO YOUR NEXT MEETING

Come

THE LIST

Company/Address Phone/Fax/Web

Ottawa Art Gallery

50 Mackenzie King Bridge Ottawa, ON K1N 0C5

613-233-8699 https://oaggao ca/facility-rentals/

Canadian Museum of Nature

240 McLeod St Ottawa, ON K2P 2R1

613-566-4712 nature ca

Canadian Tire Centre/Ottawa Senators Hockey Club - Meetings & Banquets

1000 Palladium Dr Kanata, ON K2V 1A5 613-720-3041 canadiantirecentre com

Sala San Marco

215 Preston St Ottawa, ON K1R 7R1

613-6955980 salasanmarco ca

Stanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm 2452 York's Corners Rd. Edwards, ON K0A 1V0 613-821-2751 stanleysfarm.com

Saint Paul University 223 Main St Ottawa, ON K1S 1C4

613-236-1393 x2311 ustpaul.ca

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum 901 Prince of Wales Dr Ottawa, ON K2C 3J9 613-327-4611 https://ingeniumcanada.org/

Bayview Yards 7 Bayview Station Rd. Ottawa, ON K1Y 2C5 613-216-4229 bayviewyards org

Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Conference Centre Gatineau-Ottawa 35 Laurier St Gatineau, QC J8X 4E9

819-778-6111 marriott com/yowfp

Holiday Inn Ottawa East 1199 Joseph Cyr St Ottawa, ON K1J 7T4 613-744-1060 hiottawaeast com

Innovative Professional Offices 200-440 Laurier Ave. W Ottawa, ON K1R 7X6 613-232-1110 / 613-782-2228 innovativeprofessionaloffices com

Sheraton Ottawa Hotel 150 Albert St Ottawa, ON K1P 5G2 613-238-1500 marriott com/yowsi

33 RA Centre 2451 Riverside Dr Ottawa, ON K1H 7X7 613-733-5100 www.racentre com

Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Airport 2400 Alert Road Ottawa, ON K1V 1S1 613-288-9001 https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/yowapgihilton-garden-inn-ottawa-airport/

Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa Downtown 350 Dalhousie St Ottawa, ON K1N 7E9 613-241-1000 / 613-241-4804 www.marriott com/yowcy

Holiday Inn & Suites Ottawa Kanata 101 Kanata Ave Kanata, ON K2T 1E6 613-271-3057 / 613-271-3060 hisottawa.ca

Bytown Catering 20-5480 Canotek Road Ottawa, ON K1J9H7 613-745-6389 https://bytowncatering.com/

Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites Ottawa Downtown 361 Queen St Ottawa, ON K1R 0C7 613-234-6363 / 613-230-0111 https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/yowcdgi-hiltongarden-inn-ottawa-downtown

Cartier Place Suite Hotel 180 Cooper St Ottawa, ON K2P 2L5

613-236-5000 / 613-238-3842 www.suitedreams com

MEETING AND CONVENTION SPACES

(RANKED BY TOTAL MEETING SPACE)

‘We want Ottawa to succeed’:

Tobi Nussbaum on how the ‘narrative on the NCC is changing’

BY MARISSA GALKO

From LeBreton Flats to the Rideau Canal, and from Westboro Beach to Kìwekì Point, the National Capital Commission plays a key role in the vibrancy and economic health of the National Capital Region.

This past year alone has featured many successes, including a land deal with the Ottawa Senators at LeBreton Flats and an unexpectedly popular opportunity to swim at Dow’s Lake.

Still, the NCC is often the Crown corporation that many Ottawans love to hate.

To better understand the NCC’s evolving approach to the city and to learn more about what’s to come in 2026 (hint, look for more swimming holes), OBJ sat down with Tobi Nussbaum, almost a year into his re-appointment as the head of the NCC.

The transcript has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: Looking back at 2025, what are three things that went well or that you are proud of?

“When I look back at 2025, I think of the number of public assets we opened, with a real focus on shoreline and waterfront activation. The three assets in particular that I think received a lot of very positive public response include Kìwekì Point, which is the new public park on the river side of the National Gallery; the Westboro Beach revitalization, which saw the introduction of much better amenities, recreational facilities and a café and restaurant; and the third, which exceeded our expectations, was the pilot on the Dow’s Lake swimming area. We did it with our eyes wide open and not knowing whether it would succeed or fail. There was at least a willingness to try there, but I think it exceeded our expectations in terms of the public participation and response.

“There are some other things that happened that I am proud of, which are going to have a little bit more of a downstream impact on the capital. We were very pleased to see progress on the former Chapters site with Live Nation. Work started in 2025 with the goal of opening up a new cultural venue in 2026. It gets to the NCC’s commitment to work with other partners in the nation’s capital on downtown revitalization. We think it will have a positive impact on the downtown and particularly the ByWard Market. The other thing is the fact that we have an agreement of purchase and sale with the Ottawa Senators (on the LeBreton Flats project). The fact that that was completed in 2025 was an important milestone.”

Q: The LeBreton Flats project has gained momentum this year, especially after the land deal went through in August. What does success look like for the NCC where that project is concerned?

“Success looks like having an arena built in the context of an integrated, new neighbourhood in Ottawa’s downtown core. Obviously the arena will be an anchor destination for the capital region, for visitors and for residents, but that’s not happening in isolation. That’s happening in the context of other phases of LeBreton Flats with more people, amenities, retail areas and activations on the site.

We’re not stopping at the Senators' deal. There are more phases planned in the years to come. I think success looks like a great arena project led by the Ottawa Senators and the continued progress that we make in working with different partners to help develop and build the site so that, in the end, it becomes a major destination and thriving neighbourhood. It will be a place that extends the beauty and activation of the downtown core.”

Q: It seems like the NCC has developed a stronger relationship with the City of Ottawa. Do you agree with that and how can that relationship be developed further in 2026?

“One of the things that Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and I often comment on when we meet is that our relationship is a bit like an iceberg. About 98 per cent of the relationship between the city and the NCC happens beneath the surface. It’s happening on a daily basis, on hundreds of files. We have to cooperate on everything from road maintenance to easements and offering to cooperate on all sorts of different activations of public spaces. The top of the iceberg tends to be the one or two or three files where we have legitimate disagreements. Those are the ones that tend to capture more media attention. But in the main, it's a strong relationship between the two

we expect the private sector to be engaged in innovation. To be fair, many public organizations do not have as robust a posture when it comes to innovation. But to our credit, we've been much more innovative in the last five to 10 years. I mentioned earlier about a willingness to experiment, fail and try, and I think that has been an important pivot for the NCC. You're now seeing the NCC try things out and then, if it doesn't work or if it needs fixing, then we'll adjust. There's no shame in saying, ‘Okay, we did something. It didn't work as well as we thought it would. So we're going to adjust for next year.’"

Q: You’re one year into your reappointment as the head of the Crown corporation. What are your priorities going to be as we move forward into 2026?

“On the one hand, we will continue to prioritize the activation of our shorelines and waterways. So we've got a number of projects that are going to be visible to people in 2026. You may have heard that we put out a request for proposal for a sauna at the NCC River House. We're going to give that a try in 2026. We hope it works, but if it doesn't work, we'll do something different. If it does work, we’ll look at how we can replicate it in other parts of the nation's capital. We'll see a wonderful new node and seating opportunity at the bottom of the locks

“The NCC of today is very different from the NCC of 25 years ago. Sometimes reputations will die hard. We're a more open and transparent organization now. We have a very robust public engagement process that I'm very proud of." Tobi Nussbaum, NCC head

organizations. The mayor and I have regular contact. Our offices have regular contact. He, along with the mairesse of Gatineau, are members of our board. Obviously, that's important. So there are contact points there. So yes, there are files on which the two organizations may have different perspectives, but generally it's a strong relationship. It needs to be, because we can't build a strong national capital without strong partnerships with our municipal partners.”

Q: While the NCC seems to be doing well with its most recent projects, it can still get a bad rap from some local residents. What would your counter-argument be to those who hold that opinion?

“The NCC of today is very different from the NCC of 25 years ago. Sometimes reputations will die hard. We're a more open and transparent organization now. We have a very robust public engagement process that I'm very proud of. Our social media team does a wonderful job of bringing our assets to life. There is also a greater willingness on the NCC’s part to innovate. We accept and

underneath the Chateau Laurier, where we're going to provide people with a much more comfortable and interesting place for them to enjoy the Ottawa River. We're also going to see new swimming nodes open in 2026, so stay tuned for that."

Q: In 2026 and beyond, how will the NCC continue to invest in Ottawa as a nation’s capital?

“We want Ottawa to succeed. We want it to succeed for residents. We want it to succeed for visitors. We went through a difficult period in COVID and shortly thereafter. There's a real single-minded focus on revitalization of the downtown core. I credit the Ottawa Board of Trade, because they are leading now, again, with many of us a really concerted effort on what that looks like with very specific priorities and very specific projects. It's been really edifying and positive to be sitting on the Downtown Ottawa Champions table, along with many other leaders in the city and talk together about a shared interest in not just bringing the downtown back to where it was before COVID, but making it even more vital, animated and beautiful.”

BYA Lifetime Achievement winner Bree JamiesonHolloway on rising above imposter syndrome

BY MIA JENSEN

Lawyer and entrepreneur Bree Jamieson-Holloway is used to being the youngest person in the room. In 2020, she was an OBJ Forty Under 40 recipient and two years later became the youngest person ever appointed to the Canadian International Trade Tribunal. Now, she’s been named the 2025 Lifetime Achievement recipient at the Ottawa Businesswoman of the Year Awards — and she just turned 40.

“It feels amazing,” Jamieson-Holloway told OBJ. “It was a real honour to be recognized by my colleagues and peers and the incredible business community that we have here in Ottawa. These are people that I admire and have so much respect for. So I was truly touched.”

Jamieson-Holloway admits she never really felt like she fit in. Growing up, her family struggled financially and, as a mixed-race woman, she said she constantly felt boxed-in and doubted. Though she aspired to success, she said she didn’t believe there were many options available to her.

“When my mom would ask me, ‘What do you want to do when you grow up?’, my answer was always the same: I want to be a mom and I want to help people,” she said. “I grew up very poor, so the idea of building wealth really came down to becoming a doctor or a lawyer. I didn’t understand that women could be engineers and surgeons and do anything they want. But I wanted to break out of my socio-economic situation and I wanted to help people. That was really it.”

At first, she considered joining the RCMP and studied criminology during her undergrad at the University of Ottawa. When she decided she didn’t want to pursue policing as a career, she pivoted toward law and business. Her education took her to England, where she got her first taste of international relations.

“I fell in love with business. It was something that

excited me and it was always changing. I could innovate and be creative,” she said. “I studied law in London and was very fortunate to secure a training contract with a great international French law firm, where I trained in corporate finance and international arbitration. I had some really incredible early mentors and cheerleaders who really believed in me and encouraged me.”

For a time, she worked and lived in Hong Kong with her

husband, whom she met in England, before returning to Canada in 2014 to start a family and a firm of her own.

She was 31 years old when she launched Jamieson Law, a virtual firm that specialized in corporate and employment law, as well as commercial leasing. It was a model that paid off when everyone else was forced online three years later due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But in 2022, she decided to close up shop and pursue an appointment with the Canadian International Trade Tribunal, an independent quasi-judicial body that adjudicates international trade matters.

Her international experience and the many interests she’d picked up along the way propelled her toward taking on the role of vice-chairperson, said JamiesonHolloway.

“I think back to the University of Ottawa, when I was taking classes. I don’t know why I chose the courses I did, but thank God I did, because it has been the catalyst to so many things thereafter,” she said.

“International relations, entrepreneurship, corporate law, commercial trade — I did all kinds of work in those contexts. I supported businesses that were distributing abroad or bringing products to Canada. That global interaction, that connection between people across the world, (taught me about) how we can work together and support each other’s economies. Having that experience, it helped everything make sense.”

Despite having already received a lifetime achievement award, Jamieson-Holloway knows she still has a lot of career ahead of her. Her age, she said, sometimes makes it difficult to accept recognition for her own success.

“I talk about imposter syndrome very openly,” she said. “When I was named a finalist in that category, I was feeling it. It’s something that so many of us struggle with, especially as women. And, quite frankly, it’s taken me a long time to get to this point. When I do feel those feelings, I tell myself that it’s because I’m where I’m supposed to be: breaking barriers and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.”

Her ambitions, she added, haven’t changed.

“My whole life, I had really clear goals for what I wanted to achieve,” she said. “I might pivot a little but, ultimately, my biggest goal is to leave doors open for those coming up behind me; to make a difference and a positive impact in whatever way I can; and to raise my children to be good people and believe in themselves. It is my greatest honour to serve. I don’t even really know how to express what it means to me to be of service and do the best that I can every day.”

PHOTO BY LINDSEY GIBEAU

Entrepreneur and advocate Tracey Clark receives 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award

BY SONIA MENDES

Ottawa serial entrepreneur Tracey Clark, one of the founders and the former CEO of Bridgehead Coffee, is the recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Board of Trade.

OBJ caught up with Clark to talk about entrepreneurship, her passion for community and equity projects, and what she’s serving up at her new restaurant, Linden Pizza.

The transcript has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: One of the defining chapters in your diverse career was the 20-year transformation of Bridgehead Coffee. As co-founder, CEO and chief culture officer, you transformed a fledgling coffee chain into Ottawa’s largest, independent coffee company, which was sold for $9.5 million in 2019. What are some of the hurdles you faced and how did you overcome them?

One of the very first hurdles was getting started, because I didn't expect that I was going to become an entrepreneur. Many people don't know Bridgehead existed before we turned it into a coffee company. It started as a coffee importing business in the ‘80s, then it was a voluntary relief organization and Oxfam took it over; it was one of Canada's first social enterprises. I joined the board, then an organization from England took ownership and I was made a temporary managing director. I put together a business plan to get back to the company's roots in coffee, to put fair trade coffee in the cup, but the new owners didn’t want to back me. I had to decide if I wanted to buy the mark, raise money from friends and family, and carry on with this plan to create a chain of community coffee houses. It was also challenging to remain corporate and to

not pursue the franchise route. I felt that would have more integrity, but it’s harder to use your own money, bank debt or find investors. It took until we had eight shops before our bank agreed that we had enough of a track record. We also grew fast; there was a lot of scaling of people. At our peak, we had 325 employees with a warehouse, a kitchen, a roastery and all the shops. With 20-plus coffee houses, you're hiring and training a lot of people; you need to be people-first, so we developed powerful training protocols. I was really proud of that, because at one point we were hiring and training with 160 people a year in our frontline position, yet the customer experience was always consistent.

Q: On Fogo Island, you brought Fogo Clay Studio to life with a business plan and buildings before selling your interest to a potter. Today, how are you leveraging your entrepreneurial experience as a strategic adviser with Differly Inc.?

When I’m working with the founder of a business, I use a north, east, west and south model. The point for the compass is the founder’s intentions: are they clear about their intentions for themselves and their family, for their core group of employees, for their shareholders? Then we tune their go-to-market strategy; is that really sound? The lower point of the compass is talking about data points and how to measure. Are they employing the right technology to focus on the right data? The last piece is looking at the interface of human systems and the HR plan to ensure the creation of high-performing teams throughout the organization.

I think of innovation in a few ways. There’s the straight-on way, such as R&D investment, and then there’s organizational design around innovation. But there’s also a cultural piece around how much

permission is given to allow innovation to emerge. Ultimately, I think innovation is more human, and I’ve always been interested in small to medium-sized businesses and how they begin that scaling journey.

Q: You served as founding board chair for Impact Hub Ottawa and as director of Shorefast Social Enterprises. Today, you’re director of the Ottawa Community Foundation, chair of its Impact Investment Committee and co-chair of the Ottawa Climate Action Fund (OCAP). You’re also the director of Ecotrust Canada. What are the guiding principles you weave into your work with community organizations?

For me, the common thread is community and equity. I've always been interested in social justice and the intersection of community, like how we’re addressing poverty in our city. (The Ottawa) Community Foundation is essentially a poverty alleviation organization, tackling issues around housing and homelessness, eradication of substance abuse. With OCAP, it's the intersection of equity and climate. Ecotrust has a reconciliation framework, and they're very much a practical organization. My current voluntary activities are sunsetting a little bit. Going forward I’m looking for opportunities in foodways, food sustainability, food systems and regenerative agriculture.

Q: Named after the Lindenlea neighbourhood where you’ve lived for more than 25 years, you’ve described your restaurant, Linden Pizza, as a “deeply personal project.” Tell me what opening this restaurant has meant to you from a community perspective. I’ve lived in that neighbourhood since 1997. In 2023, I had my hip replaced and I was walking along Beechwood with my cane as part of my convalescence. This little house was there and I thought, ‘That needs to be one of these little holes in the wall that people love.’ Pizza is an everyday, universally loved food that allows us to be with each other. I wanted something that I would want to go to in my neighborhood and that my friends and neighbours would want to go to. We have a great team: Camille Hopper-Naud (manager and beverage director) in the front of the house, Mackenzie Coombes (chef) in the back of the house. It’s been so much fun to collaborate with them — it took five weeks just to develop the crust recipe!

Q: As both a coffee and a pizza connoisseur, what are your go-to orders for both?

I love a pour-over coffee, something kind of light, fruity and anaerobically fermented. On the pizza front, one of my favourites is a marinara, which we call ‘Nada’ on the (Linden Pizza) menu, which is just plain tomato sauce. I also love the ‘Linden,’ which is garlic confit with roasted leeks, Gruyère, Italian fennel sausage, a little bit of parmigiano and chervil. That's one that we've been making at home for over 18 years and it's our son's favourite.

Q: When you look back over your diverse career, how would you say your definition of success has evolved? What I’ve learned is that you have to follow your own measure of success. What does success mean for you and what does success mean for the people on your team that you care about? Do you want to sleep well or do you want to eat well? At the end of the day, it's nice if you can do both. But I'd always rather sleep well, which means that you were acting with integrity.

WHERE PERFORMANCE MEETS EXCELLENCE

DISCOVER OTTAWA’S PREMIUM AUTOMOTIVE BRANDS

Mark Motors Group delivers an unmatched selection of premium and performance vehicles, paired with service that redefines the dealership experience. From purchase to maintenance, our expert team ensures a seamless journey and exceptional care. Representing world-renowned brands, Mark Motors is Ottawa’s trusted destination for drivers who expect more.

DISCOVER NOW

THE LIST AUTO DEALERSHIP GROUPS OTTAWA

Myers Automotive Group 14

Dilawri Group (National) 10

Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Chev, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, VW, Stellantis, Infiniti

Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, Kia, Mitsubishi

Mark Motors Group 8 Audi (3), Porsche, Jaguar, Land Rover, Maserati, Alfa Romeo

Alpha Auto Group 7 BMW, MINI, Acura, Toyota, Honda (2), Subaru

(2), Lexus, Nissan

Lincoln, Kia, Mitsubishi

Automotive Group 3

Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Hyundai

Mass Market Leader. Ottawa's largest footprint with high-volume stores in every major suburban auto park.

National Powerhouse. Canada’s largest group with a heavy concentration of tier-1 import and domestic banners.

Ultra-Luxury & Performance. Specialized exclusively in highend European performance brands.

Rapid Expansion. A national group that consolidated several of Ottawa's best known legacy rooftops.

Import Specialists. Long-standing family-owned group focused on reliability and high-volume Japanese brands.

Domestic

Legacy GM dealership. Operates major General Motors hubs and a high-traffic Hyundai store in central and south Ottawa.

National Growth. Strategic owner of high-profile import assets including the former Bel-Air and Orléans Toyota rooftops.

Gordon Myers

Ajay, Kap, & Tony Dilawri

Louis Mrak

Kuldeep Billan

Tony Graham

The Surgenor Family

Pat Priestner

Otto Koller

THE LIST

Company/Address

Downtown BIA

200-100 Sparks St Ottawa, ON K1P 5B7

BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREAS

(RANKED BY NUMBER OF MEMBER BUSINESSES)

613-230-0984 sparkslive com 882 Lindsay Appotive Kevin McHale 1979

Heart of Orléans BIA 245 Centrum Blvd, Suite 1H Orléans, ON K1E 0A1 (613) 302-3431 https://heartoforleans ca/ 780 Pascale Bazinet Tannis Vine 2006

Downtown Rideau BIA 1105-1 Nicholas St Ottawa, ON K1N 7B7 613-241-6211 / 613-241-8612 downtownrideau.com

Wellington West BIA 101-1292 Wellington St. W Ottawa, ON K1Y 3A9 613-729-0363 wellingtonwest ca

Barrhaven BIA 407-900 Greenbank Rd. Nepean, ON K2J 4P6 6138060338 barrhavenbia.ca

Centretown BIA 300-176 Gloucester St Ottawa, ON K2P 0A6 613-232-6255 / 613-232-3372 https://centretownottawa.ca

7 Kanata North BA 350 Legget Drive Kanata North, ON K2K 2W7 (613) 254-8778 https://www.kanatanorthba.ca

ZAC Vanier BIA 261 Montreal Rd., Suite 102 Vanier, ON K1L 8C7 613-745-0040 / 613-745-0686 VanierBIa.com

9 Carp Road Corridor BIA

P O. Box 194 Carp, ON K0A 1L0 613-314-7597 carproadbia.ca

Glebe BIA 110-858 Bank St Ottawa, ON K1S 3W3 613-680-8506 intheglebe ca

11 Bells Corners BIA P O.Box 11247, Station H Ottawa, ON K2H 7T9 613-695-2425 bellscornersbia.ca

11 Kanata Central BIA 260 Hearst Way, Suite 509 Kanata, ON K2L3H1 613-513-3646 kanatacentral.com

Westboro Village BIA 203-290 Picton Ave Ottawa, ON K1Z 8P8 613-729-8145 westborovillage com

1177 Ottawa, ON K1S 1N4 3432911178 prestonstreet com

600 Sarah Chown Andrew Peck 1981

600 Brian Muzyka Aron Slipacoff 2008

590 Jason MacDonald Andrea Steenbakkers 2006

Sparks Street between Elgin and Lyon streets, Wellington Street to the north side of Queen Street Ottawa Ribfest, Ottawa International Busker Festival, Poutinefest

Running east along St-Joseph Boulevard from Youville to Dairy Road. Then North over the 417 to Jeanne D'Arc Boulevard west back to St-Joseph Boulevard, including Youville Drive

53 blocks surrounding Rideau Street from Elgin Street to the Rideau River and George Street to Laurier Avenue

BIA Faces of Business Project, The Beat, Historical Plaque Program, BIA Business Networking Events, Banner Program, seasonal lighting, planter/flower beds, Tree Lighting Event, Heart of Orléans Market, Santa's Parade of Lights

Branding Downtown Rideau as Ottawa's Arts, Fashion & Theatre district and a destination for shopping, dining, culture and tourism in the community, online and in the media. Implements programs to attract customers to Downtown Rideau and works with the city to improve the public realm.

Neighbourhoods of Wellington Village and Hintonburg, also including Parkdale Market (north to Scott Street and south to the Queensway) TASTE of Wellington

Bounded by Fallowfield Road to the north, Prince of Wales Drive to the east, south urban boundary to the south and Highway 416 to the west

550 Michael Wallack SabriNa C.Lemay 1977 Bank Street from Wellington Street to Catherine Street

540 Andy Thompson Kelly Daize 2013

410 Drew Dobson Nathalie Carrier 1984

370 Wayne French Roddy Bolivar 2011

370 Stephane Sauve Darrell Cox 2008

350 Jim Sourges Christine Leadman 2009

350 Joanne Mutter Patti Perry 2017

Kate Laird Judy Lincoln 1979

Bounded by Maxwell Bridge on the north, March Valley/Herzberg Road on the east and March Road on the south.

Comprised of three main streets Beechwood Avenue, Montreal Road, and McArthur Avenue, bounded by Vanier Parkway on the west and St Laurent Boulevard on the east

Branding and marketing of Barrhaven as a premiere commercial district; support and assistance to local businesses, annual sponsor of local events; smart local growth and development advocates

Uncommon Spaces, Graffiti Removal Program, Centretown Sweep Initiative, Mural Program, Ottawa's 2SLGBTQ+ Village, the Village Legacy Project

Promotes and enhances the existing ecosystem of diverse businesses with expertise in innovation and technology

Branding Vanier as a destination for culture and commerce; supports local businesses. Produces Partage Beechwood, SummerSun, BeechFest, and Akoustik. With Vanier Community Services Centre, manages the HUB community event space at Montreal and Marier. Curators of the coolest Vanier gear

Carp Road in Ottawa's west end, from Rothbourne Road in the south to March Road in the north Ottawa's largest light industry, manufacturing and construction trades business park. Home of the Carp Airport. The BIA promotes economic development in the area.

Bank Street between Highway 417, the Rideau Canal, Isabella Street and Chamberlain Avenue

Robertson Road, Northside Road, Stafford Road East, Lynhar Street, Moodie Drive, Bexley Place

Central Kanata - Kanata Lakes - Silver Seven - Katimavik

Richmond Road from Island Park Drive to Golden Avenue, including Danforth Avenue on the south side, Winona Street and Picton Avenue on the north side, McRae Avenue

Signature holiday Glebe Spree contest; Great Glebe Garage & Sidewalk Sale; mural program; parkettes and gateway signage; beautification program including banners, hanging baskets, landscaping and holiday lighting.

Christmas tree-lighting event, entrance signage, seasonal banner program, Summer Bash and Beerfest

Organize, finance and carry out physical improvements and promotional activities to improve central Kanata businesses and support the local community

La nature en ville Westboro Nature Walk, Women in Westboro, Wellness in Westboro, Winston Square beautification & programming, I Work in Westboro program, & seasonal campaigns including Wickedly Westboro, Shop the Village & Light Up the Village

THE LIST

Carefor Health & Community Services

760 Belfast Rd, Ottawa, ON K1G 6M8 613-749-7557 / 613-749-4002 carefor ca/

Access Healthcare Services

2625 Queensview Drive Nepean, ON K2B 8K2 (613) 596-4929 / 613 829 4929 www.access-healthcare com

GEM Health Care Services

304-383 Parkdale Ave Ottawa, ON K1Y 4R4 613-761-7474 / 613-761-7738 gemhealthcare com

4 Assurance Home Care

33 Roydon Pl Suite 205 Nepean, ON K2E 1A3 (613) 513-8875 assurancehomecare ca

100-1701 Woodward Dr Ottawa, ON K2C 0R4 613-236-3639 / 613-236-7302 cnro ca

737 Parkdale Ave Ottawa, ON K1Y 1J8 613-761-4295 https://ohfoundation.ca/

Hospice 1419 Carling Ave., Ste 217 Ottawa, ON K1Z 7L6 613-792-1167 athomehospice com

Seniors Solution 523-180 Kanata Ave Kanata, ON K2T0T4 613-592-1250 / NA www.seniors-solution.com

Otawa, ON K1H 1B1 613 2985612 https://rocanhomehealthcare.mailchimpsites com/

Shepody Circle

ON K1T 4H9 613-686-6366

IN-HOME CARE PROVIDERS

(RANKED BY NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES)

Bill Chwedchuk, COO/ CFO and Vice-President, Corporate Services Marcelle Thibeault Vice-President, Client

Steve Perry, President & CEO

Pamela

Atul

Gavin Schnobb, Chief Operating Officer Gaye Moffett, Founder, President and

THE LIST 2025 FORTY UNDER 40

(LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Alberto Aguilar

28, Founder and CEO, Plantaform

What is your biggest business achievement?

Winning the 2025 CES Best of Innovation Award, putting Plantaform on the global map as a leader in food and agtech.

Jenniffer Alvarenga

39, Real Estate Broker and Co-Founder, Goodstory

What is your biggest business achievement?

Earning the trust of our clients, including one who’s worked with us over 50 times and several who’ve purchased million-dollar homes sight unseen.

Talal Al-Atassi

39, Cardiac Surgeon and Assistant Dean, University of Ottawa Heart Institute

What is your biggest business achievement?

More than doubling the volume of heart-valve interventions in the Ottawa region, providing the most efficient access to heart-valve care in Canada, then emulating the Ottawa model across more than a dozen other centres across Canada with similar results.

Ghina Annan

36, Principal and Decarbonization Business Lead, Stantec

What is your biggest business achievement?

I’ve developed transformative strategies that are actively reshaping how buildings across Canada are planned, constructed, and operated

Maximillian Bailey

37, CEO, Spoonity

What is your biggest business achievement? Our team of 25 helps support hundreds of brands in over 30 countries and four different languages and is growing at more than 50 per cent year over year.

Nadine Atkinson

37, Partner, BDO Canada LLP

What is your biggest business achievement?

Helping to lead the recruiting, new hire training and development of our team, which has more than doubled in size since I joined the BDO management team.

Jennifer Beckert

39, Director of Finance Transformation, Shopify

What is your biggest business achievement?

Founded the Shopify finance transformation team, who are collectively responsible for the implementation of best-in-class financial technologies and process automation to streamline workflows, improve accuracy and reduce the amount of time spent on manual tasks.

Kyle Biggar

38, Chief Science Officer and Scientific Co-Founder, NuvoBio Corp.

What is your biggest business achievement?

Successfully spun out transformational academic research into NuvoBio, securing over $1 million in non-dilutive funding to launch our AI-driven peptide therapeutics platform into pre-clinical asset development.

Diana Birsan

36, Co-Founder and CEO, Downpay

What is your biggest business achievement?

I co-founded Downpay, a Shopify app that lets merchants take deposits for high-ticket products, an idea backed by three patents. Within a year of launch, Downpay processed more than $50 million in GMV, with 60-70 per cent of buyers opting for deposits and merchants seeing over 30 per cent sales lifts on custom-made products.

Julien Bourgeois

36, Partner, Dentons Canada LLP

What is your biggest business achievement?

Working with first time fund managers to form their venture capital funds and helping them as well as other angel, strategic and institutional investors invest in and support the Ottawa and Canadian early-stage ecosystem.

THE LIST 2025 FORTY UNDER 40

(LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Matthew Brown

33, Vice-President of Customer Success, Solink Corp.

What is your biggest business achievement? Rising from an early employee at Solink to an executive, scaling the customer success department to over 50 individuals globally, managing 3,000-plus accounts and driving more than 75 per cent of annual revenue.

Mary Anne Carter

37, Principal and Partner, Earnscliffe Strategies

What is your biggest business achievement?

Leading high-impact government relations strategies during a period of rising tariffs and renewed Canada-U.S. trade discussions.

Alexander Caudarella

39, CEO, Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

What is your biggest business achievement?

Leading a whole-of-society expansion of how we tackle the overdose crisis and harms from drugs and alcohol. Bringing in new players, from mayors in small towns to policy-makers, business leaders and the education sector.

Varsha Chaugai

38, CEO, Evoke Health

What is your biggest business achievement?

Founded a healthtech startup while raising two young children, becoming the first in Canada to transform how long-term care homes communicate and build trust with families.

Evan Dudley

34, Director Sales North America, Giatec Scientific Inc.

What is your biggest business achievement?

Helping hundreds of the top construction firms across North America build faster and safer. Successfully launching several new and innovative products into the global marketplace.

Kyle Crawford

39, Vice-President Sales and Rentals, Hansler Industries/Venturis Capital Corp.

What is your biggest business achievement? My greatest achievement has been helping rebuild the sales teams across Hansler and our acquired companies, but what stands out most is seeing the colleagues I’ve managed grow into successful, capable professionals.

Marry Gunaratnam

37, Senior Vice-President, Northern Credit Union

What is your biggest business achievement?

Launched Northern’s first major digital transformation in over a decade, modernizing banking systems and enhancing services for over 90,000 members.

Erin Hennessy

39, Director of Operations, CVE Inc.

What is your biggest business achievement?

Embracing my neurodivergence as a strength to enhance operational efficiency at CVE and more effectively support our objectives, helping to remove barriers for persons with disabilities in the communities we serve through provincial expansion.

Christian Jennings

39, President, Jennings Real Estate Corp.

What is your biggest business achievement?

Overseeing the continued growth of Jennings Real Estate, which my brother/business partner and I started in 2018

Tessa Kampman

39, Senior Project Director, bbb architects ottawa inc.

What is your biggest business achievement? Led and managed the design of buildings that form part of the largest infrastructure projects in the city of Ottawa including the Confederation Phase 1 and Trillium Line LRT stations, four district energy plants for PSPC’s ESAP program, and New Main Hospital as part of the New Campus Development for The Ottawa Hospital.

THE LIST 2025 FORTY UNDER 40

(LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Joel Kowalski

36, River Operations Manager, Wilderness Tours

What is your biggest business achievement? Developed Lazy River Tubing tour at Wilderness Tours, which in its first summer saw nearly 5,000 participants adding $500,000 in revenue.

Pamela Lai

38, Medical Director, ExecHealth

What is your biggest business achievement? Led the clinical integration of ExecHealth with Well Health Technologies following its acquisition in 2021.

Michael Lalonde

39, Co-owner and Founder, Purecolo Inc.

What is your biggest business achievement? Helped bootstrap and grow my company from nothing to over $2 million in ARR in eight years. In my spare time, I recorded an album with a goldrecord-holding band I grew up listening to.

Marty Landry

36, Vice-President of Sales, Field Effect

What is your biggest business achievement? One of my biggest achievements has been shaping and building Field Effect’s channel go-to-market strategy from the ground up. This route to market now drives over 90 per cent of the company’s revenue and supports a customer base of more than 3,000 organizations.

Sébastien Lavoie

33, Owner, La Vie en Bois

What is your biggest business achievement? I built and scaled La Vie en Bois from my parents’ garage to a 7,000-square-foot facility in Limoges, now expanding again. I’m proud to have created a solid foundation rooted in hard work and craftsmanship that continues to support our growth.

Brett Merriman

39, CEO, TryCycle Data Systems Inc.

What is your biggest business achievement?

Stabilizing financial and operations while still growing TryCycle — something that was supported by the board, which handed the CEO reins to me. We’ve repositioned our offering to something that is now more repeatable and scalable and less reliant on political and personal connections.

Andrew Montague-Reinholdt

35, Partner, Nelligan Law

What is your biggest business achievement?

Worked to build our firm’s labour group from approximately three lawyers to now a team of 12 lawyers (and growing), helping unions with both representing their members as well as their own internal corporate governance and business issues.

Liam Mooney

37, CEO, Jackpine

What is your biggest business achievement?

Founded a multidisciplinary design firm doing millions in annual revenue that solves challenging spatial and place-based problems for busines.

Ryma Nasrallah

39, Partner, BLG

What is your biggest business achievement? Becoming a tax partner at a national law firm at the age 34.

Rose Caddy Nwaha

39, Owner, Rocaderm Clinic Ltd.

What is your biggest business achievement?

Built a thriving medical aesthetics clinic serving thousands of clients from Ottawa and surrounding areas, employing a skilled team including a medical director, cosmetic nurses and medical aestheticians, while expanding services.

THE LIST 2025 FORTY UNDER 40

(LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Emma Pollon-MacLeod

36, CEO, NutriChem

What is your biggest business achievement?

Growing the NutriChem supplement line by over 37 per cent in two years to surpass $1 million annually, while prioritizing quality, innovation and proven clinical outcomes.

Rumi Prince

39, General Manager, Prince Mortgage Team

What is your biggest business achievement?

Launched Prince Mortgage Team in 2022, built a national lender network and grew it into a trusted, award-winning brokerage while championing asthma awareness and completing my EMBA.

Liam Remillard

37, Senior Manager and Chief Statistical Adviser, Abbott Point of Care

What is your biggest business achievement? Our team achieved a world first by developing the i-STAT TBI cartridge, a rapid diagnostic test for mild traumatic brain injury, providing lab-quality results in just 15 minutes.

Idan Scher

37, Rabbi, Congregation Machzikei Hadas

What is your biggest business achievement?

Revitalized an organization facing declining membership and engagement by implementing strategies that led to consistent year-over-year growth in both areas. This progress was supported by establishing a sustainable financial model to ensure long-term stability.

Dedrick Sterling

39, Owner, Merakey Construction and Management

What is the biggest obstacle that you’ve overcome? As the company’s founder and owner, one of the most formidable challenges was scaling the business to match its rapid success, all while strategically leveraging personal financial resources to fuel growth and sustain momentum.

Sarah Vandenbelt

38, Broker of Record and Founder, Paradigm Commercial Real Estate & Brokerage Inc.

What is your biggest business achievement? We launched our brokerage just as interest rates began to climb and within two years have strategically grown into a five-agent firm.

Patrick Vice

33, Vice-President of Engineering, Product and Platform, Fullscript

What is your biggest business achievement? Rose from intern to VP of engineering, helping scale the company from $1.8 million to over $1 billion in revenue and growing from one engineering team to leading over 20 teams currently.

Tori Waugh

38, Founder and CEO, Conservation Ag

What is your biggest business achievement? I accelerated client organizations to triple in size, securing $2.5 million in funding and $9.5 million in contracts within four years.

Kody Wilson

39, Partner, GGFL LLP

What is your biggest business achievement?

Helped the firm grow revenues by almost 35 per cent, despite five senior partners retiring.

George Zahalan

36, Owner and CEO, Pharmacist Valley Health Pharmacies

What is your biggest business achievement?

Founded and developed Valley Health Pharmacies into a company that generates over $20 million in annual revenue and that employs over 70 passionate health-care professionals across eastern and central-eastern Ontario. We are able to better service retirement and nursing homes and clients across all locations using a team-based (“strengthin-numbers”) approach.

THE LIST

Company/Address

Phone/Fax/Web

Chateau Lafayette of Ottawa Ltd.

42 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S6 613-241-4747 https://www thelaff ca/

Carefor Health & Community Services 760 Belfast Rd, Ottawa, ON K1G 6M8 613-749-7557 / 613-749-4002 carefor ca/

3 J T. Bradley's 1220 Colonial Rd. Navan, ON K4B 1J4 613-835-3781 n/a

Pye & Richards - Temprano & Young Architects Inc. 824 Meath Street Ottawa, ON K1Z 6E8 613-724-7700 https://www.prty ca

E.R. Fisher Ltd. 199 Richmond Rd. Ottawa, ON K1Z 6W4 613-829-8313 erfisher com

McIntosh & Watts 855 Industrial Ave., Ste 1 Ottawa, ON K1G 4L4 613-233-2332 / na mcintoshshop com

Dustbane Products Ltd. 1000 Last Mile Drive Ottawa, ON K1G 6Y1 1-800-387-8226 www dustbane ca

8 Halpenny 55 Metcalfe Street Ottawa, ON K1P 6L5 6137227626 https://halpenny com

9 Welch LLP

350 Albert Street, Suite 700 Ottawa, ON K1R 1A4 613-236-9191 / 613-236-8258 welchllp com

Tanner Insurance 2435 Holly Lane Ottawa, ON K1V7P2 6132325704 / 613-232-6486 https://tannerinsurance com/

315 McLeod St Ottawa, ON K2P 1A2 613-233-1143 / 613-233-9166 hpmcgarry ca

Scrivens Insurance and Investment Solutions 270 MacLaren St Ottawa, ON K2P 0M3 613-236-9101 / 613-236-0856 scrivens ca

201-190 Colonnade Rd S Ottawa, ON K2E 7J5 613-723-4567 / 613-723-6722 francisfuels com

The Taggart Group 3187 Albion Rd. S Ottawa, ON K1V 8Y3 613-739-2919 / 613-739-7334 taggartgroup ca

Bongard Ave Nepean, ON K2E 6V2 613-225-9510 www.https://centralprecast

ON K2C

613-226-2000 / 613-225-0391 arnon.ca

OLDEST OTTAWA COMPANIES

1918, Welch LLP has delivered accounting, tax, and advisory services to private, public, and non-profit clients. Welch LLP takes a collaborative, relationship-driven approach, using our in-depth industry expertise to make the complex simple

GOVERNMENT SPENDING + WHO MAKES WHAT

TOP FEDERAL CONTRACTS

Entertainment is our craft, hospitality is our passion.

Our dedicated team is fully invested in creating unforgettable moments, whether you are joining us for a convention, business meeting or group celebration.

TOP CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Source: