I joined the Board of Directors of the Ottawa International Airport Authority in 2015, and have witnessed many successes and accomplishments, and learned a great deal about the aviation industry and airports in general in the years since. It is with great pride, I assumed the role of Chair of the Board in May of 2019.

It is very clear to me that, since the Authority took over managing the affairs of the Airport in 1997, it has conducted its business with the utmost care and the highest sense of responsibility. The Authority has also demonstrated a keen focus on ensuring that it makes our community proud by giving back in a variety of meaningful ways.

One vital instrument for giving back that directly involves the Board is Project Clear Skies, the Authority’s annual charitable giving program. A committee comprised of Directors and Authority staff reviewed dozens of applications for the 2019 funding wave, and agreed on the disbursement of nearly $100,000 across 19 charities in Ottawa-Gatineau. These important projects including the purchase of computer equipment, commercial refrigerators, air conditioning units, and facility upgrades will contribute to these important community organizations, making them more efficient and better able to serve our community. The Authority has invested more than $1.8 million in our community since the program’s inception in 2004.

Our responsibility also means ensuring barrier-free travel for all customers, regardless of their level of mobility. While building codes and accessibility standards have evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of the community, the Ottawa Airport terminal was built with accessibility in mind. The Airport has also continued to evolve and change not only to keep up but to exceed industry standards. December 3^rd marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It was also the day the Airport officially received the “Accessibility Certified Gold” rating under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification^TM (RHFAC) program. I am incredibly proud of this recognition and what it means for the community. I am confident that the team won’t stop here, but will continue to implement positive, accessibility changes when and where possible.

Concerning the environment, the Authority continues to build on its commitment to sustainable operations. The Ottawa Airport is among a small group of airports in North America that has been recognized by the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA)’s four-level Carbon Accreditation program. The program, which launched in Europe in 2009 and expanded to North America in 2014, independently assesses and recognizes airports’ efforts to manage and reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Ottawa achieved Level 3 in 2018 and was recertified in 2019. Watch for news in 2020 as the team continues to work toward achieving Level 3+, or carbon neutrality.

Finally, I was pleased to see the Authority recognized by the Ottawa Board of Trade for our collaboration with an important new airport partner, Germain Hotels. The Board of Trade awarded the Authority the “Deal of the Year – Tourism”, recognizing our partnership to build an airport-connected hotel with Germain Hotels. The deal came together more than a year after a competitive process was initiated by the Authority, which was followed by extensive due diligence by both parties. Once completed, the new Alt Hotel Ottawa Airport will represent Germain Hotels’ 20^th property in Canada. I am delighted that the Airport will soon be able to provide our guests with this often-requested amenity.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to congratulate Mark Laroche and his team. These successes, along with the steady advancement of the projects identified in the Authority’s Strategic Plan, add up to a tremendous effort by the entire Airport Authority. It has been said before, but I must reiterate that while this team is relatively small, by working closely together, they accomplish what would be expected of a much larger group. I am very proud of their stewardship of this vital community asset.

I would also like to thank my colleagues on the Board of Directors for sharing their time and valuable insights with the Authority. Each director is committed to ensuring responsible and transparent governance as the Airport continues to serve our community with the highest possible standards in mind, and will continue to serve for many more decades to come.

The next few years were to be spent working on some exciting and ambitious projects under the YOW+ banner. With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the industry, our airport, and the greater community, those plans will be put on hold until a more appropriate time. As outlined in the foreword, every effort will be made to ensure that we rebuild the airport’s business as and when appropriate. Mark Laroche and his team have done a great job right sizing the operation in response to the crisis, and they will continue to work with all airport partners to ensure a smooth resumption of business in the coming months, and will work to rebuild the business as flights and passengers return. These efforts will be carried out with the same attention to detail and prudent fiscal management that has become the Authority’s hallmark. I wish the team well and assure them that the Board of Directors will be firmly behind them every step of the way.