Message from the Chair of the Board of Directors

These are interesting times that continue to have an unprecedented impact on our industry and everyday lives. Times that call on each of us to dig deep, and to find resilience we did not realize we possessed. As the Chair of the Board, I have a bird’s-eye view of the Authority team doing precisely that – digging deep, keeping the Airport operating efficiently and all passengers and employees safe and moving forward toward a recovery we all hope will arrive soon.

We were encouraged to see passengers taking off to explore our beautiful country last summer. Although we faced setbacks along the way, including COVID-19 variant-related restrictions, we worked diligently to rebuild our air service, restore international landing rights to our Airport, and ultimately see flights to the U.S. and sun destinations returned to the schedule. And return, they did. The holiday travel season proved that people are anxious to escape to the sunny south and the ski slopes out west. We hope 2022 will bring a more robust schedule that allows us to connect to even more friends and families in more parts of the world.

Under the President and CEO Mark Laroche’s guidance, the leadership team has not been sitting still. They diligently reviewed every project and expenditure for savings, all while pursuing longer-term strategic initiatives that can be realized when we recover.

They have also been exploring every avenue available to secure financial support as they strive for the ultimate goal of a return to financial sustainability. To that end, we are grateful that the federal government recognized our struggles and came through with funding for two specific projects through its Airport Critical Infrastructure Program. Transport Canada confirmed $6.4 million for the Light Rail Transit Airport Terminal Station (LRT station) in June and another $3.9 million for a significant taxiway rehabilitation project planned for the upcoming summer months. We also received $5.7 million from the federal Airport Relief Fund to cover a portion of our operating costs for the year. While these grants in no way make up for the extreme losses we’ve suffered since March 2020, they will allow the Authority to move forward on other critical projects that are in the queue to unlock key commercial development opportunities critical for YOW’s recovery and continued success in serving our community.

Speaking of the LRT, each time I travel, I have the opportunity to see the incredible progress on both the City’s track and the new LRT station at YOW. I have watched the station materialize and find it both exciting and impressive. I am pleased to say that despite supply chain and labour issues plaguing the construction industry, the team is tracking to schedule and budget. Once completed, the project will provide Airport employees and the general public with easier access to and from the Airport. It will also fulfill our goal of providing even more connectivity between the Airport and city core that befits a G7 capital city and will no doubt make Ottawa-Gatineau a more attractive destination for conferences and tourists for decades to come.

Our ability to advance the Authority’s Strategic and Action Plan priorities like the LRT station during these difficult times can be traced to the excellent collaboration between the Authority team and the Board of Directors. It’s also a credit to the Board’s trust in Mark and his team to carefully examine all options and recommend the most prudent approach. I want to thank the entire Board for investing their time and attention toward the Airport’s success, and for their flexibility and willingness to engage quickly as discussions and decisions were required.

On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to extend special thanks to At Large member Jacques Sauvé and Ottawa Board of Trade nominee Craig Bater. Jacques and Craig left the Board in 2021 after serving since 2012. Before joining the Board, Jacques was involved professionally in the new terminal construction project. He brought a wealth of engineering expertise to the Infrastructure Committee as well as many other projects over the years. Craig was heavily involved in the Governance Committee, among others, and also served as interim Chair of the Board. Both have left an indelible mark on the Authority and the Airport, for which we are all grateful.

I would also like to welcome John Proctor, who joined us as a nominee of the Ottawa Board of Trade. His business and technology skillset will be invaluable to the Authority, particularly given the increased spotlight on cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.

They say “it takes a village”, which is a particularly poignant anecdote during these challenging times. We rallied our village of selecting body partners and other local business and tourism organizations to lend their voices to our requests for financial assistance from the government. They have been steadfast in their support and advocating on our behalf. The greater community has also been very supportive and understanding as we have had to manoeuvre through the pandemic. On behalf of the Board and the Authority team, thank you. While things are looking brighter, we will still need your help as we build back. One of the best ways to help is by ensuring you include YOW in your plans when you begin to travel again.

I want to close my remarks with an analogy that I hope you will agree is appropriate given the ongoing situation, which brings together two passions of mine: YOW and sailing. Operating the Airport is like racing in a sailing regatta in rough water and howling wind. Each vessel requires a strong leader who can anticipate the changing environment and work with the crew to develop a solid strategy for keeping the boat on the right course regardless of conditions. Every crew member must trust the leader and the team, think quickly, pivot often, and communicate clearly as the boat navigates the obstacles. It is not enough to be fast nor is it enough to have a perfect plan; a winning crew needs both in order to win the race. Mark and his team have done a fantastic job navigating the swell and chop and have kept the vessel pointed in the right direction despite the many challenges thrown in their way. Needless to say, we are all looking forward to calmer waters in the months to come.