Powering Ottawa’s Future: Hydro Ottawa & The Ottawa Board of Trade
Hydro Ottawa Group is a private company that is 100 per cent owned by the City of Ottawa and whose strategic business lines include electricity distribution, renewable energy generation, energy solutions, telecommunications and utility services.
As a future-powered energy provider and partner in key green energy projects, Hydro Ottawa Group is committed to innovation, community, and sustainability. It owns and operates four primary subsidiary companies that drive its vision for a dynamic energy future: Hydro Ottawa Limited – a local distribution company that delivers electricity to approximately 372,000 customers in Ottawa and Casselman; Portage Power – the largest municipally-owned producer of renewable energy in the province of Ontario with 131 megawatts of installed green generation capacity (enough to power 110,000 homes); Envari – an innovative energy solutions company offering products and services designed to improve energy efficiency and drive cost savings for municipalities, industrial and business clients, governments and utilities; and Hiboo Networks – a high-speed fibre optic network solutions and internet services company focused on powering a strong digital future by providing secure and scalable connectivity for customers in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.
What inspired you or your business to become an Ottawa Board of Trade Pillar Partner?
Our decision to become an Ottawa Board of Trade Pillar Partner was a natural extension of our commitment to the city we serve. We were inspired by the opportunity to play a more strategic role in shaping Ottawa's economic future and to collaborate with other community leaders who share our vision for a prosperous and sustainable city. Energy is a key enabler of growth and development, as such we believe it is our responsibility to be at the forefront of the conversations and initiatives that are driving our city forward. This Pillar Partnership provides a unique platform to do just that.
How has your OBOT membership contributed to your business’ growth?
Our OBOT membership has been invaluable in fostering connections and providing insights that have contributed to our growth. The platform has allowed us to engage with a diverse range of businesses, from small startups to large corporations, helping us to better understand their evolving energy needs and to tailor our services accordingly. OBOT's advocacy work has also created a more favourable business environment, which in turn supports our own long-term sustainability and growth.
Can you share a specific example of how OBOT’s networking or advocacy efforts have benefited you or your organization?
A clear example of the benefit of our OBOT partnership is the enhanced collaboration we've experienced with other key stakeholders in the city's development. Through OBOT's networking events and policy committees, we have been able to engage in early-stage discussions about major infrastructure projects. This has allowed us to proactively plan for the energy needs of these projects, ensuring that we can provide the necessary infrastructure in a timely and cost-effective manner. The advocacy efforts of OBOT in promoting a "build it right" approach to development aligns perfectly with our own commitment to sustainable and efficient energy solutions.
What unique value do you believe the Ottawa Board of Trade brings to Ottawa’s business community?
The Ottawa Board of Trade provides a unified voice for the business community, something that is essential for effective advocacy and city-building. It brings together leaders from all sectors to address common challenges and to champion the opportunities that will drive our city's economic prosperity. OBOT's ability to convene, connect, and catalyze action is its most unique and valuable contribution to our business community.
How do you or your company engage with OBOT events, committees, or initiatives?
Hydro Ottawa is an active and engaged member of the OBOT. Our leaders and subject matter experts regularly participate in OBOT events, from the Mayor's Breakfast series to industry-specific roundtables. We are also proud to have representation on the OBOT Board of Directors, which allows us to contribute to the strategic direction of the organization. Furthermore, we are active participants in various committees, where we can lend our expertise on issues related to energy, infrastructure, and sustainability.
In your view, how does being part of OBOT help shape Ottawa as a place to live, work, and do business?
Being part of OBOT allows us to be active participants in the decisions that are shaping our city's future. The organization plays a critical role in advocating for policies that create a vibrant and competitive business environment, which in turn attracts and retains talent, fosters innovation, and improves the quality of life for all residents. By working together with other OBOT members, we are helping to build a more prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive Ottawa.
What advice would you give to other business leaders considering OBOT membership?
Our advice to any business leader considering OBOT membership is to get involved and to be an active participant. The value of the membership is directly proportional to the level of engagement. Don't just be a member, be a contributor. Share your expertise, lend your voice to the advocacy efforts, and take advantage of the many opportunities to connect with other leaders. Your business, and our city, will be better for it.
What excites you most about operating a business in Ottawa in particular?
What excites us most about operating in Ottawa is the city's unique combination of a dynamic, knowledge-based economy and a high quality of life. As the nation's capital, Ottawa is a hub of innovation and a centre for government and technology. This provides a fertile ground for collaboration and for the development of cutting-edge energy solutions. We are also a city that values sustainability and community, which aligns perfectly with our company's key pillars.
What are some of your favorite places to visit in Ottawa, and why?
As a company deeply rooted in the history of Ottawa, we have a special appreciation for the places that showcase our city's natural beauty and heritage. The Chaudière Falls, where we operate one of our oldest hydroelectric generating stations, is a powerful symbol of our city's industrial past and our sustainable future. We also enjoy the many parks and green spaces that make our city so vibrant, as well as the world-class museums and cultural institutions that tell the story of our nation.
Are there any particular city-building or development projects in Ottawa that interest you, and why?
We are particularly interested in the major city-building projects that are transforming our city, such as the redevelopment of LeBreton Flats and the expansion of the O-Train network. These projects are not just about building new infrastructure, they are about creating more sustainable, connected, and livable communities. As the city's electricity provider, we have a critical role to play in ensuring that these projects are powered by clean, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. We are also keenly interested in the various Community Improvement Plans that are revitalizing our neighbourhoods and commercial districts.
What would you like the future of Ottawa in the coming years to look like?
We envision a future for Ottawa that is even more prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive than it is today. We see a city that is a leader in clean technology and innovation, with a vibrant downtown core and thriving neighbourhoods. We see a city that is a model for sustainable living, with a transportation system that is clean and efficient, and buildings that are energy-wise. And we see a city where all residents have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from our shared prosperity. As a key partner in our city's energy future, we are committed to helping make this vision a reality.
Interested in shaping the future of energy in the National Capital Region? We invite you to become an Ottawa Board of Trade Pillar Partner and join our Energy Policy Council. Contact Kara Higdon, Director of Business and Community Partnerships, at kara.higdon@ottawabot.ca to learn more.