CEO Talk: A Cultural Awakening

Three Ottawa executives talk about what makes Ottawa shine

By Emily Mathisen

Nina Kressler, President &
CEO, Shaw Centre

My role is to bring great events to Ottawa—events with an economic impact. We compete on a global stage for these events, and within Canada against Toronto and Montreal.

Ottawa is truly a four-season destination—even in the winter, some people skate to work on the canal! It’s a safe, clean, and friendly city; and because it’s the nation’s capital, with the government here, it’s economically stable.

The town is full of educated people who are good earners— that’s why we have a great arts and restaurant scene.

Matt Graham, General Manager, ANDAZ Ottawa Byward Market

I’m new to town, but people who have spent time here have recently said that Ottawa is going through a cultural awakening. There are so many interesting local things happening in food and the arts.

Andaz is a luxury boutique hotel, and we celebrate local culture; so staying with us feels more like hanging with a friend—a cool friend—than being at a hotel. Ottawa is a great incubation place—after all, this is the place where Canada first came  together. It’s a place of confluence, a place to get things done.

Ottawa is a great incubation place—after all, this is the place where Canada first came  together. It’s a place of confluence, a place to get things done.

Darcy Walsh, Senior Vice President and Ottawa General Manager, Edelman Canada

Ottawa has always been a government town, but nowadays it’s growing and evolving—our tech sector, in particular, is flourishing. Ottawa is also a great city in terms of giving back.

I believe that everyone in the private sector needs to support the community at some level by volunteering and getting involved. At Edelman, each of us is involved in different charities and organizations in the city that we’re passionate about.

I don’t think enough people know about our incredible restaurants, or our cultural and entertainment scene—even though Bluesfest is the seventh biggest music festival in North America. With all this town has to offer, is there any greater city in Canada to work and raise a family?