Two BOBs for YOW
The Ottawa Airport Authority was honoured with two prestigious awards at the Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs) ceremony on November 29.
The first award, Deal of the Year (Tourism), was presented for the resumption of Air Canada’s non-stop Ottawa-London Heathrow service. YOW's Vice President of Business Development and Marketing, Joel Tkach, accepted the award alongside Air Canada's Vice President of Government and Community Relations, David Rheault.
The second accolade, Newsmaker of the Year, was awarded to Mark Laroche, President and CEO of the Ottawa Airport Authority. This honour recognizes Mark’s leadership in overseeing major projects that have not only enhanced YOW but impacted the local economy in a meaningful way. Among these initiatives are Porter Airlines’ maintenance hangars and becoming a major hub in the airline’s network, and the construction of the terminal-connected Alt Hotel. The much-anticipated opening of the Airport station, which will connect to Ottawa's Light Rail Transit Line 4, is also a highlight of Mark’s legacy and one of his first priorities when he joined the Authority in 2013. Mark's announcement of his upcoming retirement was also big news after more than 11 transformative years for the Airport.
While Mark could not attend the ceremony in person, Krista Kealey, Vice President of Communications and Public Consultation, represented him. Mark shared a heartfelt video message, in which, true to character, he praised the dedicated Airport Authority team and partners who have contributed to YOW’s “big shiny projects” and those who continuously enhance the passenger experience.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Ottawa Board of Trade and the Ottawa Business Journal for acknowledging YOW’s important role in the community. Our deep gratitude also goes to Ottawa Tourism, the Chambre de commerce de Gatineau, Invest Ottawa, and the Ottawa-Gatineau businesses and individuals who continue to support our growth and contribute to our expanding impact.