JPdL Destination and Conference Management -
Monthly Newsletter

Canada’s Capital City, Ottawa…

Last month we announced the exciting strategic alliance between JPdL and the Intertask Group of Companies; now, we’re pleased to profile JPdL DMC Ottawa, the newest member of JPdL’s expanding family.

JPdL DMC Ottawa’s roots date back to 1972 when it was known as Rolly Hammond Entertainment – Ottawa’s marquis entertainment booking agency. The Intertask Group of Companies acquired Rolly Hammond Entertainment in the mid-90’s and expanded its entertainment range to include event production services, décor, site/venue selection, and food & beverage coordination. In 2000, Rolly Hammond Entertainment merged with sister company Conference/Aide Tours creating DMC Ottawa, a full-service destination management company, now known as JPdL DMC Ottawa.

Direction is provided by Paul G. Akehurst – an 18 year veteran with the Company. Sales are lead by Steven LeFort, Karl Maione, and Marie-Chantal Thibault from our Tremblant Office. Operations and service delivery in Canada’s Capital are lead by Cheryl McBain, General Manager. As each JPdL office, JPdL DMC Ottawa is managed by in-house stakeholders who have the authority to commit and offer personalized services.

Introducing The Ottawa Convention Centre...

Fronting onto UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Rideau Canal, with views of Parliament

With Canada’s newest convention centre on track to open in
April 2011, there is no better time than now for JPdL DMC Ottawa to establish itself as your top-of-mind resource when its doors open. The Ottawa Convention Centre’s 192,000 square feet of highly flexible meeting space, in the heart of downtown, will encompass a bold, modern design with a bright, naturally-lit interior, and magnificent views of Parliament Hill offering an unparalleled setting for meetings large and small.

This LEED-certified, environmentally-responsible, iconic facility will boast the latest state-of-the-art technology available.

This Fall in Ottawa, Scouts Canada will host the World Scout Foundation’s 60th World Baden-Powell Fellowship at which His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, will install over 150 high profile inductees as World Baden-Powell Fellows at a Gala Dinner at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in front of more than 350 delegates. JPdL DMC Ottawa was selected to manage the event-planning elements of this 4-day, high-profile, event. Highlighted services include VIP airport greeting; protocol & security; ground transportation; an Honour VIP Dinner with Canada’s Prime Minister; a Welcome Reception; a Tour Program; and the Gala Dinner – complete with a fireworks presentation overlooking the Ottawa River.

Our Nation’s Capital is a city rich in culture and features some of Canada’s finest restaurants, museums and activities. Here are a few interesting facts.

• The Rideau Canal is Ontario's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. It winds its way through the city. In winter it becomes the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink.

• Historic Parliament Hill is the seat of Canada's national government and the setting for pomp, ceremony and celebration. In the summer months you can witness the changing the Guard and the nightly Sound and Light Show projected onto the Parliament Buildings.

• Ottawa's downtown ByWard Market offers one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques, over 80 restaurants and cafés, a thriving nightlife, and Canada's oldest continuously operating farmers' market.

• Ottawa plays host to some of the nation’s greatest festivals; the Ottawa International Jazz Festival, Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest, Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival, and The Tulip festival. The most notable of course, Winterlude - this world-famous winter festival takes place along the World's largest skating rink, the Rideau Canal Skateway as well as parks and sites across the Capital. Close to 700,000 people take part annually. Be sure to visit the world's biggest snow playground - the Snowflake Kingdom welcoming kids of all ages to Jacques Cartier Park along the banks of the Ottawa River.

• A golfer’s paradise! Dozens of courses within easy driving distance of downtown – more than any other city in Canada!

• Outdoor enthusiasts welcome! Enjoy a ride on one of our scenic paths through the capital or challenge the whitewater of the mighty Ottawa River. You will be pleasantly surprised at how much there is to do.

As Canada’s Capital, Ottawa is well known for its impressive landmarks, museums, sites and attractions. But equally appealing is the city’s beautiful natural setting of rivers, waterways, parks and pathways – and the many gorgeous gardens that color its urban yet unspoiled cityscape.
Let JPdL DMC Ottawa be your guide!