Ontario Big City Event 2025 Presentations

Agenda:

Day One

8:30 – 9:00 AM Registration and Welcome Breakfast, Continental

9:00 – 9:15 AM Welcome remarks from Sonya Shorey, CEO of Invest Ottawa

9:15 – 9:30 AM Welcome remarks from EDCO

9:30 – 10:30 AM Protecting Ontario's Employment Lands: Securing Jobs and Economic Growth for the Future

Ontario's employment lands are facing unprecedented pressure from residential development, threatening the economic backbone that supports over 1.5 million jobs in the Greater Toronto Area. Industrial lands are critical not only for goods movement, logistics, and manufacturing but also for the emerging sectors that will drive future prosperity. The growing conversion of these lands to residential uses, fueled by short-term political and market pressures, risks hollowing out our ability to attract investment, support middle-class jobs, and maintain a balanced, livable economy. Protecting and intensifying employment lands is not just a land-use issue—it's a strategic economic imperative that demands urgent, coordinated action across all levels of government. In this session, participants will dive into the forces threatening Ontario's employment lands and explore strategies to not just defend but reimagine these vital spaces for the economy of tomorrow.

Moderator: Paul Pirri, Municipality of Clarington

Speakers:

Phinjo Gombu, Toronto Board of Trade

Christina Kakflikas, City of Mississauga

Royce Fu, City of Ottawa

Kristin Sainsbury, City of Waterloo

10:30 – 10:45 AM Coffee and Networking Break

10:45 – 11:45 AM Panel: Special Economic Districts – Kanata North Tech Park – Exploring how designated economic zones can drive innovation and investment

Special Economic Districts (SEDs) are reshaping Ottawa's economic landscape—catalyzing investment, fostering innovation, and accelerating growth across key sectors. Join this expert panel as we explore how SEDs are being used to attract capital, streamline regulatory processes, and create collaborative environments for businesses and local stakeholders. Learn how Ottawa's unique approach to SEDs is positioning the city as a magnet for innovation, and what it means for the future of economic development in Canada.

Panelists: 

Kelly Daize, Executive Director, Kanata North Business Association (KNBA)

Krishon Walker, Planner II – Economic Development, City of Ottawa

Moderator: Adam Dewar, Director of Business Development, Invest Ottawa

11:45 – 1:00 PM Networking and Lunch

1:00 – 2:00 PM Investing in Canada: Trends who is coming and who is interested

This session will explore the evolving landscape of investing in Canada, focusing on recent shifts in trade and tariff policies that have reshaped the nation's economic priorities. Attendees will gain insights into emerging trends, including Canada's efforts to diversify trade partnerships and attract global investors amid economic uncertainty. The discussion will highlight which industries are drawing the most interest and the profiles of investors who are seizing these opportunities. Join us to uncover how Canada is navigating challenges and positioning itself as a competitive player in the global market.

Speakers:

Khawar Nasim, Chief Executive Officer, Invest Ontario

Jonathon Kupi, Director, Investment Promotion, Global Affairs Canada

Jens-Michael Schaal, Vice-President- Global Expansion, Invest Ottawa

Moderator: Ray Kassam, Chief Strategy Officer, Invest in Canada

2:00 – 3:00 PM Ontario's Economic Outlook: The Impact of Tariffs on Growth

Ontario's economy is shaped by a complex web of global trade relationships, and tariffs play a pivotal role in influencing business investment, consumer prices, and overall growth. This session will explore the latest trends in Ontario's economic performance, examining how recent tariff policies have impacted industries, trade flows, and employment. Experts will provide insights into strategies for mitigating economic disruptions, fostering resilience, and ensuring Ontario remains competitive in an evolving global marketplace.

Speaker: Trevin Stratton, Deloitte

Slide Deck: Economic Outlook_TStratton

3:00 – 3:15 PM                Coffee and Networking Break

3:15 – 4:00 PM                Downtown Revitalization: The ByWard Market

The ByWard Market is as old as the city of Ottawa itself, with the first building opening almost two hundred years ago in 1827. Over those two hundred years the market has seen many rises and falls as shopping trends changed. The market was already facing challenges when the COVID-19 pandemic created more obstacles. Learn how the ByWard Market District Authority is working to enhance the market and planning for the future.

 Speaker: Zachary Dayler, Executive Director, ByWard Market District Authority

Slide Deck: ByWard Market

Day Two: Enabling & Scaling Ottawa's Innovators (Site Visit Day)

9:00 – 9:30 AM Welcome Breakfast

9:30 – 10:30 AM The BRE & FDI Strategy behind Ottawa's Tech Ecosystem – an AMA session

An interactive session with an overview of the FDI, BRE, and Talent strategy at Invest Ottawa – This session will feature a 20-minute presentation on the strategies leveraged and how they work together to support economic development and investment retention. It will then feature an opportunity for delegates to ask questions in an Ask me Anything format.

Panelists: 

Kim Van der Horst, Senior Manager, Talent Strategy, Invest Ottawa

Adam Dewar, Director Business Development, Invest Ottawa

David Rodas-Wright, Senior Business Development Manager – AI Sector and Strategy, Invest Ottawa

Slide Deck: 2025-06 EDCO BRE, FDI, Talent Overview

10:30 – 11:15 AM Transit to Area X.O: A High-tech Innovation Test Site

11:15 – 12:30 P M Tour of Area X.O: Discover Innovation at Area X.O in Kanata

Step into the future with a guided tour of Area X.O, a cutting-edge research and development complex operated by Invest Ottawa. This high-tech hub is designed to accelerate the development, testing, and commercialization of next-generation smart mobility, autonomous systems, and connected technologies. You will gain firsthand insight into how Area X.O fosters innovation, attracts investment, and drives regional growth. Whether you're looking to support local innovation, attract global investment, or explore smart city solutions, this tour will provide valuable insights into the future of economic development.

12:30 – 1:15 PM Transit to Zibi: Ottawa's carbon-neutral community

1:15 – 2:30 PM Tour of Zibi: Explore Sustainable Urban Innovation at Zibi in Ottawa

Discover Zibi, a groundbreaking mixed-use development that is transforming former industrial lands into a world-class, sustainable waterfront community. Spanning both Ottawa and Gatineau, Zibi is Canada's first One Planet Living community, setting new standards for environmental responsibility and urban planning. This tour will provide a firsthand look at how sustainable urban design can drive investment and community revitalization. Whether you're interested in smart city solutions, sustainable development, or investment opportunities, Zibi provides valuable insights into the future of economic growth.

2:30 – 2:45 PM Transit to Bayview Yards