The Airport Authority is delighted that Ottawa City Council approved the YOW Community Improvement Plan (CIP) earlier today.

Airport Authority President and CEO Mark Laroche was invited to make a presentation to the Mayor’s Economic Partners Task Force after the partners expressed concerns about the airport’s post-pandemic recovery and the long-term impacts on the local economy. City of Ottawa staff determined that a CIP would support YOW’s recovery efforts using financial incentives to stimulate private sector investment and development that would increase employment, re-establish non-stop air service and restore the airport’s role as an economic generator for Canada’s Capital Region. The YOW CIP was tabled at the Finance and Economic Development Committee meeting on June 28th and recommended for approval by Council.

“The City of Ottawa’s attention to YOW’s situation confirms its understanding of the importance of the airport in our community and its impact on economic growth and prosperity across all sectors and industries. We extend our thanks to Mayor Watson, members of Council and City staff for their commitment to making the YOW CIP become a reality,” said Mark Laroche. “The business of airports is highly competitive, and the CIP will make the Ottawa Airport a more attractive option for businesses looking to capitalize on airport access and connectivity. We look forward to working through the next steps with the City.”

The YOW CIP will be self-funded with incentives in the form of a Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) based on the incremental municipal property tax increase resulting from the increase in property assessment attributable to an eligible project.

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