For more than 100 years, Hydro Ottawa has been woven into the fabric of the communities we serve. Our community trusts us to power their homes, neighbourhoods, and businesses. Yet, we know that we are so much more than just an electricity distributor; we are champions of the community and committed partners in the energy transition. While our primary job is to keep the lights on, our purpose extends far beyond the grid. We believe in "giving where we live," a promise that drives us to foster a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant city for everyone.
We have a proud tradition of connecting with local organizations and agencies committed to empowering the most vulnerable in our city and ensuring they have the resources to thrive today and into the future. We recognize the important role frontline agencies play in powering strong, supportive communities and believe it is our responsibility to recognize and pay tribute to them and the life-changing impact and hope they provide to the people they serve. We strive to be a reliable helping hand for those who need it most, a principle that guides our community support.
This past year was particularly significant for us: 2025 was a milestone year for some of our most long-standing partners, as well as an expansion year where we deepened our relationships with others to better serve our neighbours.
Fostering an inclusive and joyful community
Being a good neighbour means showing up to celebrate inclusivity and spread joy, a tradition we have proudly upheld for decades.
A quarter-century of support: for a quarter of a century, we have partnered with the Capital Fair to host Special Needs Day. This tradition is a highlight for our team, with over 60 Hydro Ottawa employees and retirees volunteering annually to greet guests and operate rides in a relaxed environment with reduced noise and smaller crowds.
Year-round presence: our presence in the community continues year-round, from rolling out decorated bucket trucks at the Barrhaven and Kanata Santa Claus Parades to helping collect over 500 pounds of food at the Ottawa Food Bank through our support of the Mayor’s 23rd Annual Christmas Celebration.
Investing in health and wellness
Our commitment to health and wellness is just as enduring, acting as a helping hand for critical health services.
Championing mental wellness: we believe that mental health is health, and we are proud to stand alongside The Royal to support life-changing research and care. Since 2023, The Royal has been the recipient of our Charity Classic Golf Tournament proceeds. This year, we raised $163,000 for their Prompt Care Clinic and continued our support by participating in the Leaders for Mental Health Breakfast.
Caring for children: our dedication to health extends to the youngest members of our community as well. The health and well-being of children and youth represent an investment in our collective future, making our partnership with the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) one of our most cherished initiatives. Our involvement as a "Miracle Match" sponsor during the annual Telethon allowed us to double the impact of public donations, rallying the community to help kids get the care they need to live their lives to the fullest. Building on that momentum later in the year, we helped raise over $1 million to support the hospital's redevelopment through events like the CHEO Race for the Kids.
Empowering youth and families
Building a brighter future also means ensuring that youth in our city have the support and tools they need to succeed. We aim to offer a helping hand through educational and practical support.
Empowering futures: we are proud to support this organization dedicated to preventing homeless youth from becoming homeless adults. By funding education programming and support services, we helped Operation Come Home support more than 47 students to earn high school credits in 2025.
Packing with purpose: this work is complemented by our hands-on efforts with the Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) Foundation. This year, we served as a key sponsor for their Pack-a-Sack program. Our team of employee volunteers also helped pack more than 600 backpacks, filled with supplies, that were distributed to students across various neighbourhoods, ensuring families could start the school year feeling prepared and empowered.
Powering a sustainable future
As a customer-focused organization, we want to keep you informed beyond these charitable events. We understand that the demand for electrification is changing, and we are working hard to modernize our grid to meet these needs.
Community conversations: through in-person and virtual open houses, we offer customers opportunities to talk to us about major projects designed to build capacity for growth and resilience.
Eco home initiative: we are also bringing the energy transition directly to you through the Eco Home initiative. Now at uOttawa, the Eco Home offers an immersive experience that showcases sustainable technologies. It allows students and customers to see firsthand how we are innovating for a sustainable future and exploring the green careers that will help us get there.
Saying we are customer-centric and that we "give where we live" are not just phrases; they are at the heart of everything we do. As we look forward to 2026, we remain a committed partner in the energy transition and a steadfast supporter of the people who make Ottawa home.