Ottawa 2017 and Algonquin College welcome the world with SuperHost150 program
Posted on Thursday, December 3rd, 2015
Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, joined by Cheryl Jensen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Algonquin College, Councillors Cloutier and Fleury, co-chairs of the City’s efforts in Ottawa 2017, and Guy Laflamme, Executive Director of the Ottawa 2017 Bureau, have announced a partnership to create hands-on learning opportunities for students as Ottawa prepares to welcome millions of visitors for Canada’s 150th birthday celebrations. (See photos from the announcement event)
The partnership will seek to create opportunities for students at Algonquin College to participate in the planning, development and delivery of Ottawa 2017 programs that relate to their field of study.
In addition to the partnership, Ottawa 2017 is announcing the creation of the “SuperHost150” program, a unique training tool to help ready tourism industry staff, volunteers and residents to welcome visitors to Ottawa in 2017, which will be developed in collaboration with both Algonquin College and La Cité.
“Our city will be centre stage in 2017, as a record number of Canadians come to their capital to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation,” said Mayor Watson. “Together with our partners at Algonquin College, we’re creating a destination experience that will engage all residents as Ottawa 2017 ambassadors.”
In 2017, Algonquin College will also be celebrating a milestone: its 50th anniversary. In the spirit of the SuperHost150 program and to mark a half century of education excellence, the post-secondary institution will look to welcome visitors to stay in campus residences during peak tourism periods.
“There’s no better way to jointly celebrate our past than with such a forward-looking partnership,” said Cheryl Jensen. “We’re providing our students with the opportunity to gain experience and skills on real-life projects that will strengthen their college experience. This will benefit the community in 2017 and well beyond, when these students join the Algonquin alumni workforce.”
At today’s announcement, students donned Ottawa 2017 SuperHost150 aprons and welcome signs next to a festive cupcake display.
“We’re thrilled that Algonquin College students will have the opportunity to connect in a creative, meaningful way with Ottawa 2017 celebrations,” said Guy Laflamme. “Their contributions will have a direct impact on the quality of programming and services that people will experience when they visit, and on the memories of our city they will take home with them.”
Additional details regarding the SuperHost150 program and other opportunities will be available next year. The online SuperHost150 tool will be launched in the fall of 2016.
Ottawa 2017 will be announcing many more initiatives in the weeks and months ahead, as we gear up for this once-in-a-lifetime, year-long celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, right here in the capital.
To stay informed on the latest plans, visit ottawa2017.ca.