About Us

The Ottawa Safety Council is a not-for-profit organization offering an array of programs and services to the residents of Ottawa. Our programs include Motorcycle Training and School Zone Safety (Crossing Guards, Pedestrian Safety, Walking School Bus, and Bicycle Safety).

About OSC

Our History

Founded as a not-for-profit, non-government organization in 1957, we have enjoyed a well-established reputation as a leader in safety education. We continually check our environment to identify gaps in safety promotion and seek to meet the need, either through individual effort or with the many health and safety-related organizations throughout Ottawa and Eastern Ontario with whom we cooperate.

Our Mission

To deliver best-in-class road safe services, education, training and awareness throughout our communities.

Our Vision

Guiding communities towards safe roads, no matter how travelled.

Our Values

  1. Integrity, honesty and professionalism
  2. Sustainable programs and organizational goals that promotes wellness and safety.
  3. Road safety through prevention and education
  4. Collaboration and empowerment through community engagement

EMPLOYED CROSSING GUARDS

HOURS OF EXPERIENCE OUR MOTORCYCLE INSTRUCTORS HAVE SINCE 1967

Pillars of our Strategic Plan

number 1

Deliver all program offerings at a high-level of quality that ensures the highest level of customer satisfaction.

number 2

Focus and grow program offerings in the Ottawa region.

number 3

Seek opportunities outside the Ottawa region where the OSC can add value and the associated risks can be well managed.

number 4

Become a trusted advisor on road safe services, education, training and awareness in the communities we serve.

number 5

Strengthen OSC’s financial and economic sustainability.

Become a member of the Ottawa Safety Council

Become a member

OSC Members are passionate about road safety in their communities. They have taken the pledge to Support Making All Road Travel Safe and are working with us to increase road safety awareness and education in Ottawa and surrounding areas. Join our membership and make a difference in your community today!

OSC Membership entitles you to:

  • Attend and Vote at the OSC Annual General Meeting
  • Preferred CAA Membership Rates
  • 15% Discount on OSC Motorcycle Experience Rider Course and Workshops

Become a Member Today!

$10

Media Queries

For interviews, speaking engagements, information and other media-related queries regarding the Ottawa Safety Council’s road safety programs, initiatives, and resources, please contact Jamie Kwong at jamie.kwong@ottawasafetycouncil.ca or 613.238.1513 ext.223

Meet our Team

Jamie Kwong

Jamie Kwong

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

613-238-1513 ext. 223
jamie.kwong@ottawasafetycouncil.ca


With over 10+ years of experience, Jamie is a respected community builder, and led the following non-profit organizations as the Executive Director: The Ottawa Music Industry Coalition, The Vanier Business Improvement Area, and the Orléans Chamber of Commerce prior to joining the Ottawa Safety Council.  She has a strong track-record for results, forging innovative collaborations, and is known for her advocacy efforts.  She holds a Master’s of Arts degree in criminology from the University of Ottawa and believes in the importance of prevention by creating the conditions that build healthy communities. 

Kelly Banks

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS

613-238-1513 ext.225
Kelly.banks@ottawasafetycouncil.ca


Ottawa’s roads connect Kelly to everything important in her life – family, friends, work and play. Whether she is biking, walking or driving, her most precious cargo is her son, Corbin, and her number one priority is his safety. “Everyone we encounter on our roads share similar priorities, they have children, partners, family and friends that care about them, and we all play a part in making sure they get home safely.”

Sherry Cashman

OFFICE MANAGER

613-238-1513 ext. 222
Sherry.cashman@ottawasafetycouncil.ca


Sherry is an avid road user. Whether she is commuting daily into Ottawa or leisurely biking, or walking down nearby rural roads, she appreciates the value of road safety advocacy. And when she is not on the road, you can find her snowmobiling in the winter or travelling to a beach in the summer.

Jillian MacDonald

Brian Robertson

Program Manager School Zone Safety

613-238-1513 ext. 232
brian.robertson@ottawasafetycouncil.ca 


Brian has lived in small rural communities and in large major cities across Ontario. If there is one thing he knows, it is driving where the streets are busy with all sorts of travelers. Brian has over 20 years working with the community and at the forefront of his work is teaching children, youth and families valuable life skills, such as safety. Safety of all travellers is everyone’s responsibility and it involves prevention, promotion and preservation.

Kristi Reynolds

SENIOR PROGRAM COORDINATOR SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY

613-238-1513 ext. 229
Kristi.reynolds@ottawasafetycouncil.ca 


Kristi is a communications graduate of Algonquin College and she is eager to connect with members of the community to promote road safety for all road users in Ottawa. Kristi takes pride in collaborating with the Ottawa Safety Council team to deliver quality education and awareness to all. Outside of the office, Kristi enjoys being active outdoors and spending time with family.

Dominique Rutherford

HUMAN RESOURCES/OFFICE COORDINATOR

613-238-1513 ext. 231
drutherford@ottawasafetycouncil.ca


Growing up in a rural area of Ottawa before moving to an urban centre, Dominique appreciates the different elements of Ottawa’s infrastructure and charm. “Our roads help us stay connected to others and the beauty of our community. It’s important that we remember their value and have consideration for one another’s safety”

Jillian MacDonald

Thomas Gola

RECRUITER

613-238-1513
thomas.gola@ottawasafetycouncil.ca 


Thomas grew up in Ottawa throughout his entire life. He understands the importance of helping the community by making it a better place for all, and that includes on the roads. Thomas has worked within the non-for-profit sector and enjoys seeing the difference he can make first hand. He strives to continue helping others, including both pedestrians and drivers within the city.

Stephanie Dotto

RECRUITER

613-238-1513 ext. 224
Stephanie.dotto@ottawasafetycouncil.ca


Stephanie considers herself a pedestrian road user who can be found chasing her toddler through their beautiful Kanata nature paths. “Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians need to share the road and take care of each other.”

Jillian MacDonald

Clifton Bond

Road Safety Programs Coordinator

613-238-1513 ext. 226
clifton.bond@ottawasafetycouncil.ca


Roads have been a big part of Clifton’s life. From biking to work as a teenager and working as a rideshare driver and crossing guard, to walking his dog through their neighbourhood. But his favourite roads are the ones that lead to his family and friends or out into wild nature getaways.

Christine Tambeau

MOTORCYCLE TRAINING PROGRAM COORDINATOR

613-238-1513 ext. 228 Christine.tambeau@ottawasafetycouncil.ca


Christine grew up riding motorcycles, snowmobiles and ATVs around her family home in Quebec. She tried her brother’s dirt bike when she was 12 years old, and the love for two wheels grew from there. “I enjoy riding my motorcycle around Ottawa but find the most pleasure in taking the long way through the winding country roads.”

 

Meet our Board of Directors

William Skorupinski

CHAIR

Automotive Services Division, CAA


William joined the Ottawa Safety Council to share his expertise of road safety that he has gathered not only within Ottawa but throughout North America and Europe. The CAA and the Ottawa Safety Council have very similar interests: safety while enjoying the roads no matter how you travel, be it on foot, bicycle, or motorized vehicle. William uses Ottawa’s road network for travel within the community, running, and as a novice cyclist. “Living on the edge of the urban boundary allows me to appreciate the safety challenges in both an urban and a rural environment.”

Cathy Anderson

SR. VICE CHAIR

Client Executive, NTT Data – managing growth and delivery for Ottawa customers


Logging over 5000 km per year cycling, Cathy’s preferred method of transpiration is her road bike. In the summer, she also rides a gravel bike on gravel roads in rural Ottawa and a fat bike in the winter. She is a runner and participates in most local running events. Cathy has extensive education and 25 years of experience helping organizations modernize technologies, transform service delivery, and in strategic growth for both private and not-for-profit organizations. “As one of the injured parties in the "Kanata 5" cycling accident in 2009, my interest in safe transportation is very personal.”

Motorcycle Safety Reminders for Experienced Riders

Jennifer Hyatt

TREASURER


Jennifer has many professional titles including Chartered Professional Accountant, Certified General Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, and mediator. Over the course of her career as a Forensic Accountant, Jennifer has worked with thousands of people involved in motor vehicle accidents which makes her passionate about making our roads safer for everyone.

Conal Slobodin

SECRETARY

Government Relations Professional


Conal uses Ottawa's roads as both a pedestrian (who loves and prefers walking) and a motorist. His background is in government advocacy, partnerships, and strategy, which helps OSC build its relationships with the city and its stakeholders.Without safe roads, we struggle to enjoy what our community has to offer sustainably."

Greg Kostiuk

VICE CHAIR

Systems Engineer, Canadian Defence Sector


What started as a passion for contributing to motorcyclists' road safety and giving back from his own experience taking the MTP course in 1986 has now broadened to embrace many aspects of road safety in Ottawa through his continued involvement as a Director. Besides encouraging road safety and awareness to new riders as a Director and OSC Volunteer MTP motorcycle instructor for over five years, Greg also enjoys riding his vintage 1985 BMW motorcycle and relaxing walks with his dog.

Erin Peruska

DIRECTOR

Environment Health and Safety Manager in Technology Sector


With her safety and risk management experience, Erin understands the extreme importance of road safety programs and resources. As an avid road user, she is often driving her kids to sports and activities or walking around her neighbourhood with her dog. “I love that I can see our work in action through the crossing guard program.”

Prasath Sarma

Prasath Sarma

DIRECTOR

 


Prasath is a highly flexible executive with experience in strategic planning, engineering, operations and IT.  He enables transformation through cultural change and is committed to organizational and individual success.  He has an engineering degree from Ryerson and has lived in Ottawa for the past 15 years. 

As a father of 2 school-aged boys, safety is a top priority for Prasath.  He loves walking with his dog and going on family bike rides throughout Ottawa.  "I'm glad to be part of organizations like OSC that embed the safety culture so we, as a community, can live, work and enjoy our city safely."

Dwight Stewart

Dwight Stewart

DIRECTOR

 


Dwight is an experienced professional with a background in Information Technology and Public safety. He has been acknowledged as being a calm and decisive leader under stressful situations, and he has worked as a trainer and mentor to his colleagues.

He Is frequently outdoors and using Ottawa's roadways from driving, to motorcycling, or with family members cycling.  He has young children that love the outdoors, and he is enthusiastic about helping to ensure that they and all the members of our community can safely enjoy our beautiful city. 

“I could not be happier than to be part of an organization that helps to protect the children that will form our future."

Lori Henderson

DIRECTOR

Commercial Relationship Manager, Scotiabank


Lori, originally from Atlantic Canada, moved to Ontario in 2005 where she learned how to ride a motorcycle on the winding roads of Northern Ontario soon realizing the need for road safety. Cyclists, whether motorized or not need to be the most defensive when on the roads. Living in Ottawa for the past 12 years and careers as a banker and entrepreneur for the past 19 years Lori brings her finance knowledge to OSC and hopes to help in the growth of the organization and sees the importance of advocating for safer roads. A mom to a daughter and 2 stepsons that are now adults, Lori watched her children walk to and from school, benefiting from the crossing guard program and keeping them safe.

Prasath Sarma

Jonathan Thompson

DIRECTOR

 


Jonathan is an experienced lawyer who has spent the majority of his career conducting criminal and regulatory prosecutions on behalf of the Crown. He has extensive courtroom experience related to road safety cases under the Highway Traffic Act and the Criminal Code, as well as taking part in legal education for police officers and university students. Jonathan is an enthusiastic cyclist (and a reluctant runner), and he’s excited about making Ottawa’s roads safer for everyone.

Dwight Stewart

Nathalie Guthrie

DIRECTOR

Director, HR at CENGN  


Nathalie is the Human Resources Director for the Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks (CENGN), who has a strong passion for promoting safety and wellness in the workplaceAs an executive of the CENGN organization, she has extensive experience in leadership, strategy, and governance, which are essential qualities for a board member. She also has a proven track record of creating and implementing effective policies and procedures that promote ethical practices and complianceAs a wife and mother of 2 children who bus, walk and/or bike to school, Nathalie is personally invested in road safety in her community. 

Dave Donaldson

DIRECTOR

Managing Partner, Bo’ness Management Consulting Inc. 


Dave Donaldson is the retired Dean of the School of Business at Algonquin College with over 20 years as a senior college administrator in Vancouver and Ottawa, following a career with several organizations in senior marketing roles. Community activity includes the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, Association of Canadian Business Schools, Tourism Development Council of Ottawa Tourism, and a past director with that organization. He is currently the Board chair of Shepherds of Good Hope. 

Help Support the Ottawa Safety Council

Donations to the Ottawa Safety Council help us to continue building new programming and creating and delivering awareness campaigns to bring road safety advocacy and awareness to everyone in Ottawa, regardless of how they travel.

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