1,200 descend on Capital Fair a day before gates open

OTTAWA, Aug. 20, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, Hydro Ottawa is proud to welcome more than 1,200 people with developmental and/or physical disabilities, along with their families and caregivers, for an incredible day at the Capital Fair.

Since 2001, thousands have enjoyed Hydro Ottawa Special Needs Day. The Capital Fair opens a day early so guests can enjoy an exclusive, accessible day at the fair, including special facilities, smaller crowds, reduced-speed midway rides and volunteers to help lift children on and off the midway rides.

Hydro Ottawa employee volunteers, along with Mayor Jim Watson and City Council members, will be on-hand for the event, which takes place at the Rideau Carleton Raceway today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Quick Facts

• For 15 consecutive years, Hydro Ottawa has proudly sponsored Special Needs Day in partnership with the Capital Fair.
• This special day features live entertainment, karaoke, a petting zoo, a barbecue lunch, and midway rides.
• Hydro Ottawa recognizes the important role volunteers play in creating a strong, supportive community. 
• More than 40 Hydro Ottawa employees are volunteering their time to ensure the safety and well-being of the guests during the event. Volunteers help direct traffic, assist guests on and off the rides, as well as prepare and serve lunch.

Quotes

"The families that participate in this event face barriers on a daily basis that most of us can't even imagine. Many are excluded from community events because of a lack of accessibility. This event is dear to our hearts at Hydro Ottawa, and our volunteers ensure that it's a day our guests will treasure."
- Bryce Conrad, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hydro Ottawa

About Hydro Ottawa

Hydro Ottawa's core businesses are delivering electricity, generating renewable power and providing energy conservation/management services. Hydro Ottawa is a community-owned, private company, delivering electricity to more than 319,500 customers in Ottawa and Casselman. It is the largest municipally-owned producer of green power in the province, with hydroelectric and landfill gas-to-energy generating facilities. Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. (Hydro Ottawa) owns and operates two subsidiary companies, Hydro Ottawa Limited and Energy Ottawa Inc.

SOURCE Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.

Image with caption: "For 15 consecutive years, Hydro Ottawa has proudly sponsored Special Needs Day in partnership with the Capital Fair (CNW Group/Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150820_C5625_PHOTO_EN_480769.jpg

Media contact: Daniel Séguin, Manager, Media and Public Affairs, Hydro Ottawa, Tel: [phone] ext. 345, [email protected], www.hydroottawa.com