When the National Capital Region’s business community decided last spring it was time to rally the troops around a return to the office, it undoubtedly surprised no one that Shawn Hamilton was a ringleader of the resulting “Ottawa is Open for Business” celebration.
One of the highest-profile members of Ottawa’s real estate industry, Hamilton is in his first year as a partner at Proveras Commercial Realty, which represents tenants looking for office space. The University of Toronto grad has been a prominent figure in the local sector for more than two decades, including stints as a senior executive at CBRE and later Canderel. He is also a tireless volunteer for organizations such as the Ottawa Board of Trade and Invest Ottawa, serving as an enthusiastic evangelist for the city’s entrepreneurs.
But as passionate as Hamilton is about all things business, he might love the region he calls home even more. In this instalment of My Ottawa, Hamilton lets us in on what makes the National Capital Region an outdoor paradise, where he gets his egg roll fix (hint: he’s definitely not alone), why his dad is his biggest hero and more.
OBJ360 (Sponsored)
How the uOttawa faculty of engineering instills an ‘entrepreneurial mindset’ in students
A decade ago, Terrafixing chief operating officer Vida Gabriel was a chemistry-loving student in high school with little to no interest in business or entrepreneurship. “I didn’t like the sales
The value of an Algonquin College degree: Experiential learning, taught by industry experts
Zaahra Mehsen was three years into a biology degree at a local university when she realized she wanted to take a different path. “I realized that it’s not my thing,”
What area of the city/region do you live in?
I live in Arnprior on the Ottawa River. I am literally 300 metres from the western boundary of the City of Ottawa, so I feel that I live in the city by osmosis.
What type of home do you have (condo, house, etc.)?
I live in a house.
What type of pet do you have?
Our house is like Noah’s ark. We live with three cats and our seven-year-old Leonberger, Fitz. We are on the hunt for another dog as we lost our English Mastiff, Beasley, in the fall.
What type of car do you drive?
If I want to get around, I drive an Audi Q5. Our other vehicle is a Land Rover Discovery, which spends more time in the shop than anywhere else!
What’s your favourite part of town?
I love the whole city, but I have a particular affinity for downtown. Downtown is where it’s all at: commerce, tech, government, culture and history all congregate. All of this is in view of the Ottawa River, Chaudiere Falls and the Gatineau Hills. It is fabulous.
What is your favourite place to eat in Ottawa?
I love to cook, so my first choice is at home! That being said, I often eat at the Rideau Club, which is very dear to me with many friends. I also have a particular enjoyment of many of our local restaurants – the Whalesbone, Wellington Gastropub and Yangtze to name a few. I also have been known to nibble on a few Golden Palace egg rolls in my day!
What is your favourite activity in Ottawa?
My wife and I are huge fans of the outdoors, and I don’t think there is an activity we haven’t done – whether it be skiing at our numerous ski hills, cycling throughout the city, camping or rafting. The city has it all. We even took friends of ours from Ireland on an urban rafting tour on the Ottawa River in sight of the Parliament Buildings – they were blown away. So were we!
What’s your hobby?
I love fishing, and more particularly fly fishing. I am a member of a club that my great-grandfather was a member of called the Maganassippi Fish and Game Club three hours west of the city. It is my special place where I try to catch fish. So far the fish are winning.
What’s your favourite local charity or cause?
There are a few that I am passionate about. I am a big fan of the Shepherds of Good Hope, the Youth Services Bureau and the Royal Ottawa Hospital. All of these groups work so hard to make sure that no human being in Ottawa is left behind. We are only as strong as the people in our community, and we need to work hard to look after our people – of all ages.
This is a particularly appropriate question for someone in your profession: what is your favourite building in Ottawa?
That is a really good question. There are a couple of buildings that are favourites. First is the Shaw Centre, given that to me it represented the first time that I saw Ottawa do something really cool from an architectural perspective and it gave the city “permission” to start being really creative with architectural design. Second is Claridge’s Icon, as it represents our first building with real height, which is something I would like to see more of in our skyline. These two buildings to me represent the art of the possible for Ottawa, which is exciting and something we need more of!
What’s your favourite festival?
I would have to say that Bluesfest wins here! What a wonderful event that seems to keep gaining momentum.
What’s your favourite local sports team?
Although I have never played a game of hockey in my life (I grew up skiing), I have to say that the Senators are by far my favourite team. Not only do they provide great entertainment, but they are a key element that helps to put Ottawa on a North American stage. Don’t underestimate the contributions that this team makes to our community. Go Sens go!
What’s your favourite retailer in Ottawa?
Many choices here. I like many of our little food boutiques that we have in the city like Nicastro’s, Grace in the Kitchen and Knifewear. It’s fun to go in and learn about olive oil and balsamic vinegar, for example, then try cooking something new at home. I love learning! Remember – every local retailer is an entrepreneur who helps build our city.
What type of music do you listen to?
Absolutely everything. I was brought up on old-time country music, which seems to be working itself back into the rotation (much to the chagrin of my wife), but all music is good music.
What’s your favourite live music venue?
I miss Barrymore’s! It’s difficult to choose one over the other – the reality is wherever live music lives is awesome, and we are fortunate to have many supporting venues.
Where do you get your hair cut?
I cut it myself. My wife now insists that I do it outside so I don’t make a mess, which makes it challenging in February. My dog, however, is allowed to shed indiscriminately inside. Sigh…
What Ottawa personality, past or present, do you admire?
I’m going to go off-script here and choose my dad, Ian Hamilton. For those who don’t know, my dad was a Canadian diplomat who helped spearhead the initiative to bring Vietnamese refugees to Canada in the late 1970s. From watching him, I learned the value of people and the role that Canada plays as being a leader in giving people a home. The experience taught me the value of compassion and multiculturalism as well as the positivity of being a Canadian.
If you took a staycation in Ottawa, what would you do?
I would stay at either the Westin or Chateau Laurier, spend the day at the Nordik Spa, have a great dinner at Riviera and then look to attend an event at the NAC. It would be fantastic! In fact, I might just do that!
What’s your favourite business event or conference in Ottawa?
The Ottawa Real Estate Forum is a wonderful event for the real estate community. Outside of that, I am really excited by the Board of Trade’s annual City Building Summit, which I feel will become an annual “not-to-be-missed” event for those interested in a vibrant Ottawa!
What’s your favourite meeting or convention venue?
The Shaw Centre. In addition to being a superb and well-located facility, its architecture was so important for the city and was a great starting point for what can be possible in the city.
What’s your favourite thing to do in Ottawa to pamper yourself?
See my staycation answer above!
What’s your favourite thing about Ottawa?
I love everything about this city. I love how easy it is to enjoy both urban and outdoor activities so seamlessly. This is a city where you can make a life – a happy, healthy and fulfilling life – with a high-level career. It’s all here for the taking! Opportunity lives here.
