About the RA
Serving the community for over 80 years!
A member supported not-for-profit organization, the RA operates a multi-sport, recreation and leisure facility, conveniently located in the heart of Ottawa. Becoming part of the RA means joining a supportive and diverse community of individuals of all ages who share a passion for health, wellness, sport, and recreation as well as social connection. As a not-for-profit association, the RA is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors who in fulfilling its fiduciary and duty of care responsibilities on behalf of the members, provides oversight, due diligence, and strategic direction to the RA Staff Team.
RA Board of directors
The RA is governed by a competency-based, 16-person volunteer Board of Directors elected by members. This policy governing board, delegates authority to the CEO and her staff focusing their energy on the overall strategic direction, fiduciary responsibilities, and governance actions.
The term of a Director is 4 years with half turning over every 2 years. The Board approaches elections and nominations by evaluating openings through the evaluation of competencies that it believes are required to be strong, competent, economically responsible and visionary. Click here for detailed bios. 2024-2026
Ex officio Members Ian Fraser, RA, Chief Executive Officer Mario Giamberardino, RA, Chief Financial Officer RA Senior Executive Team
The RA’s extensive staff team consists of full-time, part-time and contracted employees and is supported by a large community of RA volunteers who give so generously and freely of their time and talents. Under the leadership of the Chief Executive Officer and a Senior Executive Team this resourceful group works in an organizational culture built on collaboration and service sharing.
Ian Fraser, Chief Executive Officer Mario Giamberardino, Chief Financial Officer Kelly Shaw-Swettenham, Vice-President, Operations |
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Mission Statement
Mission Statement To lead a diverse and innovative network committed to the pursuit and provision of excellent health, recreation, fitness, and sport leadership that strengthens people in the communities we serve. Vision Statement
Vision Statement The RA will become the “go to” hub in the National Capital Region in the pursuit of lifelong sport, recreation and wellness. Our Core Values
Code of Ethics
The RA is an association of members of similar ideals who: - Respect people and property. - Support the activities to the maximum degree possible. - Strive to achieve safe and honourable participation. - Take pride in the RA and exhibit sportsmanship. - Participate to have fun and be fit. The Association is committed to providing an environment that is free of violence and harassment for all members, visitors and employees. Copies of the Member Policy relating to Harassment, Discrimination, Violence or Breach of the RA Code of Ethics are available upon request at the Member Services East Desk. Creating a Culture of Inclusivity & Diversity
The RA is a not-for-profit association that has been proudly serving the community for almost 80 years. We'd like to take a moment to share a message with our members, potential members and the broader community, affirming our commitment to creating a welcoming and safe place for everyone. In 2019 the RA embarked on a new strategic direction informed by our core values – Respect Others, Include Everyone, Have Fun, Stay Healthy, Give Back, and Stronger Together. While we have not intentionally tried to exclude any marginalized community, we acknowledge that we must do better by recognizing our faults to help build a more equitable society. The path forward requires open and honest conversations about the real racial, ethnic and gender inequities that exist in our society. Our organization wants to contribute to the larger conversation with those who have experienced discrimination. We will educate ourselves by listening to and learning from those whose voices have been excluded. The RA believes that each member of the community deserves respect and wants to be welcomed. We will work to ensure our programs and services draw on the richness of our diversity, uniting us through celebration and recognition of our differences. We believe that our new values set a positive foundation from which to engage the community and make meaningful change within society. |
RA Recognition & Awards Program
The RA's Recognition and Awards Program celebrates our vibrant community and gives special recognition to those who have made a meaningful difference in our community.
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The RA – Home of the...
The House of Sport can be described as an innovation centre of sport. The positive synergy and connections gained by a community of distinct organizations working together benefit member organizations and the Canadian sport community. Working under one roof, this collaborative hub creates opportunities for sharing costs, best practices, business development opportunities and communication networks.
Read more about the House of Sport. |
The CCE continues to evolve through a multi-year plan expanding programming and training opportunities, partnering with provincial and national organizations and events to leverage the creation of a stadium ice experience. Programming centres around the longstanding and successful RA Curling Club leagues, activities, and learn-to-curl programs. An expansion of wheelchair, para, and junior curling, the introduction of high-performance training camps and specialty curling clinics will support Long Term Development (LTD) for all ages and abilities and celebrate the spirit of curling excellence. In addition, by partnering with key stakeholders including CurlON, Ottawa Valley Curling Association, Curling Canada and Ottawa Tourism, the RA is working to welcome international, national and provincial level events that would otherwise not be coming to Ottawa.
Read more about the RA Curling Centre of Excellence. |