The images below were taken by our CEO and Chief Risk Scientist Daniel Krewski, an avid amateur photographer who, over the years, used his camera to mark the company's milestones with imagery of relevance to our staff and stakeholders.
Origins at the University of Ottawa (the vision for RSI pre-incorporation, circa 2005): Building on the unique programs in risk science within the McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment under the leadership of Daniel Krewski at the University of Ottawa, Risk Sciences International was originally conceived as a spin-off company from the university to address a broad range of risk issues of concern both in Canada and internationally.
Walking from uOttawa to Sussex Drive (2008-2011): RSI’s original location on Sussex was a short 15 minute walk to the downtown campus of the University of Ottawa, where the McLaughlin Centre was located at that time. The walk took you through some of the most quaint corners of the By Ward market, with Planet Coffee providing the perfect spot for a midway stopover.
First Location on Sussex Drive (2008-2011): RSI was incorporated in March, 2006 and shortly afterwards opened its first offices on Sussex Drive, directly across the street from the US Embassy. Greg Paoli joined RSI as a founding principal at this time, integrating his risk consulting practice operating through his own company Decisionanalysis into RSI. RSI’s initial location was a designated heritage building on one of Ottawa’s most prestigious streets, with a back courtyard paved with cobblestones, and centered by a charming fountain.
By Ward Market Seen from 325 Dalhousie Street (2011-2013): A change in ownership of the Union Life Building resulted in its begin demolished and converted into the luxury hotel, necessitating RSI to move to a new location. The view of the By Ward Market looking west from RSI’s Dalhouse Street Location can now only be seen if you check into room 926 in the new Aziz Hotel, which replaced the Union Life Building.
Notre Dame Basilica Seen from Dalhousie Street Penthouse Location (2011-2013): Quickly outgrowing its initial location on Sussex Drive, RSI moved to a second location on Dalhousie Street in 2008. The owners of the building agreed to completely renovate the top floor to accommodate RSI, providing spectacular views of Ottawa and the surrounding region in all directions, including Notre Dame Basilica to the northwest.
Metcalfe Street Main Lobby (2013-2018): With the demolition of the Union Life Building, RSI moved to the Manulife Building on Metcalfe Street in 2011, which had a lobby designed to impress even the most discerning visitors. Chance meetings with well-known Ottawa figures, including former Prime Minister Jean Chretien (a most pleasant individual during elevator conversation), were not uncommon.
War Memorial off Metcalfe Street (2013-2018): The War Memorial in Confederation Square just off Metcalfe Street was the site of Canada’s only domestic terrorist attack on October 22, 2014, when an unarmed guard was fatally shot. The incident occurred just before 10 am, with RSI staff locked down for most of that day.
Confederation Boulevard off Laurier Avenue (2018- ): As the city with the highest density of green space in North America, RSI staff are just a few minutes walk from Confederation Park off Laurier Avenue. The park is located on Confederation Boulevard, the ceremonial route used foreign dignitaries for state visits to Canada’s capital.
251 Laurier Avenue (2018- ): Requiring more space, RSI moved to its current Laurier Avenue location in 2018, occupying the entire seventh floor. An attractive aspect of this location was being just two blocks south of from the Parliament Station of the new subway being built through downtown Ottawa.
Parliament from Rideau Canal (not specific to any time period/location, but the photo was taken on October 19, 2008): All four of RSI’s locations in downtown Ottawa have been within a few minutes walk from Parliament Hill. Over the years, RSI has served a number of federal clients in Ottawa, addressing a wide range of risk issues of importance to Canadians.
Rideau Canal Overlooking Ottawa River (not specific to any time period/location, but the photo was taken on October 19, 2008): With over 15 years of conducting business in four increasingly larger locations in downtown Ottawa, RSI staff are well acquainted with well-known landmarks in Canada’s capital, including the Rideau Canal. This historic waterway was built by Colonel By in 1826, and empties into the Ottawa River between Parliament Hill on the left and the historic Chateau Laurier on the right.
Entertaining Clients at the Black Thorne Café (2008-2011): The courtyard behind RSI’s first offices on Sussex Drive backed on to the Black Thorne Café – a perfect spot for entertaining clients.
World Exchange Plaza Chip Wagon (2013-2018): The World Exchange Plaza is located directly across the street from the Manulife Building on Metcalfe Street. Although the Plaza has a number of very good restaurants, the chip wagon in front of the Plaza seemed to have captured a disproportionate share of RSI’s lunch business.
Daniel Krewski, RSI Chief Risk Scientist, CEO and resident pictorial archivist, by our office photo gallery.
The images below were taken by our CEO and Chief Risk Scientist Daniel Krewski and our Vice-President of Communications and Strategic Initiatives Cemil 'Jim' Alyanak. They feature stones from multiple locations inspired primarily by the work of John Ceprano, a well-known artist in the Ottawa region who, for years, has produced a well known display by the Remic Rapids. These stones, and their delicate balance, symbolize RSI's philosophy of risk.
