‘Devastating': Federal cap on funded for-profit child-care spaces has Alberta providers concerned
Some for-profit child-care providers say their livelihoods are at stake as the federal government caps how many of them are eligible for funding.
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National Post
28 minutes ago
- National Post
Populous Acquires Fentress Architects, Expanding Global Aviation Portfolio
Article content KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Populous, the world-renowned design firm specializing in sport and entertainment venues, today announced the acquisition of Denver-based Fentress Architects, a global leader in iconic aviation projects and prominent public buildings, including convention centers, museums and government facilities. Article content 'Adding Fentress' expertise and client base to the Populous global aviation and transportation portfolio will enable us to transform the future of people-centric design and supercharge our global impact in those sectors.' Article content This strategic acquisition unites two of the most respected names in architecture, combining Populous' unparalleled expertise in designing memorable experiences with Fentress' award-winning portfolio of aviation, civic and cultural landmarks. The acquisition significantly broadens the scope and scale of services that Populous can offer clients across the globe. Article content 'We are committed to expanding the breadth of our practice. Fentress Architects has long been known for its visionary aviation and public architecture, exceptional design quality and commitment to innovation. Uniting our aviation team with Fentress to form Fentress Studios, a Populous Company, symbolizes our dedication to design quality. Article content Adding Fentress' expertise and client base to the Populous global aviation and transportation portfolio, as well as synergies across convention center design, will enable us to transform the future of people-centric design and supercharge our global impact in those sectors.' Article content Founded in 1980, Fentress Architects has designed more than $52 billion of architectural landmarks worldwide, including Denver International Airport, Incheon International Airport, Miami Beach Convention Center and the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The firm is known for creating architecture that is sustainable, contextual and deeply connected to the communities it serves. Article content Curt Fentress, Founder and Principal in Charge of Design at Fentress Architects, commented: 'Populous shares our values of design excellence and people-centric thinking. Together, we will continue to redefine great architecture and its capacity to ignite social and economic change through inspired design for people.' Article content Fentress Architects will rebrand as Fentress Studios, a Populous Company, with the studios continuing to be based in Denver and Washington D.C. The acquisition further propels Populous' capabilities in aviation, transportation and public sector design. Article content About Populous Article content Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus — to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses and amplify the pure emotion shared in human moments. Over the last 40+ years, the firm has designed more than 3,500 projects worth over $60 billion across emerging and established markets. Populous' comprehensive services include architecture, interior design, event planning and overlay, branded environments, wayfinding, and graphics, planning and urban design, landscape architecture, aviation and transport design, hospitality and sustainable design consulting. Populous has over 1,500 employees in 32 global offices on four continents with regional centers in Kansas City, London and Brisbane. For more information, visit Article content Fentress Architects is an international design firm that passionately pursues the creation of innovative, sustainable, and iconic architecture. The firm's work includes landmarks such as the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX, the Ralph L. Carr Colorado Supreme Courts, and the Royal Norwegian Embassy. Article content Article content Article content Article content Media Contacts Article content Article content Article content
Globe and Mail
38 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
OH Marketing Group Unveils Key Small Business Marketing Mistakes and Solutions
Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, yet many struggle to gain traction in an increasingly digital, competitive landscape. Limited time, resources, and internal expertise often leave entrepreneurs and small teams navigating a complex marketing world on their own—resulting in critical missteps that hinder growth. To help business owners avoid these traps and unlock smarter marketing results, OH Marketing Group, a national digital marketing agency specializing in small business success, is sharing the five most common marketing mistakes small businesses make—and how to fix them fast to improve visibility, engagement, and ROI. Mistake 1: Lack of a Clear Marketing Strategy Too often, businesses launch social media campaigns, invest in ads, or design new websites without a clear, integrated marketing strategy. This 'random acts of marketing' approach—doing things without understanding the why —can burn through budgets without delivering results. According to a recent Clutch report, nearly 50% of small businesses operate without a documented marketing strategy. That lack of direction leads to missed opportunities, inconsistent messaging, and unmeasurable outcomes. OH Marketing Group works with small businesses to develop foundational strategies through Fractional Marketing & Operations Support. These services give business owners access to seasoned marketing leadership—without the cost of hiring a full-time team. Clients walk away with a roadmap tailored to their goals, audience, and budget, helping ensure every marketing dollar counts. Mistake 2: Inconsistent Branding When branding is inconsistent—from logo usage to voice and visual identity—customers become confused. Whether it's mismatched colors on social media, a different tone in email marketing, or clunky website messaging, this inconsistency breaks trust and hurts credibility. Consumers today are bombarded with content. Brands that are instantly recognizable and emotionally resonant are more likely to build loyalty and drive conversions. According to Lucidpress, consistent branding can increase revenue by up to 23%. OH Marketing Group's Logo & Branding Services help small businesses clarify their identity and create a polished, professional look across all channels. From brand guidelines to refreshed visual assets, the goal is to help businesses feel 'put together' online—and in the eyes of their customers. Mistake 3: Neglecting Website Optimization A company's website is often its most important sales tool—and yet many small businesses treat it like a digital brochure instead of a dynamic, conversion-driven asset. Slow load times, broken links, clunky navigation, and outdated design can cause potential customers to leave within seconds. Data shows that 88% of users are less likely to return to a website after a bad user experience (source: Adobe). OH Marketing Group's Website Design & Development focus on creating responsive, modern, and mobile-optimized websites that reflect each brand's unique voice and guide visitors toward action. The team combines clean design with strategic functionality to improve engagement and drive measurable business results—whether the goal is to capture leads, sell products, or book consultations. Curious about how marketing is truly performing Take OH Marketing Group's 3-minute Test Marketing Strategy Quiz and uncover quick wins that can be implement today. Mistake 4: Ignoring SEO Search engine optimization (SEO) is often misunderstood or ignored entirely by small businesses. But in today's digital-first world, not showing up on Google can mean being invisible to the ideal customer. SEO helps businesses get found by people who are already looking for what they offer. It drives sustainable, organic traffic—without the ongoing costs of paid ads. Yet many small business websites lack basic SEO foundations like proper metadata, internal linking, keyword optimization, or mobile responsiveness. OH Marketing Group offers comprehensive SEO Services, from technical audits to on-page optimization and content strategy. Their goal is to make sure small business websites not only rank—but also convert visitors into leads. Mistake 5: Underutilizing Social Media Social media isn't just about posting pretty pictures. It's one of the most powerful tools for building relationships, engaging audiences, and generating leads—especially for local and service-based businesses. Many small businesses either neglect social altogether or post inconsistently without a strategy. Others fail to track results, missing insights that could drive better engagement. Through customized social media marketing solutions, OH Marketing Group helps clients build a smart, scalable presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The agency focuses on storytelling, brand alignment, and analytics to ensure social media becomes a meaningful growth channel. While small businesses often face marketing challenges, correcting common mistakes and implementing smart strategies can lead to real success. OH Marketing Group helps companies overcome these barriers with a wide range of digital marketing services. With expertise in strategic planning, branding, website design, SEO, and social media marketing, OH Marketing Group empowers small businesses to build visibility, increase engagement, and achieve long-term growth. About OH Marketing Group OH Marketing Group is a digital marketing agency dedicated to helping small businesses grow smarter—not just louder. The firm is known for blending strategy, creativity, and execution across key marketing pillars: logo and branding, website design, search engine optimization, social media marketing, and fractional marketing support. Founded by Tiffany O'Connell, a seasoned marketing strategist and business owner, OH Marketing Group has helped entrepreneurs across the country clarify their message, improve visibility, and generate real results. The agency prides itself on a collaborative, transparent approach—with a deep respect for the unique challenges small businesses face. Unlike larger firms, OH Marketing Group offers flexible, high-touch service with an emphasis on measurable ROI. Whether clients are just starting out or looking to scale, the team delivers strategic clarity and creative execution—without the overwhelm. Media Contact Company Name: OH Marketing Group Contact Person: Tiffany O'Connell Email: Send Email Phone: 941-500-2862 Country: United States Website:
CTV News
43 minutes ago
- CTV News
Audit finds ‘disjointed' supportive housing programs and services in City of Ottawa
A 'siloed approach' to funding supportive housing from the upper levels of government is causing 'disjointed supportive housing programs and services' in the City of Ottawa that is not meeting the needs of clients, according to the auditor general. The Office of the Auditor General tabled an audit on the city's supportive housing program on Friday, finding the programs cannot meet the needs of residents 'without more coordination between capital, operating and health funding.' It also concludes the city has not established 'baseline standards' for service providers. According to the city, supportive housing is a 'community-based, person-centred model of providing affordable, transitional and permanent accommodation that provides a range of services and supports based on an individual's needs.' The City of Ottawa does not provide supportive housing, but administers funding from all levels of government to fund programs. The report says the City of Ottawa had $10.7 million in capital funding and $15.3 million in operating funding for supportive housing in 2024. Councillors on the audit committee were told the supportive housing audit concludes the 'city and service providers are spread thin in trying to meet the complex needs and challenges of their complex,' but there is a lack of funding for operational needs. 'The audit found that there are existing siloes between capital, operating and health-related funding to deliver supportive housing,' the audit says. 'The city receives capital funding from the federal and provincial governments; however, these levels of government do not provide additional operating funding tied to capital projects. The city is then left in a constant state of reactivity to try to find the operating funds to support this critical type of housing.' 'The audit also noted that given the current levels of operating funding and the discretion service providers have in selecting their clients, there are individuals with more complex needs who may remain homeless as supportive housing agencies are not able to support them.' Officials say the 'siloed approach to funding' is forcing 'disjointed supportive housing programs and services' that is not consistently meeting the needs of clients and puts greater pressure on other frontline services. The City of Ottawa estimates it needs $1.5 million a year of operating funding for every 50-unit supportive housing complex facility. 'The city is already stretched thin within available operating budgets, and it does not have the capacity to both continue funding existing supportive housing facilities and bring new ones online without additional funds,' the audit said. The Auditor General's Office also concludes the city has not established baseline standards for the 'provision of supports within supportive housing facilities, which has led to inconsistencies and varying formality across service providers.' Recommendations include defining an overall approach to supportive housing within the updated 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan, including establishing how supportive housing fits into the housing options. The auditor general is also recommending the city develop an integrated workplan to build and operate supportive housing and draft standards to govern the supportive housing processes. 'The audit has highlighted the importance of supportive housing as one of the mechanisms to end chronic homelessness,' the report said. 'The recommendations in this audit report should help to establish a more defined and intentional approach to the management of the supportive housing program and the evaluation of its outcomes.'
