Walter Oster, Chairman of the Board of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) has been selected as this year’s winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ontario Government. Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Monique Smith presented Mr. Oster with the award at the annual Ontario Tourism Summit held at the MTCC on October 7, 2008. The award from the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership recognizes Mr. Oster’s distinguished service specifically to Ontario’s tourism sector and also to the community at large. In presenting the award, the Minister described Mr. Oster as an exemplary leader in the tourism industry and the community, and an inspiration to the industry, his friends and family.

“Walter Oster has been living and breathing tourism for more than 30 years and has spent a lifetime providing exceptional experiences and promoting Ontario,” she said. “As a successful entrepreneur, a humble philanthropist and an ardent supporter of tourism in Toronto and Ontario, he is the perfect choice for this year’s lifetime achievement award.”

The Minister noted that as a result of Mr. Oster’s leadership and vision, the MTCC has become a modern, internationally known facility, and host to some of the largest and most prestigious conferences and trade shows in the country. In addition, the Minister cited Mr. Oster’s role as a champion for fishing and conservation across Ontario as well as his work with underprivileged youth.

Barry Smith, President & CEO of the MTCC, said that the Centre and its staff are thrilled to see their Chairman’s outstanding contributions honoured in this way. “Walter Oster has been an amazing leader and mentor for us all at the MTCC. He has led the way here for more than two decades, and we have achieved many great things with him at our helm. We offer him our heartiest congratulations!”

This past May, Mr. Oster marked a major milestone at the MTCC, celebrating 20 years as an MTCC Board member, of which the past 10 years have been as its Chair.