ORAPEX returns to Ottawa this May 2-3, with veteran philatelist Brian Wolfenden named as the show’s 2026 honouree.
A well-known figure in the Ottawa stamp community, Wolfenden has been active in the hobby for more than 25 years as a collector, dealer, writer and volunteer. His interest in philately began in Liverpool, England, where he was introduced to stamp collecting by his grandfather, and continued after his family immigrated to Canada in 1967.
After a career in retail with Eaton’s in Montreal and Ottawa, Wolfenden turned his focus to philately, joining Ian Kimmerly Stamps, where he spent nearly 20 years managing the shop, overseeing online sales and coordinating publications for the British North America Philatelic Society.
He later helped establish Sparks Auctions in the mid-2000s, working as both a lotter and auctioneer. His collecting interests centre on aerophilately, particularly New Zealand “Arms” postal fiscals used on airmail covers and Canadian airmail to New Zealand.
Wolfenden remains active in the field as Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian Aerophilatelic Society and has written and presented extensively on airmail topics. He has also been deeply involved with ORAPEX, serving as secretary of the organizing committee from 2017 to 2022. He currently serves as president of the Ottawa Philatelic Society and was inducted into the British North America Philatelic Society Hall of Fame in 2018.
Founded in 1961, ORAPEX is one of Canada’s longest-running national stamp shows and is part of the American Philatelic Society’s World Series of Philately. The event draws exhibitors, dealers and collectors from across Canada and internationally.
This ORAPEX 2026 show cachet highlights the exhibition’s aerophilately theme, featuring a vintage aircraft design reflecting the study and collection of airmail.
The show will feature more than 100 frames of competitive exhibits, along with one of the country’s largest dealer bourses. A full schedule of society meetings, seminars and study groups will run throughout the weekend.
A strong youth component remains a key part of the event. Young collectors will again be invited to explore millions of donated stamps and receive free starter kits, including a stock book, magnifier, tongs and introductory materials. The program continues to attract new participants, with dozens of youth taking part each year.
This year’s show carries a dual theme of aerophilately and “Bytown,” the original name of Ottawa, reflecting both the honouree’s interests and the city’s historical roots.
ORAPEX 2026 will be held May 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and May 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa. Admission and parking are free.
More information is available at orapex.ca.