Celebrating bold ideas, strong communities, and local leadership.
Across Ottawa, BIAs are leading the way — and being recognized for it.
At the 2025 Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA) Awards, three Ottawa BIAs were honoured for their contributions to placemaking, marketing, and community celebration. These awards highlight the power of local leadership to shape vibrant, resilient neighbourhoods — where people want to shop, connect, and belong.
Vanier BIA – Awards of Merit for Akoustik and Rebrand Project
Vanier BIA earned two Awards of Merit this year: one for Akoustik, their free outdoor concert series that brings the rhythm of summer to Vanier, and another for their bold new rebrand—a fresh identity that reflects the neighbourhood’s evolving energy and diversity while remaining rooted in its strong sense of community.
Glebe BIA – Award of Merit for Glebe Spree
A holiday tradition in the Glebe, Glebe Spree invites shoppers to support local businesses during the festive season for a chance to win big. The campaign is a beloved community staple that brings foot traffic, energy, and a spirit of giving to the neighbourhood each winter. This year, it was recognized with an Award of Merit in the Special Events category.
Downtown Rideau BIA – Award of Excellence for ‘Ottawa’s Original Downtown’
Downtown Rideau BIA took home the top honour — an Award of Excellence — for its bold rebrand and marketing repositioning as Ottawa’s Original Downtown. Developed over a three-year period, the comprehensive strategy aims to reaffirm Rideau as a vibrant destination for shopping, dining, culture, nightlife, and entertainment. The campaign celebrates Rideau’s deep historic roots and its evolving role as a connector to the broader downtown experience. With input from the community and guidance from agency Mediaplus, the BIA launched new marketing assets, signage, seasonal campaigns, and a refreshed digital presence to elevate the area’s profile.
Together, these awards showcase what’s possible when BIAs collaborate, create, and lead with purpose — strengthening local economies and building neighbourhoods that thrive.
