Who We Are
The Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas (OCOBIA) is a member-driven non-profit that represents 18 rural, suburban, and urban Ottawa Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), their 10,000 commercial property and business owner members, and the communities that live, work, and play on their main streets.
Vision
A welcoming and safe Ottawa built around strong, vibrant, and livable main streets where residents can live, work, and grow a business.
Mission
OCOBIA works to advocate for the business improvement area model with local, provincial, and federal stakeholders, serves as a resource to its member BIAs in developing hyper-local economies, and partners with collaborators in support of main street businesses across rural, suburban, and urban Ottawa.
What is a BIA?
What is a BIA?
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a non-profit association of commercial property owners and tenants who work together to promote and improve a defined commercial district. BIAs foster economic development, enhance public spaces, advocate for small business needs, and build strong, local communities.
Governance & Legislation
BIAs in Ontario are regulated under the Municipal Act and are established by municipal by-law. Each BIA is governed by a volunteer Board of Management, considered a local board of the municipality, and must follow the policies set out for local boards.
Funding Model
BIAs are funded through a special levy collected by the City from commercial property owners within the BIA boundary. This levy — typically passed on to tenants — is based on assessed property values and the approved BIA budget. Businesses shape and vote on the budget at the Annual General Meeting. Many BIAs further enhance their impact through grants, sponsorships, and partnerships.
What BIAs Do
BIAs improve their local economies and neighbourhood identity through activities like:
- Streetscape improvements and beautification
- Events, festivals, and placemaking initiatives
- Business directories and promotional campaigns
- Safety and crime prevention programs
- Strategic planning and business recruitment
- Unified advocacy with municipal partners
BIA Formation
Interested in starting a BIA? OCOBIA collaborates with the City of Ottawa to support the formation process and provide access to funding.
Learn more about forming a BIA →
Our Members
OCOBIA represents 18 Business Improvement Areas across Ottawa — each serving a unique neighbourhood, business community, and local culture. From main streets to market hubs, BIAs work on the ground to promote small business, support community initiatives, and shape the identity of their districts.
Together, they form a powerful coalition of economic leadership across the city.
Board & Governance
OCOBIA is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of representatives from member BIAs across Ottawa. The Board sets strategic priorities, ensures accountability, and guides the coalition’s citywide efforts.
The Board is supported by OCOBIA staff and consultants, working together to deliver advocacy, resources, and collective leadership on behalf of all member BIAs.
Together, they form a powerful coalition of economic leadership across the city.
