ADVOCACY & INITIATIVES
ADVOCACY AND INITIATIVES
OUR ADVOCACY PRIORITIES
OCOBIA’s work is grounded in advocacy, collaboration, and strategic partnership. Our priorities are shaped by the real needs of our members and the evolving municipal, provincial, and economic landscape.
We focus our efforts in three key areas:
ADVOCATE
We represent Ottawa’s BIAs at every level of government, shaping conversations that impact small business and commercial neighbourhoods.
- Engage in policy discussions at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels, including changes to the Municipal Act
- Strengthen the role and visibility of BIAs in the lead-up to the 2026 municipal election
- Support the formation and expansion of BIAs as a tool for local economic development
RESOURCE
We provide tools, connections, and insights that help BIAs grow and lead with confidence.
- Curate communications resources that inform, empower, and connect
- Deliver regional networking, education, and collaboration opportunities
- Offer tangible member benefits through strategic vendor partnerships
PARTNER
We collaborate with organizations that share our vision of vibrant, people-centred commercial communities.
- Pursue strategic partnerships with economic development agencies
- Identify funding opportunities that build capacity for OCOBIA and its members
- Present a unified voice at City Hall, major economic development events, and within member communities
CITYWIDE INITIATIVES
In addition to advocacy and resource-sharing, OCOBIA leads and supports citywide initiatives that improve Ottawa’s mainstreets, uplift neighbourhood economies, and foster collaboration across BIAs.
Our initiatives focus on:
Supporting post-pandemic recovery through coordinated campaigns and business support tools
Collaborating with the City of Ottawa on programs that enhance public spaces, safety, and accessibility
Coordinating citywide data collection and analysis to support evidence-based planning
Amplifying the impact of BIA-led events and promotions through joint marketing and communications
Facilitating dialogue between BIAs to share knowledge, successes, and strategies
OUR IMPACT
OCOBIA’s work is shaped by the collective strength of Ottawa’s BIAs — and the results are visible across the city. From stronger local economies to enhanced neighbourhood identity, our efforts are helping BIAs create lasting impact in their communities
Recent highlights include:
Strengthened partnerships with the City of Ottawa on accessibility, safety, and small business recovery
Development of shared tools and resources used across all BIAs
Coordination of cross-city marketing and awareness campaigns
Ongoing support for the formation and expansion of BIAs in underserved areas
Increased visibility of the BIA model in municipal decision-making
Our work continues to evolve — but our goal remains the same: to uplift BIAs so they can uplift their communities.
A BILINGUAL COMMUNITY
OCOBIA is committed to supporting Ottawa’s bilingual identity and ensuring accessible communication for all.
Learn how we’re helping BIAs integrate bilingual practices into their outreach, signage, and services.