by Kelly Weiss | May 11, 2026 | Press Releases | Letters
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is more than a network of local businesses. It reflects the neighbourhood it serves. When a BIA is active and thriving, it signals a vibrant, connected community where people take pride in where they live, shop, gather, and even sing...
by Kelly Weiss | May 1, 2026 | BIA News, News, Press Releases | Letters
The Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas (OCOBIA) represents the eighteen Business Improvement Areas (BIA) who are local boards of the City of Ottawa and governed by the Ontario Municipal Act. BIAs are non-partisan organizations. At OCOBIA, our Political...
by Kelly Weiss | Apr 27, 2026 | BIA News
At the recent Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA) conference, Ottawa’s Business Improvement Areas had the opportunity to sit down with provincial representatives to discuss local challenges and share practical strategies to support businesses, increase foot traffic,...
by Kelly Weiss | Apr 21, 2026 | BIA News, News
Ottawa’s Business Improvement Areas had a standout showing at the 2026 Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA) Awards, with four recognitions across three local BIAs — and a deeply deserved Lifetime Achievement Award for one of the city’s most dedicated BIA...
by Kelly Weiss | Apr 15, 2026 | Press Releases | Letters
Business Improvement Areas are a Canadian innovation, first created in Toronto in 1970 when local businesses came together on Bloor to invest in their main street’s future. The idea quickly spread globally. In 1977, Ottawa established its first BIA on Bank Street (now...
