OBIAA & OCOBIA Meet with Ontario NDP Caucus at AMO 2025
At the 2025 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in Ottawa, representatives from the Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA) and the Ottawa Coalition of BIAs (OCOBIA) met with the Ontario NDP caucus to highlight the critical role BIAs play in shaping...
OBJ: Centretown BIA plans to expand again, encompassing 300 additional businesses
The Centretown BIA is preparing for a significant boundary expansion that could bring 300 additional businesses into its membership by early 2026. Executive Director SabriNa Lemay says the move is part of the BIA’s ongoing revitalization plan, which aims to better...
OBJ: ‘Third time’s the charm’ for Michelle Groulx with return to OCOBIA as chief advocate
Credit: Ottawa Business Journal We are pleased to share that Michelle Groulx has returned to the Ottawa Coalition of BIAs (OCOBIA) as Chief Advocate, a role that will put her at the forefront of the organization’s advocacy work on behalf of Ottawa’s 18 BIAs. This...
OCOBIA Welcomes Michelle Groulx as Chief Advocate Following Strategic Review
Ottawa, ON – June 26, 2025 – Following its fifth anniversary, the Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas (OCOBIA) undertook a comprehensive organizational review to chart a focused and sustainable path for the next five years. Led by an external consultant,...
Ottawa BIAs Take Centre Stage at 2025 OBIAA Awards
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,...
Sparks Street BIA expands, rebrands to Downtown BIA
The Sparks Street Business Improvement Area (BIA) announced today its boundary expansion and rebrand to Downtown BIA. This new name and mandate reflect the BIA’s renewed commitment to fostering commercial, community and cultural growth in downtown Ottawa. Following a...
Ottawa’s Business Improvement Areas Celebrate Third Places for Small Business Month
A home away from home and work. Across Ottawa every day, local citizens gather in cafes, coffee shops, collaboration spaces, games rooms, bars, and venues to enjoy the company of their community peers and enjoy local fare. These vital third places (home is our...