OCOBIA NEWS
OCOBIA NEWS
News & Updates
This is where we share the latest news, announcements, and updates from across the OCOBIA network. From policy developments to citywide initiatives, you’ll find insights and information that matter to Ottawa’s BIAs — and the businesses they support.
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...
Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas celebrates fifth anniversary
From Manotick to Sparks Street, Orléans to Carp Village, Ottawa’s commercial main streets all have one economic development secret in common, a Business Improvement Area. These 18 placemaking organizations and their 6400 business members employ nearly 130,000 Ottawa...