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 thriving Main Streets and supporting local economies.
Together, OBIAA Executive Director Rachel Braithwaite and OCOBIA Chief Advocate Michelle Groulx emphasized how BIAs serve as the boots on the ground for hyper-local economic development, beautification, and community well-being.
The delegation’s briefing focused on how BIAs can contribute to Ontario’s housing goals and strengthen communities through:
- Activating second-floor residential units above Main Street businesses to add attainable housing in already serviced, walkable areas.
- Expanding supportive housing models that connect residents with wrap-around services such as mental health, addictions support, and employment opportunities.
OBIAA and OCOBIA also reinforced the importance of protecting ground-floor commercial space, maintaining recycling services for Main Streets, and ensuring BIAs have the legislative tools they need to work effectively with municipalities.
This conversation is part of ongoing advocacy to ensure BIAs have a voice in provincial policy discussions, bringing a local perspective to province-wide challenges such as housing, homelessness, and economic vitality.
Read the full delegation letter here.
