Last week, Michelle Groulx (Chief Advocate, OCOBIA) and Nathalie Carrier (Vice-Chair, OCOBIA & Executive Director, Vanier BIA) attended the National Capital Region Liberal Caucus meeting in Cantley, QC, where key economic development partners gathered to share a collective vision for the future of Ottawa–Gatineau.
Representatives from Ottawa Tourism, Invest Ottawa, Chambre de commerce de Gatineau, Tourisme Outaouais, Ottawa International Airport Authority (YOW), and APCHQ joined the discussion, presenting strategic priorities aimed at strengthening the region’s economy.
The priorities included:
- Stabilizing the federal workforce and pursuing real estate strategies to revitalize downtown Ottawa and Gatineau
- Catalyzing regional transportation to better connect communities across Ottawa–Gatineau
- Positioning Ottawa–Gatineau as a National Defence Innovation Hub
- Developing a bicentennial Capital vision with long-term investments in the region’s future
Speaking on behalf of Ottawa’s BIAs, Nathalie Carrier emphasized the value of BIAs as community builders, underscoring their role in enhancing quality of life for residents while supporting local businesses.