Vibrant main streets are the backbone of Ottawa’s 15 minute neighbourhoods

Press Releases | Letters

Ottawa’s main streets are where neighbourhoods come to life. They are places to meet neighbours, support local businesses, and access daily needs close to home. Strong main streets turn the vision of 15 minute neighbourhoods into reality, making it easier to live, work, shop, and connect locally.

Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) are the driving force behind vibrant main streets. They support neighbourhoods across urban, suburban, and rural Ottawa, strengthening local economies and creating places people are proud of. Funded by the businesses and commercial property owners on each main street, BIAs represent a direct investment in community success through streetscape improvements, events, business support, and welcoming public spaces.

Ottawa is home to 18 Business Improvement Areas and growing.

Learn more about Ottawa’s Business Improvement Areas at http://ocobia.org

OCOBIA Congratulates Ottawa’s Newly Elected Mayor and City Council

OCOBIA Congratulates Ottawa’s Newly Elected Mayor and City Council

OCOBIA extends its sincere congratulations to Ottawa’s newly elected Mayor and City Council following yesterday’s municipal election. On behalf of Ottawa’s 18 Business Improvement Areas and the more than 7,200 businesses they represent, we look forward to building...

Ottawa’s Mainstreets Have a Stake in This Election

Ottawa’s Mainstreets Have a Stake in This Election

Ottawa heads to the polls on October 26, and the next City Council will shape the future of our mainstreets for years to come. Ottawa’s 18 Business Improvement Areas represent thousands of businesses across urban, suburban, and rural neighbourhoods. Through OCOBIA,...

Free Transit Weekend Across Ottawa — September 26 & 27

Free Transit Weekend Across Ottawa — September 26 & 27

As part of the City of Ottawa’s bicentennial celebrations, OC Transpo offered free transit across its full network on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, 2026. The initiative made it easier than ever for residents to explore Ottawa’s mainstreets, attend...