Ottawa’s municipal election is on October 26, and the decisions made by the next City Council will directly shape the future of our mainstreets.
Ottawa’s 18 Business Improvement Areas represent thousands of businesses across urban, suburban, and rural neighbourhoods. Through OCOBIA, they have come together around a shared set of priorities for the city we want to see: a strong local economy, safe and welcoming districts, reliable transit and connectivity, resilient infrastructure, sustainable funding for the work BIAs do, and mainstreets that continue to be economic and cultural anchors for their communities.
OCOBIA is non-partisan. We do not support or oppose any candidate. Instead, we are inviting every candidate to share how they would help Ottawa’s mainstreets stay viable, vibrant, and connected — and we are inviting voters to engage with those answers as they head to the polls.
Ottawa’s small businesses are at the heart of the city’s economy, culture, and community. They deserve leaders who understand what mainstreets need to thrive.
Learn more about OCOBIA’s election priorities and where candidates stand here.