About Us
What is a BIA anyway?
Great question! The Heart of Orléans Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a Local Board of Ottawa Council, guided by a volunteer Board of Management, and established by our business community in 2006.
BIAs bring businesses together to collaborate, advocate, and enhance their district. We work to:
✔ Promote the area as a vibrant business and shopping destination
✔ Advocate for our members on key issues
✔ Enhance the streetscape to create an inviting environment
By pooling resources and speaking with one strong voice, we help businesses thrive and make the Heart of Orléans BIA a great place to work, shop, and explore!
If you are interested in the specifics, you can brush up with our Frequently Asked Questions and get a little more up close and personal with our Leadership team, Board Members, Staff and Councillors here.
Watch our sizzle reel to see more of the Heart of Orléans BIA!
Our Vision
- The BIA takes a leadership role in attracting, supporting, and promoting the kind of businesses that makes the Heart of Orléans distinct.
- The BIA is committed to nurturing an engaged and enthusiastic membership that reflects and values our vibrant community.
- The BIA helps to create a beautiful, trendy destination to attract business and visitors.
Our Mandate is to...
1
Promote the area as a District.
2
Advocate on behalf of our members.
3
Make improvements to Streetscape
Our Values
Leadership
We strive to be a strong community leader, influencing decisions for Orléans, and inspiring positive change.
Advocacy
We are committed to advocating for and promoting our district, and empowering our members.
Impact
We support the long-term economic development of our district and the strength and success of our members.
Partnership
We are committed to helping our members connect and collaborate with each other and working with key players in the broader community of Orléans.
Member Services
Making Meaningful Connections
At the Heart of Orléans BIA, we’re committed to fostering connections and collaboration within our business community. We offer a variety of opportunities to help our members network, grow, and stay informed, including:
✔ Networking events to connect with fellow business owners and professionals.
✔ Community events that bring residents and businesses together. For example, Orléans Craft Beer Festival, Santa’s Parade of Lights and our Annual Tree Lighting Event.
✔ Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) to keep members engaged and involved.
We also extend a warm welcome to new businesses, introducing them to the services and support available through the BIA. At the same time, we stay connected with our longstanding members, learning from their expertise to continuously refine our strategies and strengthen the local business community.
Together, we make the Heart of Orléans a thriving place to do business!
Creating a Vibrant and Economically Strong District
We are dedicated to continuously enhancing our district to make it more walkable, bike-friendly, clean, and safe. Our vision is to develop the area in a way that attracts and benefits you—the people who bring so much energy and vibrancy to our community.
The BIA has a long-term plan for the district designed to:
- Define a clear vision for the future
- Foster a dynamic and thriving business district
- Identify key priorities and action areas
- Explore redevelopment opportunities within the district
- Encourage collaboration between the public and private sectors to bring this vision to life
We have worked closely with the City of Ottawa’s Planning Team and are excited to see our streetscape plan serve as the foundation for the Orléans Corridor Secondary Plan Study!
In the meantime, we remain committed to beautifying the district with initiatives such as graffiti removal, historical plaques, murals, a Quasar crosswalk, planters, seasonal lighting, and more!
Marketing and Communications
Marketing
Our Marketing team is dedicated to enhancing the visibility of the Heart of Orléans BIA, celebrating its unique identity, and encouraging people to discover all that our local businesses have to offer.
As the voice and face of the BIA, our team works on a variety of initiatives to support and promote our members, including:
✔ Building and maintaining our brand to reflect the vibrancy of our district.
✔ Running marketing campaigns, including collaborations with influencers.
✔ Creating promotional materials to showcase businesses and events.
✔ Managing social media to engage with the community and highlight local stories.
✔ Developing and maintaining our website as a hub of information.
✔ Conducting market research to better understand trends and opportunities.
Through these efforts, we help strengthen our business community and make the Heart of Orléans a go-to destination for shopping, dining, and services!
Communications
We are dedicated to keeping our community informed and engaged. Our communication efforts include a variety of channels designed to keep local businesses, residents, and visitors up-to-date on important news, events, and developments within the Heart of Orléans BIA.
Newsletter
Our bi-weekly newsletter, The Beat, is sent directly to business owners and residents, featuring the latest community news, upcoming events, and business updates. Stay informed about what’s happening in the Heart of Orléans BIA and get the inside scoop on local happenings!
Press Releases
We regularly issue press releases to share important news and updates about the Heart of Orléans BIA, including new developments, partnerships, events, and initiatives. Our press releases help ensure that key information reaches both the public and media.
Social Media
Our social media platforms are another key communication tool where we connect with the community, share exciting updates, and promote local businesses. Follow us to stay in the loop on the latest events and news in the Heart of Orléans BIA.
Through these efforts, we help strengthen our business community and make the Heart of Orléans BIA a go-to destination for shopping, dining, and services!