Election Priorities for Municipal Candidates

The Heart of Orléans Business Improvement Area (BIA) represents nearly 800 businesses across Orléans who support economic vitality, community well-being, and a strong sense of place. As we continue advancing Destination Orléans, we look forward to working collaboratively with the next City Council to strengthen our mainstreets, support local businesses, and deliver vibrant, safe, and welcoming commercial districts.

Below are our key priorities for the upcoming municipal term.

1. Community Cleanliness & Safety

Safe, clean, and welcoming BIAs are economic infrastructure.

Maintaining well-kept commercial districts supports local economies, tourism, and community confidence. Visible signs of neglect, including graffiti, unmanaged encampments, and ongoing public safety concerns, can undermine investment, foot traffic, and perceptions of safety for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Why This Matters

Economic Impact

Clean, orderly streetscapes protect property values and prevent perceptions of decline.

Well-maintained districts attract new businesses and support long-term retention.

Proactive maintenance and coordinated responses reduce long-term costs for both businesses and the City.

Consumers are more likely to shop, dine, and linger in areas that feel safe, cared for, and accessible.

Tourism & Destination Appeal

Visitors prioritize areas that feel safe, vibrant, and welcoming.

Beautified BIAs strengthen destination branding and encourage exploration beyond traditional nodes.

Replacing vandalism with sanctioned public art can support cultural identity and “art tourism.”

Social & Community Stability

Rapid graffiti removal deters repeat vandalism and related criminal activity.

Clean environments foster community pride and shared stewardship.

Compassionate, coordinated responses to visible poverty help balance community safety with social responsibility.

Our Asks

Graffiti & Maintenance

Continue and strengthen the municipal graffiti grant program, including exploring solutions for unwanted graffiti at the new state-of-the-art Orléans skatepark, where existing by-laws currently permit graffiti.

Safety & Issue Escalation

Maintain and clarify escalation protocols for BIAs addressing safety concerns, including continued use of 311 and collaboration with Community Police Officers.

Encampments & Panhandling – Coordinated, Compassionate Responses

Establish clear, BIA-friendly protocols for addressing encampments and persistent panhandling in commercial districts that balance compassion, public safety, and economic vitality.

Improve coordination between BIAs, City services, outreach workers, Ottawa Police Service, and By-law to ensure timely, consistent responses that connect individuals to appropriate supports while maintaining safe and accessible public spaces.

Inter-Agency Collaboration

Continue and strengthen collaboration between BIAs, Ottawa Police Service, and By-law, including reviewing and modernizing outdated or inefficient processes.

2. Predictable & Fair BIA Funding

BIAs deliver outsized value with limited City investment.

BIAs are primarily funded through property-owner levies, not City grants. While other economic development organizations receive significant municipal funding, BIAs, despite their scale and impact, have limited access to City resources.

Context

Invest Ottawa receives approximately $4.6M annually from the City.

The City of Ottawa provides funding to support initiatives in which the Ottawa Board of Trade (OBOT) is involved, like the Downtown Vibrancy Office with $450,000 in funding over three years from provincial money allocated through the City.

OMIC receives $200,000 annually for their operating budget from the City with access to various grants such as City Sounds Live (70K in 2023), Ottawa Music Development Fund (25k annually), capacity building (15K). According to recent OMIC financial overviews, City of Ottawa Economic Development funding accounts for approximately 40% of the organization’s total annual revenue.

The City of Ottawa provides the Ottawa Film Office (OFO) with approximately $400,000 in annual funding. This funding is administered through a multi-year agreement to support the development, retention, and competitiveness of the city’s film, television, and animation sector.

All 18 Ottawa BIAs combined share approximately $340,000 annually through competitive grants.

Yet BIAs collectively represent:

7,100+ businesses

Over $10M in annual levies

$396M+ in commercial property taxes

Nearly $12B in assessed commercial property value

Our Asks

Clear recognition that BIA levies are property-owner funded, not City operating dollars.

Expanded and predictable funding opportunities for BIAs to support:

Placemaking and beautification

Tourism and destination development

Streetscape revitalization aligned with the Orléans Secondary Plan (e.g., revitalizing St. Joseph Boulevard, burying hydro wires, bike lanes, tree canopy).

Protection against levy erosion during property reassessments that disproportionately impact BIAs.

3. Data, Research & Evidence-Based Decision Making

Good policy requires good data.

BIAs are increasingly expected to demonstrate impact, advocate effectively, and align with City priorities, yet access to reliable, standardized data remains limited.

Our Asks

City-funded, shared data tools and dashboards for BIAs, including, but not limited to:

Foot traffic data
Commercial vacancy rates

Economic impact studies

Spending and consumer patterns

MPAC assessment data (aggregated and compliant)

Social media and digital engagement metrics

Access to consistent data will support better planning, stronger advocacy, and smarter investments for both BIAs and the City.

4. Streamlined Permits & Reduced Red Tape

Small businesses need speed, clarity, and consistency.

Complex processes and inconsistent by-law interpretation create barriers for businesses trying to open, grow, or animate their districts.

Our Asks

Faster approvals for:

New businesses

Events and activations

Signage and patios

Clear and consistent interpretation of by-laws across departments.

A single point of contact for BIAs navigating City processes, such as a Small Business Commissioner – similar in concept to the City’s Nightlife Commissioner.

Addressing permitting barriers specific to food and beverage businesses, recognizing that over 110 Heart of Orléans members operate in this sector and frequently experience slow approvals, fragmented information, and inconsistent outcomes (see case study: Cookies by Kat)

5. Transit, Accessibility & Daytime Vitality

Connected places thrive.

As Orléans continues to grow, transit access, walkability, and daytime activity are critical to the success of local businesses and the long-term viability of our commercial districts. Gaps in transit connectivity, pedestrian infrastructure, and daytime population presence limit foot traffic, spending, and destination appeal.

Why This Matters

Transit & Accessibility Gaps

Limited public transit connectivity into and within Orléans reduces out-of-area visitation and spontaneous trips to local businesses.

Inconsistent pedestrian and cycling infrastructure along key business corridors limits safe, convenient access for residents, employees, and visitors.

Poor connectivity undermines Destination Orléans efforts by making it harder for people to choose Orléans as a place to shop, dine, and gather.

Daytime Foot Traffic & the Transient Workforce

A significant portion of Orléans residents work for the federal government and commute downtown, resulting in reduced daytime foot traffic in local commercial areas.

This “bedroom community” dynamic limits weekday economic activity and places added pressure on evenings and weekends to sustain businesses.

Our Asks

Improved Transit & Active Transportation Connectivity

Advocate for improved transit connections that better link Orléans to the rest of the city and directly serve key commercial nodes within the BIA.

Invest in safe, continuous pedestrian and cycling infrastructure along major business corridors to support walkability, accessibility, and local spending.

Ensure transit, cycling, and streetscape planning align with the Orléans Secondary Plan and Destination Orléans objectives.

Supporting Local Daytime Activity & Flexible Work

Support policies and pilot programs that encourage flexible work arrangements and the use of local coworking spaces within Orléans.

Explore opportunities to attract remote and hybrid workers to stay, work, and spend locally during the day, strengthening business viability and reducing pressure on peak periods.

Looking Ahead: Destination Orléans

Orléans is growing, evolving, and ready to be fully realized as a destination. The Heart of Orléans BIA is committed to working in partnership with Council to implement the City’s vision, support local businesses, and ensure Orléans continues to thrive as a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.

What We’ve Already Delivered

Aligned with City of Ottawa Council Priorities

The Heart of Orléans BIA consistently delivers measurable outcomes that support Council’s goals of economic vitality, safe communities, responsible growth, and strong neighbourhoods. With limited City funding and a property-owner–funded levy, we have demonstrated an ability to turn investment into impact.

Supporting a Strong Local Economy

Council Priority: Economic Recovery & Small Business Support

Represent and support approximately 780 businesses, making the Heart of Orléans one of the largest BIAs in Ottawa.

Advocate on behalf of businesses contributing:

$396M+ in annual commercial property taxes

Nearly $12B in assessed commercial property value

Successfully led the 2024 BIA boundary expansion, growing membership from roughly 360 to 780 businesses, ensuring more businesses receive coordinated advocacy, promotion, and support.

Provide direct business support through referrals, issue escalation, promotions, and networking, helping businesses open, grow, and remain viable.

Building Safe, Clean, and Welcoming Mainstreets

Council Priority: Community Safety & Well-Being

Leveraged municipal grants and BIA funding to address graffiti and improve visual conditions across the district.

Collaborated with Ottawa Police Service, By-law Services, and City staff to address safety concerns and improve communication and responsiveness.

Supported streetscape maintenance and beautification efforts that improve perceived safety and encourage residents and visitors to spend time locally.

Act as a local “eyes on the street” partner, escalating issues early before they become larger public safety concerns.

Placemaking, Animation & Destination-Building

Council Priority: Vibrant Neighbourhoods & Tourism

Delivered and supported signature community events and activations that generate foot traffic, increase dwell time, and strengthen local identity.

Invested in marketing, storytelling, and promotion that position Orléans as a place to shop, dine, gather, and experience, laying the groundwork for Destination Orléans.

Partnered with cultural institutions, local businesses, and community organizations to maximize reach and return on investment.

Advanced a strong “sense of place” that aligns with City goals for complete, connected, and people-focused communities.

Strategic Governance & Accountability

Council Priority: Good Governance & Responsible Investment

Transitioned to a strategic governance and operations model, improving oversight, decision-making, and long-term planning.

Conduct annual strategic planning with Board leadership to ensure resources are directed toward initiatives with the greatest community impact.

Maintain transparent reporting to members and stakeholders.

Use member feedback, performance tracking, and data-informed decision-making to guide priorities.

Why This Matters to Council

The Heart of Orléans BIA delivers city-building outcomes (economic vitality, safety, placemaking, and community pride) at a fraction of the cost of comparable municipal programs. Our track record demonstrates that when BIAs are included early, properly resourced, and treated as partners, they amplify the City’s investment and deliver tangible results.

With additional support, data access, and streamlined processes, we are ready to do even more to help implement the City’s vision and the Orléans Secondary Plan.