The recent focus on Downtown Revitalization has highlighted a significant portion of the downtown core as being not or underrepresented at the local level. Given the recent economic and social economic challenges of downtown commercial cores, the need for representation, advocacy and management of public realm is more important than ever. The BIA has a proven track record of creating positive change and advocating for its members. With a focus on business retention and expansion, economic development, public realm and cultural programming, the BIA is well positioned to expand its area of influence beyond historic Sparks Street. This boundary expansion of the BIA trade area will extend these essential services to the heart of the downtown core that is currently underserved and underrepresented. Once approved, the BIA expansion will come into effect on January 1st. 2025. Please refer to the Boundary Expansion Map - Click Here Please refer to Boundary Expansion Research report - Click Here

The expansion area illustrated in the map includes commercial properties within the following boundaries: Bay Street to the West Laurier Avenue West to the South, to Metcalfe Street Slater Street to the South, between Metcalfe Street and Elgin Street Elgin Street to the East Wellington Street to the North The expansion area consists of 29 street blocks, consisting primarily of mid-to- high rise commercial use and some residential and institutional uses. As the Sparks Street neighbourhood is largely a business district, many of these buildings are characterized by commercial or retail uses at-grade (including personal services, cafes and restaurants, and fitness centers) and office uses above grade. The area is also significantly made up of government offices which occupy the whole or part of several commercial properties in the BIA. This formally identified new district will be well positioned to compliment, collaborate and compete with the districts that currently surround it.

With the formation of an expanded BIA, and in support of the ongoing downtown revitalization plans, the current Sparks Street BIA will be rebranded to better reflect the expanded boundary. The BIA is currently engaged in a research and rebranding exercise to develop a new brand identity that best represents and reflects the uniqueness of the downtown Ottawa district. It is essential that the new branding resonates with all businesses and residents in the area and attracts a broad range of visitors with a strong marketing appeal. This rebranding will be an essential part of ongoing economic development, community and destination development.

The role of a BIA is to drive collaboration between local business, commercial property owners, and visitors. With the support of the municipality, its mandate is to organize, finance and develop meaningful community and cultural programming and activations, while promoting economic development and destination development within the commercial district.

The Sparks Street Mall Authority (SSMA) mandate will continue to be maintenance of historic Sparks Street as an attractive destination for locals and visitors, and a vibrant outdoor experience for pedestrians. This is delivered through management of the Public Realm Plan which includes public placemaking, seasonal and cultural programming and celebrates both local and national cultures. The public realm plan incorporates all elements of inclusivity, diversity and accessibility. The expanded BIA and the SSMA will continue to share staff and other resources. By maintaining combined administration and operations, the new BIA will benefit from the lessons learned from Sparks Street. The experience and enhanced efforts in managing Sparks Street over the past 10 years will directly benefit the BIA in its expanded area.

Any business that pays commercial property taxes to the city or through their property owner within the intended boundary will be included in this expansion. Expansion area businesses were organized by three business categories: retail, restaurant, and service. Restaurant businesses also include cafes and takeaway only food establishments, while service businesses include hotels and banks. In total, of the 134 non-vacant businesses, approximately 11% are retail, 43% are restaurants and 46% are service based.

The BIA’s primary source of funding comes from its members. Each member pays a levy, proportional to the value of property within the boundary. The BIA regularly applies for funding from all three levels of government to offset the costs of programming and projects. Over the past five years, the Sparks Street BIA has received over $600,000 in funding for its initiatives.

Several research reports were conducted and BIA Board meetings were held to assess the proposed expansion, including: An analysis of the commercial property tax roll for properties within existing and expansion boundaries. An inventory of expansion businesses located within these commercial properties. The focus of the inventory is on at-grade commercial businesses. An assessment of the potential impact of boundary expansion of BIA levies. The City of Ottawa economic development office reviewed the proposed boundary expansion to ensure there are no conflicts or issues from a municipal perspective. The initial boundary was selected by the Sparks Street steering committee and was approved by the BIA Board of Directors. BIA Boundary Expansion Research Report Click Here

An analysis of the commercial properties and property ownership was conducted, based on the City of Ottawa Property 2023 Tax Roll for existing and expansion properties. The analysis of the November 21, 2023 version of the commercial property tax roll provided by the City of Ottawa identified a total of 61 commercial properties in the existing BIA boundary, with 76 properties in the proposed expansion boundary for a total property count of 138. The 138 commercial properties identified include buildings owned by the Government of Canada. The expansion area represents a significant increase to the total assessment value of the BIA, representing a total assessment over three times the amount of the existing BIA properties. More detailed information on commercial properties in both the BIA’s existing and proposed areas are contained in the BIA Boundary Expansion Research Report - Click Here.

The BIA invites you to be part of the process in this exciting expansion. For full transparency, the next steps will include: A public consultation that will be held in mid-September, details to be announced. Letters of support from stakeholders, existing and new business members will be collected and shared with the City. The BIA Expansion Report will go the Finance and Corporate Services Committee and then City Council in October. The City will send notification to all property owners within the expanded district in October. Once approved, the BIA expansion will come into effect on January 1st, 2025.