ABOUT
VANIER

Not suburban, not downtown, Vanier sits on the cusp of the downtown core for a small-town feel with a sense of connection and family. Centrally located, minutes from downtown, and surrounded in other bustling neighbourhoods, we’re one of the most diverse and eclectic areas in the city.

Built on Indigenous land, based on a rich history of francophone culture, we now proudly boast the highest population of Indigenous people in Ottawa, the highest population of Inuit people outside of Nunavut, and the highest population of newcomers in the city.

We’re really proud of our international placemaking award for the Vanier HUB, a community space that we built together, where families and people gather and partake in inclusive, diverse and bilingual activities.

WHAT IS A BIA?

A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a group of local business owners and tenants who team up with the City of Ottawa to make their area a better place to shop and do business. Together, they use their own money—collected from a small addition to their property taxes—to improve and beautify the neighbourhood. This helps make the community more lively and attractive for everyone.

BENEFITS OF A BIA

BIAs play a pivotal role in shaping vibrant, distinct neighbourhoods known as the go-to places for dining, shopping, working, and playing. They market the area effectively, helping local businesses stand out against online shopping giants, malls, and popular tourist spots.

BIAs are key drivers of urban enhancement and major contributors to the city’s economy and community well-being. The City supports BIAs with various programs aimed at fostering lively, competitive, and secure business districts.

Some ways BIAs boost their local economies:

Maintaining and upgrading streets and sidewalks.
Promoting the area through business directories, advertising, and festivals.
Organizing community festivals and events to attract visitors.
Enhancing safety and security and preventing crime.
Removing graffiti and unwanted posters to beautify the streetscape.
Developing strategic plans for attracting new businesses, conducting market studies, and making capital improvements.
Representing local businesses with a unified voice to address common issues.

what makes

vanier bia

different?

We’re not just one district, we have three main streets, each with their own unique style that reflects our diversity.

We build on our cultural economy by changing how our community looks through our artists’ murals, vinyl wraps, and other art forms.

Beechwood

A quaint, more traditional main street, Beechwood begins at the river and winds its way to St. Laurent. It boasts beautiful shops, restaurants and cafes, and has incubated some of the most iconic businesses in Ottawa!

MONTRÉAL

Newly revitalized, it is rapidly evolving into a diverse hub of economic and cultural activity. The heart of the former city of Vanier, Montreal Rd will transition to hosting hundreds of new housing and commercial spaces.

MCARTHUR

A vibrant mosaic of cultures, McArthur Ave is home to the most culturally diverse shops and businesses in the city. It is a foodie wonderland where you can find unique ingredients and experiences.

OUR STORY

Where it began and how it’s going

1908: The birth of Eastview

The three villages east of the Rideau River—Janeville, Clarkson, and Clandeboye—merge to become Eastview. Five years later, it will be incorporated as a town.

1963: EASTVIEW BECOMES A city!

Eastview officially gains city status, marking a new chapter in its history.

1969: A NEW NAME, A NEW ERA

Eastview is renamed to Vanier, in honour of the first French-Canadian Governor General of Canada, Georges P. Vanier.

1974: The Rise of Bernard Grandmaitre

Bernard Grandmaitre becomes the Mayor of Vanier and will later serve as a longstanding MP and Canadian Senator.

1984: The Vanier Merchants Association is born

The Vanier Merchants Association is created, eventually evolving into the BIA we know today!

2001: VANIER JOINS OTTAWA

Vanier is amalgamated into the newly formed City of Ottawa.

2009: Welcome, Quartier Vanier BIA!

The Vanier Merchants Association transitions to become the Quartier Vanier BIA.

2013: Expansion to Beechwood

The Quartier Vanier BIA expands its boundaries to include the north side of Beechwood.

2016: BeechFest Debuts

The first BeechFest annual street fair is held, originally known as East Feast.

2017: A Mural Masterpiece

The city’s largest mural is unveiled at 261 Montreal Rd, adding vibrant art to Vanier.

2018: Partage Vanier's Inaugural Event

The first Partage Vanier event takes place in Beechwood Cemetery.

2019: Revitalizing Montreal Rd

The ambitious Montreal Rd Revitalization Project begins, aiming to breathe new life into the area.

2022: Montreal Rd Reopens

Montreal Rd is officially reopened, showcasing its revitalized splendor.

2023: Rebranding to ZAC Vanier BIA

The Quartier Vanier BIA rebrands as the ZAC Vanier BIA.

2023: International Recognition

The Vanier HUB receives the prestigious Prix Bernard Grandmaitre for Excellence in Francophone Programming, as well as the International Downtown Association’s Excellence in Placemaking Award.

2024: Provincial Accolades

The Vanier HUB was honoured with the Ontario BIA Association’s Excellence in Placemaking Award, while Partage Beechwood earned the Excellence in Marketing and Member Events Award from the same association.