Provincial Association Recognizes Excellence in BIA Management and Community Building
Vanier, ON – April 2025 — The Vanier Business Improvement Area (BIA) has been recognized for its Akoustik Summer Music Series and its Brand Refresh Project by the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA), as one of 33 winners of its 2025 Awards.
The Akoustik Series brought free, family-friendly live music to outdoor spaces in Vanier during the summer months, celebrating local talent and creating vibrant, accessible community programming. The Brand Refresh project was a complete transformation of the BIA’s visual identity, website, and communication tools to better reflect Vanier’s energy, diversity, and growth.
“It’s an honour to be recognized among so many great BIAs doing impactful work across the province,” said Nathalie Carrier, Executive Director. “These projects were about connection — through music, through shared space, and through stronger representation of who we are as a community.”
Winners from across Ontario were selected from a record 55 entries submitted by 30 Business Improvement Areas in 20 cities and towns. An in-person awards gala was held in Blue Mountain / Collingwood, ON as part of the 2025 BIA Annual Conference celebrating the winners. For more information on the Awards, including the full list of winners, visit the OBIAA Conference website.
ABOUT ZAC VANIER BIA
The Vanier Business Improvement Area (ZAC Vanier BIA) supports and advocates for its diverse and dynamic business community, helping to create a vibrant commercial district in the heart of Ottawa. Through strategic initiatives, placemaking, and partnerships, the BIA works to elevate Vanier as a welcoming, connected, and community-driven destination.
ABOUT OBIAA
OBIAA is the network that represents unique and vibrant BIAs across Ontario. The Association supports and advocates on behalf of its members through the building and nurturing of strong relationships and partnerships. It is a leader in the development and sharing of information, tools, resources and best practices, and is the ONE voice on common issues.