The Heart of Orléans Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a local board of Ottawa City Council, guided by a volunteer board of management and established in 2006. The BIA represents nearly 800 businesses in the vibrant community of Orléans, and its mission is to foster a thriving, inclusive, and economically strong district by promoting local businesses, advocating on their behalf, and enhancing the area’s streetscape. The organization serves a diverse clientele – including residents, visitors, and entrepreneurs – by providing a platform for connection, growth, and community engagement.
Unique aspects of the BIA
What sets the Heart of Orléans BIA apart is its holistic approach to community development. It actively collaborates with other local organizations, such as Ottawa Tourism, to promote the district as a premier destination for dining, shopping, and cultural experiences. The BIA’s initiatives include:
- Community events: The organization hosts and sponsors major events such as the Orléans Craft Beer Festival, Carivibe, Canada Day at Petrie Island, and the Heart of Orléans Market, attracting thousands of attendees and showcasing local talent and businesses.
- Streetscape enhancements: Through the installation of gateway signage, planters, and banners, the BIA beautifies the district, creating an inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
- Behind the business photo series: This campaign offers an intimate look at the stories behind local businesses, fostering deeper connections between entrepreneurs and the community.
- Behind the business video series: This campaign sends a professional videographer to local businesses to capture their story and everything that makes them special. The Heart of Orléans BIA releases 10 of these annually, which can be found on the BIA’s YouTube channel.
- Job fairs & supporting newcomers: The BIA is proud to support both the business community and newcomers to Canada through meaningful partnerships and initiatives. Most recently, the Heart of Orléans BIA teamed up with the YMCA to host a job fair at Place d’Orléans Shopping Centre. The event attracted over 3,000 registrants and helped many community members connect with potential employees — a win-win for local recruitment and community building.
- In addition, the BIA has worked alongside the City of Ottawa to support the setup of temporary housing for newcomers at the former Sisters of Charity of Ottawa facility. These efforts reflect an ongoing commitment to fostering inclusion while helping local businesses grow with the support of a strong and diverse local workforce.
- Advocacy and support: The Heart of Orléans BIA serves as a unified voice for members, advocating for their interests at municipal, provincial and federal levels, and providing resources to help them thrive.
- Heart of Orléans information guide: We recently created an information guide that is your one-stop shop for everything Orléans! The guide includes must-visit local gems, culinary experiences, shopping at a variety of local businesses big and small, outdoor adventures, community events, exciting itineraries like “Girls’ Day Out,” “Guys’ Night Out,” finding romance, and much more.
Upcoming BIA initiatives
This summer and fall, the BIA is excited to continue a tradition of hosting vibrant community events and supporting members through various initiatives. The upcoming calendar includes:
- Seasonal markets: Featuring local vendors, artisans, and entertainment, these markets celebrate the best of Orléans throughout the year.
- Networking opportunities: Regular networking events such as 5 à 7 gatherings, lunch and learn sessions, and breakfast networking events provide platforms for business owners to connect, share insights, and collaborate. These events always feature a keynote speaker. In 2025, you can enjoy discussions around how businesses can leverage the four upcoming LRT stations in Orléans.
- Community engagement projects: New initiatives will be aimed at enhancing public spaces and supporting local causes, reinforcing a commitment to community development.
Leadership team and how to
The Heart of Orléans BIA leadership team is headed by Executive Director Tannis Vine, who also serves on the Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas (OCOBIA) Board of Directors and is a member of the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA), helping to represent Orléans at the city and provincial levels. Through her role, the Heart of Orléans BIA ensures that the needs and voices of members are heard in broader discussions about business development, smart policy, and small business support across Ontario.
Located in the heart of Orléans, the BIA’s office is situated at 1H-245 Centrum Boulevard, Orléans, ON K1E 0A1. Visit the website to learn more or find them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
