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About The BBIA
The Barrhaven Business Improvement Area was created by the City of Ottawa in 2006 to help all local businesses succeed by establishing Barrhaven as Ottawa’s premier shopping, business and entertainment destination.
The BBIA is the
voice of the
business
community.
Membership in the BBIA is automatic. ALL commercial taxpaying businesses, property owners and professional service providers in the Barrhaven area belong to the BBIA. Home-based businesses are also eligible to join.
Basically, the BBIA works to create optimum conditions for all Barrhaven businesses to flourish. That means promoting Barrhaven as a prime shopping area, lobbying for ‘smart growth’ in the community and providing local businesses with tools for success.
SMART GROWTH
"Smart growth" attracts those businesses and services to this area that will reinforce Barrhaven's reputation as a prime shopping and business destination. Attracting the right businesses to Barrhaven provides more fulltime employment opportunities, allows people to work and live nearby, and gives the retail sector a bigger market throughout the business day.
The BBIA is proactive in influencing Barrhaven's economic development and encourages local businesses and property owners to participate as well through the BBIA's direct link to the City of Ottawa. Members have access to timely information on planning and zoning matters, up-to-date statistical information, and details of City projects such as new mall development and the new Strandherd bridge.
On the matters most critical to the success of businesses in Barrhaven, the BBIA doesn’t wait for someone else to do the research. The BBIA has commissioned three major studies:
- “Commercial Market Analysis, Barrhaven” report
- South Nepean Transportation Focus Group (presented findings to the Mayor’s Task Force on Transportation)
- Barrhaven Business Park Strategy
ADVOCACY
If it is important to the development of a prime business and residential environment in Barrhaven, the BBIA is working on it. The BBIA speaks for all local businesses to ‘the powers that be’ on issues such as transit, business development, public policy, bylaw enforcement and crime prevention. We consult with City of Ottawa staff, make presentations to Council and Committees, attend public consultations and communicate with other influential bodies.
MARKETING
Getting Barrhaven businesses front and centre is important to the BBIA. That’s why we spend a considerable portion of our budget on marketing to attract visitors to Barrhaven and to encourage residents to shop locally.
- “My mission:
Power shopping.
My destination:
Barrhaven.”Barrhaven Business Directory at www.barrhavenbia.ca and www.discoverbarrhaven.com - “Shop Barrhaven” ads in local publications
- Four-page spread on Barrhaven businesses in Due West magazine
- "Think Big" shopping spree contest
- Community events such as the annual Christmas “Light Up The Night” Parade, Barrhaven Canada Day Fireworks Celebration & Multicultural Festival and the Barrhaven Run For Roger’s House
TOOLS FOR SUCCESS
As well as on line resources to start or grow a business, the BBIA offers many opportunities for members to share concerns and advice by networking with other Barrhaven business owners, professionals, developers and property owners..
- E-resources for Barrhaven Businesses at www.barrhavenbia.ca
- Roundtable Breakfast Meetings
- Property Owners and Managers Luncheon
- Home-based Businesses Workshop
- South Nepean Networking Breakfast forCharity
- Forum on RCMP Headquarters relocation to Merivale Road
- AGM Wine & Cheese Social
CRIME PREVENTION
The BBIA knows that a safe and welcoming environment in Barrhaven’s business district is a priority so we work with the police force and community associations to deliver safety programs for all local businesses.
- Your business.
Your BBIA. Graffiti Removal
- Property Managers Working Group
- South Nepean Networking Breakfast forCharity
- Spring Cleaning The Capital/ Fall Cleaning The Capital
- Access to private security monitoring, safety audits, lighting and business security networks
BBIA IN THE NEWS
For more information on the BBIA, please see the
For more information, please e-mail Barrhaven BIA Executive Director Andrea Steenbakkers
or call (613) 825-8BIA (8242).
