Sparks Street BIA

Sparks Street BIA (Business Improvement Area) is proud to be one of the most vibrant commercial districts in Ottawa. Sparks Street BIA came into existence when local business and property owners joined together to improve, promote and undertake projects that create a stronger and more competitive commercial district. We organize, finance and complete local improvements and promotional events.

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The range of activities that Sparks Street BIA undertakes include:
 

• Marketing: Understanding who area customers are, and creating effective promotions to retain and expand the customer and visitor base

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• Business recruitment: Working with property owners to ensure that available space is occupied, and that an optimum business and service mix is achieved and maintained
   

• Special events: Organizing and partnering in special events that highlight the unique attributes of the area and increase customer visits

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Sparks Street BIA Annual Report 2020 - Click Here

Sparks Street BIA Staff:

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Kevin McHale
Executive Director

Laura Young

Director of Marketing and Stakeholder Relations

Marissa Lord

Communications and Engagement Director

Bob Rumscheidt

Event and Site Logistics Manager

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Sparks Street BIA Board of Directors:

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Board Chair:   Ian Wright
Partner, The Snow Goose

Elayne Schwartz
Member-at-Large

Nazmi Fawaz
Owner, Bello Uomo

Jeff O’Reilly
General Manager, D'Arcy McGee’s

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Chris Hetherington

Real Estate Management Operations Officer, National Capital Commission

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Lindsay Appotive 

Owner, True Bijioux 

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Jason Komendat

Owner, Retro Rides

Catherine McKenney 

Councillor, Somerset Ward, City of Ottawa
 

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