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OBIAA: A BIA is integral to advancing a distinct, livable, vibrant and resilient business district in its local community. Sparks Street BIA Executive Director, Kevin McHale accepts the awards. April 26 - Niagara Falls, Ontario To celebrate Ontario’s BIAs and their resilience over the past few years. This year's submissions were awarded based on the BIAs’ ability to meet the judging criteria as they fall under OBIAA’s pillars: Innovations, Replications, Representation, Outcome, and Accessibility Sparks Street is the proud winner in the following two categories: Streetscaping + Public Realm Improvements – Small Sparks Street BIA & Mall Authority​ for the Reduce, Reuse, Rehydrate initiative. Marketing + Communications – Small Sparks Street BIA & Mall Authority​ for the Sparks Gives initiative. OBIAA received an historic 40 submissions this year! "We're so proud to represent the hard work of our BIA staff. We also want to thank the Board for their support. It's a sincere thrill to showcase our accomplishments with our BIA colleagues across the province. We share the same passion, to learn from each other, connect and to keep evolving", Kevin McHale, Executive Director, Sparks Street BIA Previous awards winners have inspired communities across Ontario and shared their programs and projects. For a list of All 2022 OBIAA Award Recipients click here ABOUT SPARKS STREET Sparks Street strives to a community hub that connects downtown Ottawa – convenient and accessible, linking cultural centres and residents. We work collaboratively and collectively with our community and stakeholders, to deliver a community mix that is a diverse and attractive destination reflective of local and national culture and heritage. 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. OBIAA is a leader in the development and sharing of information, tools, resources and best practices, and is the ONE voice on common issues

June 1 - 5, 2022 APRIL 27, 2022 - OTTAWA Let the smoky grills alight! Sparks Street Business Improvement Area (SSBIA) is thrilled to announce the return of Ottawa Ribfest June 1-5, 2022. After two years, and extremely popular demand, the famous food fest is coming back to our pedestrian street. This year’s festival will be deliciously available from Metcalfe to Lyon Streets with rib trucks spread out down the four blocks featuring a variety of vendors offering everything from ribs, chicken, pulled pork to corn, spiraled potatoes, sweet treats and some special guests! A few less trucks on the street this year will ensure more space is available for our amazing restaurant patios. We welcome visitors to wander, line up, and enjoy their saucy snacks & meals. “The Sparks Street BIA members are excited to welcome back the Ottawa Ribfest and all its attendees. We have all worked hard over the last few years to keep our families, friends, and neighbours safe. Let's celebrate this June!” - Ian Wright, Owner of The Snow Goose Ltd. and Board Chair of Sparks Street BIA. SSBIA continues to encourage Ottawa Public Health guidelines and safety protocols as we work closely with them and other partners, including the City of Ottawa, Ottawa Festivals, Ottawa Tourism, and Ottawa Coalition of BIAs. Please note there will be increased handwash stations on-site. Ottawa Ribfest will take place rain or shine! Visit our webpage at sparkslive.com/Ribfest for info on vendors, FAQs, and more as we update information. We can’t wait to see everyone’s saucy grins back on Sparks! Media Contact: Kevin McHale Executive Director Sparks Street BIA & Mall Authority kevin@sparkslive.com Images by Blair Gable for SSBIA Ottawa Ribfest 2019

Ottawa’s iconic Sparks Street will be the new home of the Capital’s biggest and most popular Night Market - The Ottawa Asian Fest July 22nd to 24th. Finally returning this summer after a long 2 year break, the Night Market features some of the most unique, trendy and popular chefs and performers from across Ontario. The little Night Market that grew over the years draws thousands of foodies, photographers, families and even tourists traveling from as far as Montreal to partake in a feast for the senses. With an eclectic mix of modern architecture and historic landmarks, Sparks Street provides a pedestrian friendly, outdoor oasis away from the noise of traffic. Combine that with the distinctive culture, lively energy and mouth watering Asian cuisine that Ottawa Asian Fest is famous for, this truly is a match made in heaven and will be the talk of the town this July 22nd to 24th. "Sparks Street is very pleased to host the 2022 Edition of the Asian Night Market this summer. We can't think of a more perfect time to welcome the fantastic energy that this dynamic event will bring to the street in July." Kevin McHale, Executive Director, Sparks Street BIA. The three day Festival is celebrated for capturing the spirit and vibrancy of the renowned Night Markets in Asia. A common remark heard at the event or on social media comments is that “it feels like you are being transported to Asia” or as many local Asian Canadians have said, “it feels like home.” With Parliament buildings as the backdrop for this event, Ottawa’s Sparks Street, with its diverse blend of local shops, art and accessibility is the perfect new home for Ottawa’s biggest Night Market. "For years we have had the desire to bring the Asian Night Market to Sparks Street, so naturally we are thrilled to partner with Sparks for our return in 2022. Sparks Street provides an escape from the traffic bringing a more authentic Asian Night Market vibe and feel by prioritizing pedestrian foot traffic. It is a perfect fit and location and we plan on making this year's event one of our biggest ever.” - Simon Huang, Festival Organizer, Ottawa Asian Fest. Event Hours: Friday 3:00pm-12:00am Saturday 12:00pm to 12:00am Sunday 12:00pm to 6:00pm Media Contact for Ottawa Asian Fest: Simon Huang Festival Organizer Ottawa Asian Fest info@ottawaasianfest.com Media Contact for Sparks Street: Kevin McHale Executive Director Sparks Street BIA kevin@sparkslive.com

Enter for your chance to WIN an all-inclusive Sparks Stay! Sparks Street has your chance to win an #OttawaLove Sparkscation! Enjoy an all-inclusive weekend hotel suite after you dine, shop, and take in the sights of Canada’s Capital for you and a guest; show your #OttawaLove! We've had a rough two years and our businesses could use all the love! We've re-opened with fewer restrictions, regained access to our streets, and the City's even declared a Valentine's Day re-do (March 14)! Support local Sparks businesses while enjoying a relaxing time downtown in your home-away-from-home at reStays! That's right, we've partnered with one of Ottawa's trendiest accommodations where you can feel at home while enjoying boutique vibes, 24/7 concierge services, and the best of downtown Ottawa. All just steps from Sparks Street! reStays' stylish and elegant fully furnished studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and signature suites collection include a gourmet kitchen, in-suite laundry, and state-of-the-art technology. You will be enjoying a luxury stay with all the amenities from home! Here's what included in the reStays portion of the #OttawaLove Sparkscation package: A bottle of Prosecco Breakfast for two at Le Moulin De Provence KD Two-night stay in a Premium One Bedroom Underground parking Late checkout Check out the Whole Package, because that's what we're offering ONE lucky Winner + Guest! Two-night stay at reStays with the above amenities Lunch for two at D'Arcy McGee's Dinner for two at The Rabbit Hole Coffee & Snacks Gift Certificates to Little Victories & Bridgehead $200 Gift Certificate shopping experiences at the winner's choice retail or service * ENTER ON OUR INSTAGRAM POST! This spring, you could WIN and show your #OttawaLove on #MySparksStreet! Good luck!!! Planning a future Staycation in downtown Ottawa? Check out all of reStays curated packages for future Sparks stays! *Contest Rules.

From gifts to experiences to food - find what you're looking for on Sparks! Valentine’s Day is less than a week away! Whether you’re celebrating Galentine’s, Valentine’s, if it’s with people you love, that one special person, or if you’re looking to show small businesses love, we are here for it! #We❤️Love! The last two years have been very hard on our small business community, and even more so this February for Sparks Street with the ongoing demonstration in our neighbourhood. We can all use a little extra love this time of year and Gift Cards are an excellent option if you are unable to enjoy our lovely street (we completely understand -- safety first) in time for the big love day. With fingers crossed and hearts all aflutter we look forward to seeing our neighbour's beautiful smiling faces on Sparks! We’ve put together a Valentine's Gift Guide packed with ideas for enjoying the day IRL or virtual! Gifts Morgante Menswear, True Bijoux, Canada's Four Corners Looking for that unique gift that brightens your favourite person’s day? From Canadiana to Indigenous art, Canada’s Four Corners and The Snow Goose carry a variety of home décor, specialty gifts, handbags, clothing items, and so much more you won’t find elsewhere, including handmade one-of-a-kind finds. Jewellery Plus II and The Watch Store are great not-so-hidden gift spots! Sparks is known as the place to go for jewelry in the downtown core - need to find the right gems or even engagement rings? We got you! Renowned for special occasions and finding unique pieces, or create your own (one-on-one!) with Dixon Jewellers, True Bijoux, Howard Fine Jewellers, and Alyea Jewellers. (Fun fact: if you purchase the $20 foaming jewellery cleaner from True Bijoux or Howard’s before the end of February, all proceeds will go to Cornerstone Housing for Women as part of their Sister’s Helping Sister’s Galentine’s campaign! ) Looking for something like ties, shirts, or cuff links? Show them off on your zoom calls (lift that coffee, flash that style!) We have two of Ottawa’s best tailor and suit boutiques. Morgante Menswear and Bello Uomo have been in the business long enough to know exactly how to sharpen a look with all the right details. A2 Pret-A-Porter has everything from women’s power suits (yes! these are still very much a thing!) to flowy, beautiful, patterned or structured confections you won’t find anywhere else. Experiences Marriott Hotel Looking for something a little more Get Out and Do? Retro-Rides has all the bells and whistles (literally!) you could want or need to complete your cycle gear set up. A membership to Sparks St Fitness studio is another gift idea option for the athletically inclined person (aka Do-er) in your life! Make it a double and you can workout together. You could also show your long-term-forward-thinking commitment by picking up package deals from Escape Bicycle Tours to enjoy in the warmer months together! Check this out with your "BOO!" (see what we did there): The Haunted Walk is running virtual ghost tours that are sure to get you cuddled up in no time! Or BOOk for a later date! Really invest and take a mini staycation at either the Marriott Hotel or reStays! reStays has a special Lover’s Retreat package perfect for the occasion. Did you know Yuk Yuk’s comedy club now operates out of the Marriott? Catch a show, have some drinks, and journey back to your room only a few floors away with their Eat, Laugh & Stay package! Services J3Beauté Looking to pamper? Everyone loves a little TLC (whether they’ll admit to it or not!) Sparks Street is home to a variety of salons that offer spa-like experiences that’ll have you leaving a much more revitalized version of yourself. 100% ! Also, have we forgotten to TREAT YO'SELF? Award winning nails & Esthetics By Lucie , Society Salon & Blow Dry Bar is a favourite of many big names in the city, Salon La Mode has incredibly experienced stylists on staff and J3Beaté offers totally unique services you won’t find elsewhere on Sparks. Have you discovered secret-go-to-gem- Victoria Barber Shop ?They've been serving Ottawa since 1924! Dining Rabbit Hole FOOD. We know it, and you know it -----the fastest way to a person’s heart -through the stomach! From sweet treats to cocktail and candlelit meals, dining is something Sparks does best. Le Moulin de Provence KD creates handmade delicacies onsite daily, including their heart-shaped sugar cookies! Creperie Rim is another fun spot where Nutella, fruits and powdered sugar will win you over & Little Victories or Bridgehead’s coffee beans are sure to please the coffee lovers out there. As for sit down meals, we’ve got a whole list of spots to make reservations - from high end romance to comfortable intimate fare: - D’Arcy McGee’s - Riviera - Nate’s - Bier Markt - The Office Resto Pub - Rabbit Hole - Brixton’s British Pub - 3 Brewers Sparks - Spin Kitchen & Bar Supporting our small businesses are sure to have our owners and operators doing their own happy dances as well! We need a lot of that right now! However you choose to celebrate, we hope you do so safely and that we can all stroll from business to restaurant, to service shop together again very soon. *Please check with each business in advance to find out if they are open or their purchasing alternatives at this time. With everything going on right now in downtown Ottawa, it's understandable if you're not feeling OK. Special thanks & credit to @Ottawanewbie for the image. ♡ Sending Love ♡

Sparks Street businesses are stepping up to help local families! You can help us spread smiles and holiday cheer this Christmas season! Drop off a new & unwrapped toy to any of the following At-Work Santa locations on Sparks: The Snow Goose 83 Sparks Street Toy Drop Off Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Howard Fine Jewellers 220 Sparks Street Toy Drop Off Hours: Friday, Dec. 3rd - Saturday, Dec. 4th: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday, Dec. 5th: CLOSED Monday, Dec. 6th - Wednesday, Dec. 8th: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Thursday, Dec. 9th - Friday, Dec. 10th: 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM Saturday, Dec. 11th: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday, Dec. 12th: 10:30 AM -3:30 PM Monday, Dec. 13th - Wednesday, Dec. 15th: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Thursday, Dec. 16th - Friday, December 17th: 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM Bonus: Howard will match a toy for each toy dropped off! True Bijoux 206 Sparks Street Toy Drop Off Hours: Sunday & Monday: CLOSED Tuesday & Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Thursday & Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Bonus: Per drop off True Bijoux is offering 10% off in-stock earrings, necklaces, and bracelets (excludes special orders and services)! Society Salon & Blow Dry Bar 90 Sparks Street Toy Drop Off Hours: Sunday & Monday: CLOSED Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday: 8:00 AM - 8 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM SPECIAL TOY MOUNTAIN DROP OFF DAY: Join Sparks Street on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10th 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM live from The Shed (Sparks & Bank) to drop off a new & unwrapped toy. Can't get down to a Sparks Street At-Work Santa location? We'd sure love to see you - but supporters are definitely able to make financial donations ONLINE! It goes a long way for toys and family community services. This Age Group Needs Your Help: New and unwrapped toys are accepted for Ages 0-12 The Salvation Army reminds donors that the following age groups are often forgotten when donations are being made: Babies 8-10 year-olds 11-12 year-olds Gift Ideas? Popular items for the older-aged kids include: digital music players, curling irons, hair dryers, hair kits, makeup kits, electronics, books, and hoodies, sporting goods, backpacks, school supplies, board games, scarves, gloves, mitts. Toy Mountain By The Numbers: For 26 years, The Salvation Army’s Ottawa Booth Centre (OBC) oversees the collection and distribution of new unwrapped toys to over 7,500 underprivileged families in the Ottawa area annually. The Salvation Army Toy Mountain staff, media partners, sponsors, and volunteers handed out bags of toys to the parents of almost 25,000 kids in 2020! The large colored bags that are distributed contain an average of three new toys and an assortment of stocking stuffers. The toys come from Ottawa-area businesses, schools, organizations, community groups with major partnership and logistics support from CTV Ottawa and iHeartRadio MOVE 100 2020 Toy Mountain Campaign: • Toy bags distributed: 24,964 • Number of gifts per bag: 3 • Average number of kids/family: 3 • Age categories of the kids: Babies, 1-2, 3-4, 5-7, 8-10, and 11-12 • Number of volunteers: 1000 • Number of days of the campaign: 18 • Year Toy Mountain began in Ottawa: 1997 Resources: Registration for Eligible Families To receive toys from Toy Mountain, eligible families can contact 211, the Community Navigation of Eastern Ontario. Representatives from 211’s information centre will ask parents a few basic questions: Name of child (children) Date of birth Gender Family income Family contact information The 211 Representative will enter the required information into the Toy Mountain database. This database is a vital component to the success of the campaign. Once the information entry process is complete, the 211 representative will provide the caller with their toy pick up appointment date and registration confirmation number. The 211 Representative will also inform clients that they will be asked to provide the following documentation upon arrival at the Toy Centre prior to collecting their toys. Original photo identification of themselves and their children Proof of income indicating that they qualify for the toys Registration confirmation number assigned to them These conditions are strictly followed to ensure toys are distributed only to eligible families. Eligible families may also register their children at their local participating Community Centre/Agency. Thanks for your support, Ottawa!!

The holiday season is upon us and we're deLIGHTed to bring new, interactive décor to Sparks Street this Christmas!! You may have already experienced our Light Court which brings a dance of light to Sparks creating a stage of your own imagination! Due to its popularity, the Light Court pilot will remain on the street near Metcalfe throughout the holiday season along with our festive Christmas décor! If you've visited us lately, you may have caught our Sparks Street BIA Elves hard at work decking our lamp posts, Christmas trees, and street itself with all kinds of festive lights and greenery! Even our Shed is showcasing holiday cheer! Our trees are up along the blocks wrapped warmly in glowy lighting, complimenting the sprinkle of lights on our lamp post garlands and our newest additions to the street! We've partnered with Classic Displays to bring live-scale, interactive LIT art to Sparks Street! These 3D lighting displays invite you not just to capture their luminescent image, but to be a part of it and strike a pose! The installations include two Archways, a Star Stack, a perfectly instagrammable Frame, a Gift Box, an Ornament, and of course, a Christmas Tree! These illuminated displays are creating a real Christmas energy on the street! START your Winter Wander with our #CocoaCrawl to keep your mitts warm and make your way through Christmas Lights Across Canada! Stroll in The Garden of the Provinces and Territories which will lead you right up towards Lyon and Sparks where our Honey Locust trees line the South side all year round and are now draped in the multi-coloured lights of many of our childhoods! The festive feels continue all the way down to Elgin Street where you'll find the new 3D interactive displays along your walk! Bonus: Our OT_AWA Letters are currently illuminated Green and are another must-stop see where you can 'Be the T'! The fun festive installations will be on the street from NOW until January 7th 2022, running throughout Canadian Heritage's annual Christmas Lights Across Canada, complimenting their 'Pathway of Lights' trails which run all around Sparks Street! The Multimedia Projection on Parliament Hill December 8, 2021 - January 7, 2022 is literally a BLOCK away! Some of our visitors have already snapped the first pics with our Holiday Displays!! @pepethebiewer @ottawa_gatineau_multicolore @pi_tuncer @gracecavallin13 @henrythechocodoodle @tanviichitniss @rockyoutofthering @minidoodrussell @henrythechocodoodle @suzyq_99 @nori832 @catherine_valente See more #WinterWander adventures on Sparks in our Instagram Hightlights! Get a taste of #WinterWander from home on our YouTube channel! TAG US into your #MySparksStreet adventures while out on your own #WinterWander and be sure to Get Cosy in one of the many cafes, shops, or restaurants to warm up along the way! There's so much to explore on Sparks!

Looking for a Restaurant Guide for Sparks Street? Look no further! Melissa Mui, aka Mel’s Hangry Table, is adventuring down Sparks’ culinary blocks fork first! Mel is visiting a variety of Sparks eateries within the themes of a Night Out, a Sandwich Tour, and a Coffee & Bakery Hop! Join us on her exploration of all the delicious menu items these great businesses on Sparks have to offer! You can find the highlight reel here! Be sure to follow along on Mel's blog: Ottawa's Spark Street Restaurant Guide!! As always, we LOVE seeing visitors out and about enjoying Sparks Street! Feel free to tag us into any pictures you snap while out on your own Sparks adventures! 💖📸

Enjoy Sparks after Dark and discover our new Light Court between Metcalfe & O'Connor. Our newest playful pilot is an open ended space of ambient waves of light. SPARK your creativity, illuminate your senses, perform a monologue, be a zombie, get your fashion show on, serve some dance moves, take ALL the pics...because if all the world's a stage, Light Court plays the role.....As You Like It... Big thanks to Creative Labs Inc for helping our unique vision come to...light. Explore our shops, restaurants, services, tours, and so much more on Sparks, all while enjoying a fresh walk downtown. If you’re inspired to take photos along our Light Court, please tag us in @sparks_street! We love seeing our visitors out enjoying #MySparksStreet 🧡 📸 Be sure to visit before November 15th if you're looking to check out this latest pilot project!

Contest now CLOSED - Congrats to our Winner, Laura!! We love highlighting our awesome local businesses on Sparks Street - especially through a contest!! We want to brighten your day to the level of those vibrantly changing autumn colours with a chance to WIN $500 in our Fall 2021 Edition of Scroll in to Win!! Whether you’re looking to treat yourself this October season or are getting a head start on your holiday shopping, you can do so knowing you’re supporting a local business!! This is the second and FINAL round of our popular Scroll in to Win contest for 2021, so don’t miss your chance to ENTER for a shot at the $500 prize!! Check out our Instagram for bonus entries! This video features some of the great Sparks Street businesses you could spend your winnings on! Check out our Shop and Services directories to see ALL our awesome businesses! Contest closes October 31, 2021. Winner selected by random draw. Find the Full Contest Rules HERE.

Own your flaws, they're what make you unique. That goes for concrete too...at least we think so... We're giving you retro throwback nods from Metcalfe to O'Connor in the form of asphalt patch art. We know we have some quirks and flaws, so we're running with it, running all the way back to the 1960s with this pilot. Ground murals are one of the hottest trends in the street art scene - our patches served up with a twist of nostalgia. In 1963, Sparks Street gained its official pedestrian notoriety - a go-to and visual destination. With its signature black and white ground stencils and pavement paint, this concrete was something to behold - an arts installation in itself. We teamed up with Cassandra D - Artistic Coordinator at Style Over Status an Ottawa-Montreal collective of professional mural artists, illustrators and designers on how to bring our throwback vision from past to present, in black and white fashion. This pilot project uses the same approach as 50 years ago; stencils have made their Op-Art return! Quick Art History note - In 1964, Time Magazine coined the term "Op art", short for optical art, as a style of visual art that uses optical illusions in response to Julian Stanczak's show Optical Paintings . Op-Art works are abstract with many better known pieces created in black and white. Typically, they give the viewer the impression of movement, hidden images, flashing and vibrating patterns, or of swelling or warping - a trend that grew in this era and its popularity landed on Sparks. More details on Op Art here. Present Day Pilot: Thanks to our Art Partner: IG: SniKRDBS Acknowledgements & Thanks: CBC Re-making Sparks: Ottawa's downtown pedestrian mall through the decades Urbsite Robert Smythe Library and Archives Canada Ottawa Public Library Lost Ottawa

Some of you may have noticed our iconic OT_AWA letters have been MIA the past few months! They've been away, taking it easy, quarantining from the public while they got some work done.....AND WHAT A GLOW UP! No really! They're illuminated! They're lighting up Sparks Street! In the words of The Grinch, "...there's a light on this tree that won't light on one side. So I'm taking it home to my work shop, my dear. I'll fix it up there, then I'll bring it back here." Which is pretty much what happened with our letters 😉 They are back on the street and we can't wait for you all to see them in person! Grab your camera, and BE THE "T"!! "T" also stands for Tag Us! That's right tag us in your pics and we'll feature them right here on our Sparkslive Blog and on our Instagram story highlights! What's more, we'll automatically enter you into a chance to WIN a #MySparksStreet Prize Pack! Here's an example of a visitor being the missing 'T' for all those confused with our spelling on social media!! 😉 So get down to Sparks, shop around, hit a patio, and tag us in your 'T' pics! That's day or night, we love the love! 📸❤️️ Some of our Visitor's Fun captures so far!! 📸⬇️ Noriko Natsume, Livinglavida.vlog, minidoodrussell James Peltzer, Ivonne Sanchez, Caroline Poulin Annie Francoeur