2023 BIA CONFERENCE AWARDS – It’s Amazing What You Can Accomplish
London, ON – It’s Amazing What You Can Accomplish, and by you, we mean the BIAs across the province of Ontario. BIAs invest in, partner and celebrate with the community for the betterment of the community. BIAs, through the Municipal Act of Ontario are charged with the betterment of the public realm with the collective good at heart and do this through an additional levy on the commercial property owners in their area. It is fitting, therefore, that OBIAA holds an annual Awards evening to celebrate all that BIAs, and their partners, accomplish.
On Monday, April 17, OBIAA held the 2023 BIA Awards. The theme for the gala dinner was Fireworks, to celebrate Ontario’s BIAs and all of that they accomplish.
This years’ almost 50 submissions were awarded based on the BIAs’ ability to meet the judging criteria under OBIAA’s pillars of downtown revitilzation, which include Business Retention, Recruitment and Expansion, COVID-19 Response & Recovery, Special Events, Marketing, Communications and Streetscaping & Public Realm Improvements. Previous award recipients have inspired communities across Ontario and willingly shared their programs and projects through the network of BIAs and their respective municipalities.
OBIAA is proud to present the recipients of the 2023 BIA Awards, they are:
| Business Retention, Recruitment & Expansion – Award of Merit | Central Huron BIA for their Clinton & Central Huron Gift Card. |
| COVID-19 Response & Recovery Award of Excellence |
Downtown London BIA for their Holiday Window Contest. |
| Special Events Award of Merit |
Hyde Park BIA for their Christmas in Hyde Park! Ft. The Grinch. |
| Special Events Award of Excellence |
The Eglinton Way BIA for their Holiday Fashion Show. |
| Marketing Award of Merit |
Downtown Bench Beamsville BIA for their Elf on the Bench. |
| Marketing Award of Merit |
Downtown Rideau BIA & Sparks Street BIA for their Good to be Back.
(Led by Downtown Rideau BIA and Sparks Street BIA, in partnership with Bank Street BIA, ByWard Market BIA, Chinatown BIA, Preston Street BIA, Glebe BIA, Vanier BIA, Somerset Village BIA, Westboro Village BIA, and Elgin Street.) |
| Communications Award of Merit |
Collingwood Downtown BIA for their Collingwood Fashion Week. |
| Communications Award of Merit |
Toronto Downtown West BIA for their Toronto Downtown West BIA 2022 Annual Report. |
| Streetscaping & Public Realm Improvements Award of Merit |
Downtown Niagara Falls BIA for their Downtown Niagara Falls Road Closure Gates. |
| Streetscaping & Public Realm Improvements Award of Merit |
The Cabbagetown BIA for their Cabbagetown Parkscape Project. |
| Streetscaping & Public Realm Improvements Award of Excellence |
Uptown Waterloo BIA for their SLATS public space. |
 |
Alex Ling Lifetime Achievement Award
Mark Garner, for his years of dedication to Downtown Kitchener, Downtown Yonge, the OBIAA Board, the IDA board, and Top Issues Council.
|
OBIAA would like to congratulate all the recipients for 2023 and thank all the communities who submitted their work.
The 2023 BIA Conference is being held at the RBC Place London Convention Centre, and the Awards Gala was held on Monday, April 17, 2023. This conference was made possible with special thanks to many generous sponsors, and in partnership with Downtown London BIA.
“On behalf of the Ontario BIA Association Board, congratulations to all the recipients of the 2023 BIA Awards for their hard work, their dedication and their passion for the betterment of their community.” Says Doug Sams, President of the Ontario BIA Association.
– 30 –
QUICK Links
Ontario BIA Association
For more information on the awards recipients and their road to success, click the link below.
OBIAA Conference
Social media: #2023BIAConference
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.
MEDIA CONTACT
Kay Matthews, Executive Director
Ontario BIA Association
Tel: 1-866-807-2227 | Mobile: 647-521-5341
[email protected]
FULL MEDIA RELEASE: 2023 OBIAA Awards Media Release
