Centretown Ottawa Logo

Centretown, Ottawa

Bold. Layered. Unmistakably human. We’re in the middle of it all.
A corner coffee shop and a white brick building painted with leaf and hand murals on a quiet Centretown Ottawa street.

Our Mission

Centretown is more than a neighborhood—it’s a living, breathing part of Ottawa. Our mission is to support the businesses, people, and cultures that make this community vibrant, expressive, and full of life. We’re here to champion what’s local, foster connection, and help Centretown thrive in all its layers.

You belong here.

The Centretown BIA was established in 1977 as Ottawa’s first Business Improvement Area. In 2011, we became Ottawa’s official Queer Village. And in 2025 we expanded to include all of Centretown from Bay Street to O’Connor and Sparks to Catherine.

We’re proud to champion the businesses, spaces, and people that make Centretown everything but ordinary.

After nearly 50 years, this is still the place where you can find community, celebrate culture, and show up as yourself.

Two bakery workers in aprons preparing food beside a rack of pizzas, in a shop with walls covered in vintage posters.
Two bakery workers in aprons preparing food beside a rack of pizzas, in a shop with walls covered in vintage posters.

Our Strategic Pillars

Here’s how we’re showing up for Centretown Ottawa.

01 Strengthen

Build a safe, clean, future-forward district where small businesses and residents live their happiest lives.

02 Beautify

Create a greener, cleaner neighbourhood  infused with art and culture.

03 Promote

Establish Centretown as everything but ordinary.

04 Expand

Grow the district and deepen our services to members.

01 Strengthen

Build a safe, clean, future-forward district where small businesses and residents live their happiest lives.

02 Beautify

Create a greener, cleaner neighbourhood  infused with art and culture.

03 Promote

Establish Centretown as everything but ordinary.

04 Expand

Grow the district and deepen our services to members.

Our Team

SabriNa leads the BIA’s overall vision and advocacy work. What keeps her going is the resilience, love, and belief in Centretown she sees every day in the businesses and residents here.

SabriNa’s local pick:
Centretown itself is the hidden gem! Within it, Arlington Five is exactly the kind of spot you don't plan to find but end up staying longer than expected. With its patio and murals it feels lived-in and just like the neighbourhood. You always feel at home.

SabriNa Lemay-Chusroskie

Executive Director

As the leader of Centretown’s creative initiatives, Stephanie believes in bold storytelling, human-first campaigns, and public spaces that feel alive. From large-scale mural projects to reimagining how local businesses connect with their audiences, her focus is on helping Centretown thrive with determination, care, and a touch of creativity that's everything but ordinary.

Stephanie's local pick:
Highjinx is hands down one of the coolest, most meaningful places in the neighbourhood. It's a community hub and social enterprise supporting folks facing barriers like homelessness and poverty in a way that feels welcoming and full of heart. You’ll find incredible antiques and treasures, and every purchase goes back into supporting a great cause.

Stephanie Wawrzynczak

Marketing and Creative Director

Victoria manages the day-to-day marketing and communications for the Centretown BIA: content planning, copywriting for social media and newsletters, and supporting broader campaign execution. As someone who lives in the neighbourhood, she loves getting to invest her time and energy directly back into the community that means a lot to her.

Victoria’s local pick:
Bread and Sons didn't have a sign for the longest time so you didn't go unless you knew it was there, but they are one of the best lunch spots in the neighbourhood—PLUS they have some of the most incredible cookies I've ever had.

Victoria Howard​

Marketing Coordinator

Tianna keeps the BIA’s day-to-day operations running smoothly while planning and executing the member-facing events and activations that bring real energy to Centretown's streets. She loves spotlighting Centretown’s culture and helping to build momentum that supports local livelihoods while making the neighbourhood more vibrant and welcoming.

Tianna’s local pick:
Tucked just off Bank Street, City at Night is the kind of place you only really know about if someone brings you there. It’s not flashy from the outside but inside has this underground creative energy with live music, local DJs, and community events in an intimate setting. Heads up: it’s only open Friday and Saturday nights!

Tianna Anderson​

Promotions and Operations Coordinator

Meloney coordinates public realm projects and works with the city and external partners on initiatives that benefit the BIA. Her fave part of the job is helping people feel connected to their neighbourhood and seeing the community take pride in Centretown.

Melony’s local pick:
Centretown itself is the hidden gem! Within it, The network of small parks and gathering spaces tucked between our busy streets. Most people walk past them every day without realizing how much community activity, public art, and local history they hold. Snider Park is a good example of how vibrant these spaces can become when people come together to use and care for them.

Melony Green

Public Realm and Member Relations Coordinator

Emma handles the bookkeeping and budget management that keeps the BIA running behind the scenes. Her favourite part of the job is working closely with local business owners and seeing the direct, positive impact of active change happening in the community.

Emma’s local pick:
Hugo on Bank for an iced Americano and a supreme croissant. A simple ritual, but a good one… maybe followed up with Wolf Down for dinner.

Emma Gmazel

Financial Officer

Overhead view of a brunch dish with sourdough toast, roasted cauliflower, chorizo and microgreens in a speckled blue bowl.
Overhead view of a brunch dish with sourdough toast, roasted cauliflower, chorizo and microgreens in a speckled blue bowl.

Our businesses

Meet the shops, restaurants, and small businesses that make Centretown what it is.

CHECK OUT THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY →

Something’s always going on.

Discover the upcoming events and experiences lighting up the neighbourhood. (And add them to your calendar so you don’t miss out!)

SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND CENTRETOWN →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Centretown BIA?

The Centretown BIA supports the businesses and places that make Centretown vibrant. We work behind the scenes—and on the street—to help the neighbourhood thrive.

Where is Centretown Ottawa?

Centretown is a neighbourhood in the heart of Ottawa spanning Bronson (west) to Elgin (east) and Sparks (north) to Catherine (south). We’re a vibrant and diverse community known for our independent shops, restaurants, culture, and lively social scene. There’s always something to explore and discover!

What does the BIA do for the neighbourhood?

We work to keep Centretown clean, active, and ready for whatever’s happening next. That means investing in beautification, supporting local businesses, animating public spaces, and advocating for the people and places that make this neighbourhood what it is.

Is the BIA part of the City of Ottawa?

We’re not a City department, but we work closely with the City. We’re governed by a volunteer board, funded by local businesses, and overseen through City approvals.

How can I stay up to date on what’s happening in Centretown?

Follow us on Instagram or Facebook, sign up for our newsletter, or keep an eye on our events calendar. There’s always something exciting on tap!

I am a BIA member. How do I get more information and support?

Contact our team here! We’d love to help.

Real places. Real people. Real moments.

Follow along on social for all the local spots, latest events, and neighbourhood moments worth knowing about.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM →
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