Preston Street BIA

As background, the Preston Street Business Improvement Area was enacted by By-Law 86-87 in 1987. The association was formed in response to a downturn in the community. This area had been the centre of Italian settlement in Ottawa and the businesses of the BIA felt that this could once again be a unique cultural locale. The BIA was instrumental in achieving the beautification project that resulted in wider sidewalks, trees and benches, creating this European style urban village within the City of Ottawa. Since that time, the merchants of the area have invested into promoting, beautifying, animating and advocating for Preston Street. The Preston Street BIA built the Millennial Arch at Preston and Carling, the Bambini at Gladstone and is currently saving for an arch at Albert Street. The BIA provides and maintains the tree lights, street banners, Little Italy lights, and brings many festivals and special events to the area that all residents and visitors enjoy.