For several years, Michelle Groulx has been advocating for local businesses and mainstreets in Ottawa. Her work focuses on local economies and BIAs, as community builders, place makers, cultural catalysts and pillars of 15 minute neighbourhoods. In crises, such as COVID-19, the Convoy or the derecho, Michelle advocated for support of mainstreets and businesses as they are central to the character and makeup of our city – their loss is devastating to economies and to neighbourhoods.