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Announcement: Michelle Groulx will be taking a temporary leave from OCOBIA to run for Kitchissippi Ward Councillor

Ottawa, ON — Michelle Groulx will take a temporary leave from her role as Chief Advocate of the Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas (OCOBIA) to run for Kitchissippi Ward Councillor in the upcoming municipal election. Groulx has represented Ottawa’s 18 Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and more than 7,200 businesses across the city, first serving as an inaugural Board Director, then Executive Director, and most recently as Chief Advocate. “I have approached this role with a deep sense of responsibility and a strong commitment to our community,” said Groulx. “It is important to me that OCOBIA remains resilient and that the momentum we have built continues.” OCOBIA is a non-partisan organization. The Board of Directors has established a plan to ensure continuity and ongoing support for its member BIAs during Groulx’s leave.

‘Placemakers’: How BIAs are high-powered catalysts for the local cultural economy

Read here: https://obj.ca/how-bias-are-catalysts-for-the-local-cultural-economy/ Ottawa Business JournalApril 1, 2026 Article excerpt: “Our local businesses and BIAs are catalysts of culture in our neighbourhoods,” explains Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas (OCOBIA) Chief Advocate Michelle Groulx. “BIAs help build places that reflect the culture and identity of the businesses in their neighbourhood, but they also bring people together with cultural events and festivals. 

Proven Community Advocate Michelle Groulx Steps Forward to Run for City Council in Kitchissippi Ward

Michelle Groulx to run for Councillor in Kitchissippi Ward

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Proven Community Advocate Michelle Groulx Steps Forward to Run for City Council in Kitchissippi Ward March 24, 2026 – Ottawa, ON – Longstanding community advocate and main street leader Michelle Groulx has announced her plans to run for Ottawa City Council in Kitchissippi Ward. Since 2018, Groulx has been a champion for Kitchissippi’s businesses, neighbourhoods, community organizations and the residents who bring the community to life. As Executive Director of the Westboro Village Business Improvement Area, she worked with residents, organizations, and entrepreneurs to strengthen one of Ottawa’s most vibrant main streets. Presently, Groulx serves as Chief Advocate of the Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas (OCOBIA), representing 18 BIAs and more than 7,200 businesses across the national capital region and supporting the economic vitality of Ottawa’s main streets. “Kitchissippi is one of the most dynamic communities in Ottawa and it is my home,” said Groulx. “It is at the centre of the city’s next chapter, with vibrant main streets, strong neighbourhoods, and important institutions that help shape our future.” Groulx says her campaign will focus on thoughtful growth, strong support for local businesses, and maintaining a community that stays vibrant, connected, and inclusive. “I’m proud to continue championing this community, to run for City Council, and to help shape the next chapter of Kitchissippi.” With Councillor Jeff Leiper announcing he will not seek re‑election, the upcoming race marks a pivotal moment for the ward. Groulx notes that it opens the door to continue advancing the work she has been doing alongside local neighbourhoods and the broader community to strengthen Kitchissippi’s main streets and local economy.Michelle’s campaign platform and details will be shared in the coming weeks on michellegroulx.ca NOTIFICATION: Visit groulxforkitchissippi.ca for the Michelle Groulx for Kitchissippi Ward Campaign

Globe and Mail: Ottawa business groups call on governments to provide financial support amid disruptive protests

Read More: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ottawa-business-groups-call-on-governments-to-provide-financial/ Globe and MailFebruary 6, 2022Salmaan Farooqui Article excerpt: “The businesses and citizens of Ottawa need immediate action and support due to this protest,” read a letter to local MPs from Michelle Groulx, executive director of the Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas. “The financial hit, at a time when many businesses were poised to reopen on January 31, 2022, is immense.”

Kitchissippi Times: COVID-19: Local businesses navigate new waters

Read More: https://kitchissippi.com/covid-19-local-businesses-navigate-new-waters/ Kitchissippi TimesApril 5, 2020Written by: Charlie SenackPhoto: Submitted by Wellington West BIA Article excerpt: “As a BIA, we are trying to encourage all of our businesses who aren’t currently online to do so,” she added. “That will give them the ability to be able to sell gift cards online and to also support businesses who have modified the work that they are doing.”  “Our number one focus is revenue generation for our members,” said Westboro Village BIA Executive Director Michelle Groulx. “A far second, at the same time, is to alleviate the expenses they are paying right now despite the fact they can’t make any money.” NOTIFICATION: Visit groulxforkitchissippi.ca for the Michelle Groulx for Kitchissippi Ward Campaign

Kitchissippi Times: Program for young adults on the autism spectrum a “win-win” for all

Read More: https://kitchissippi.com/young-adults-on-the-autism-spectrum-wave/ NOTIFICATION: Visit groulxforkitchissippi.ca for the Michelle Groulx for Kitchissippi Ward Campaign Kitchissippi TimesMarch 12, 2019Written by: Charlie SenackPhoto: Submitted by|WAVE coordinator Caitlin Booth with Trisha and Connor Article Excerpt: “The WAVE program is great for businesses in Westboro because they take the time to listen to the needs of the business and match them with the right person or people,” states Michelle Groulx, executive director of the Westboro BIA. “WAVE staff also help coach and transition the new recruit into their job with tasks they can take on.”