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.
Proven Community Advocate Michelle Groulx Steps Forward to Run for City Council 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