Independent Community & Business Improvement Group 

“Supporting the Community That Supports You.”

A Thriving Community Starts with Strong Connections 

Old Ottawa South is a vibrant neighborhood with a rich history, engaged residents, and a diverse mix of local businesses. As cities grow and evolve, maintaining strong ties between residents, businesses and the community groups is essential for long-term sustainability and resilience.

Founded on a simple idea - Lets Talk to create a distinct, independent business and community network that fosters collaboration, strengthens local connections, and supports neighborhood-driven projects. This structure is designed to enrich both the business, local economy and the community spirit.

Our Story :

A Grassroots Vision for Community Collaboration

It started in early 2024 with a simple act of cleaning up the street. During a routine garden tidy-up on Bank Street, a local volunteer was approached by a couple curious about the work. They explained that they were helping with a city-run cleanup program, providing supplies and encouraging others to join in.

Inspired by the effort, the couple jumped in, suggesting, “Let’s split up the street and tackle the whole thing together.”

As they worked, the conversation turned to something bigger—how to foster stronger collaboration between businesses and the community. The volunteer shared that past attempts to create a formal business association had struggled under city regulations. But what if there was another way? A more organic approach, where businesses and community groups residents could connect, support each other, and shape their own framework for collaboration?

That conversation sparked something new. Another voice emerged—a person with a deep desire to strengthen community engagement, bringing forward the idea of Ask Your Citizens First. The belief was simple but powerful: real change comes when the people most affected by decisions are at the heart of shaping them.

Over breakfast meetings in the months that followed, ideas took shape. What started as a street cleanup evolved into a movement. By the end of 2024, it had grown into iBCIA then iCBIG —a community-driven initiative focused on building connections and fostering collaboration without the constraints of a traditional business association.

This grassroots effort continues to grow, proving that collaboration doesn’t have to come from the top down—it can start with a simple conversation, a willingness to take action, and a commitment to listening to the community first.

A thriving community that's built on the foundation of independent individuals, their unique capacities, energy, and passions

Whether you're a local business owner, a community leader, or a resident, there's a role for you. 

Join and help build a stronger, more connected Old Ottawa South!

The associations that champion local businesses—those whose goods and services reflect the needs and character of the community, building local power and pushing back against corporate control. 

Questions & Answers