Strengthening Community Connections

Overview - Draft 

Strengthening Community Connections in Old Ottawa South

Old Ottawa South is a neighbourhood with deep roots, a creative spirit, and a strong sense of local pride.

Unlike our high-profile neighbour, Old Ottawa South has its own distinct personality—more grassroots than glossy, more community-minded than commercial. It’s home to businesses, community groups institutions students, people who care deeply about this place.

But even with all that heart, many people feel increasingly disconnected.

• Local businesses face rising costs and shrinking visibility.

• Residents want to support local life but often don’t know how.

• Community groups are active, but sometimes hard to find.
  
  

What’s missing is a simple, shared way to bring us together.

• A casual, welcoming space—physical or digital—where neighbours can meet, share ideas, and collaborate.

• A neighbourhood hub , website with a neighborhood directory, local links, and simple tools to stay in the loop.

• A stronger, more visible identity
  
  

This isn’t about replacing what exists—it’s about connecting the dots and creating opportunities for local people, businesses, institutions, community groups and ititiatives to thrive.

Together, we can help make Old Ottawa South feel more connected, inclusive, and alive.

We are better off when we are all better off 

 Who?  iCBIG brings together: Everyone in Old Ottawa South— people who live and work here. Businesses, community groups, institutions, students, even landlords, If you care about the community, you’re invited to participate.

What?  iCBIG is a light coordination platform that helps its neigborhood:

• Connect and engage 

• Strengthen the neighborhood economy and identity

• Support community-led ideas and initiatives

• Encourage new uses for public space e.g., a “tiny park” & third places

• Keep more local dollars, and talent in the neighbourhood

• Share information, resources and talent

• Support small local projects

Think of it as a Community connector and Project action Hub for Old Ottawa South.

What it's not:

• Not a BIA a traditional Business Improvement Area

• Not limited to businesses – it includes, institutions, community groups and residents

• Not tied to politics or a single agenda – it stays neutral and community-driven. 

• Not controlled by any single organization

• Not a top-down authority – decisions are made collectively, not imposed from above.

• Not a membership-only club – it’s open to all local stakeholders, not just a select few.

• Not a funding group – it facilitates projects but does not control community funding.

• Not a one-size-fits-all program – it adapts to neighborhood needs 

• Not a regulatory body – it supports collaboration and action rather than enforcing rules.

• Not a temporary project – it’s designed to be an ongoing, sustainable network.

It stays flexible and community-driven so everyone can participate.

Where?  iCBIG focuses on Old Ottawa South as a defined neighborhood and its close surrounding neighbours.

It supports the whole neighborhood, not just one sector.

When?  iCBIG started as a conversation in 2024 with a positive feel to turn it into action 

By observing and setting a foundation as a step-by-step rather than as a large crystal ball  program from the start.

Why?  “To get people talking, sharing ideas, and enjoying the process of making neighborhood improvements together.

Make it easy to:

• Support neighborhood initiatives

• Strengthen the local economy - Think local first 

• Respond collectively to change and development pressures

• Build a shared neighborhood identity

The goal is a more connected, fun and sustainable 15 minute neighborhood.

How?  It creates a shared collaboration table, not a new authority and not a replacement for existing organizations.

iCBIG works through its tools and activities:

• Be a Hub go to for collaboration and engagement 

• A shared directory - to find partners, share resources, support local initiatives

• signal collection (what people need and what's missing)

• Small action projects

• Encourage partnerships between groups

• Storytelling about local successes

• Job and volunteer network 

It acts as an interface for collaboration, making it easy for ideas to move into action.

Foster Local Collaboration - Bring together independent businesses, community groups, institutions and residents to strengthen local connections.

Community Action Labs – Host meetups where businesses and residents brainstorm community-driven solutions.

Local Directory – Create and maintain more than a list of businesses, Community groups and local services  Instead of listing organizations by type alone, it groups businesses, institutions, and community groups into a systems that help the neighbourhood function, like food, mobility, learning, repair, culture, and care. 

Green space Support the care, vitality, and shared stewardship of local parks and green spaces to ensure they remain welcoming, healthy, and sustainable for all.

Create a Stable Local Community - Brings institutions, businesses, landlords together to build a stronger, more resilient neighbourhood. By participating with property owners gain long-term tenant stability, reduced turnover, and thriving local businesses that increase property value—all while contributing to a vibrant community.

Community 

Economic Vitality: Keeping money local, boosting the economy, and creating jobs.

Stronger Community Spirit: Strengthening connections between residents, businesses, and community groups, fostering a shared sense of belonging and purpose

Improved Quality of Life: Ensuring access to essential goods and services, and supporting the needs of the local community.

Green Business Initiatives: Encouraging eco-friendly practices, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.

Social Sustainability: Strengthening connections between generations, cultures, and community groups to foster inclusivity and support networks.

Amplifies Community Spirit and sense of place : Strengthens connections, fosters a shared purpose.

Improved Quality of Life: Ensures access to essential goods/services, supports local needs.

Increased Community Resources: Businesses may donate time, funds, materials or space

Community Sustainability and Resilience: Promoting green business initiatives, local sourcing, environmental stewardship, and social sustainability.

Businesses

Increased Customer Base for Businesses: Helping local businesses attract and retain loyal customers through goodwill, cross-promotion, and community engagement.

Enhanced Business Reputation: Building trust and positive perception of local businesses by showcasing their responsibility and care for the community.

Stronger Business Relationships: Connecting businesses with each other and with community members, creating a supportive network.

Direct Community Feedback for Businesses: Providing businesses with its needs and expectations from the community.

Employee Engagement:  Boosting employee morale and involvement through community participation.

Environmental Sustainability

Green Business Challenge – Encourage businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as reducing waste or improving energy efficiency. There is a business case for sustainability.

Restaurants Featuring a Local Menu – Encourage eateries to showcase dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

Plastic-Free Shopping Days – Organize days where businesses incentivize customers to bring reusable containers or bags.

Business Recycle drop off  -provides a convenient and safe way for residents of Ottawa to return household items that should not go in the garbage to participating retailers ...

Economic & Social Well-being

Community Living Room - Weekly "Community Living Room" drop in – Designate a local café or community space for casual meet-and-greet sessions. 

Develop a model for meaningful community involvement, ensuring residents have a say in local improvements. 

Support Local Economic Growth : Encourage localism by keeping economic activity within the community. Promote independent businesses by increasing visibility and engagement with the community.

Pop-Up Markets – Seasonal or themed mini-markets showcasing local artisans and entrepreneurs.

Skill-Sharing Workshops – Businesses offer free workshops (e.g., cooking, bike repair, marketing) to engage the community.

Shared Resources Network – Encourage businesses and community groups to share tools, equipment, excess products or event spaces.

“iCBIG is a community-supported network that brings together volunteers, partners, and resources to strengthen local businesses, groups, and institutions in Old Ottawa South.”