Strategic Pillar 5: Marketing & Engagement

Part 5 in a series highlighting our 2025–2030 strategic pillars: Marketing & Engagement- Elevating Barrhaven’s Business Community

A strong and connected business community doesn’t just happen—it’s built through smart marketing, consistent engagement, and a shared sense of identity. That’s why the Barrhaven Business Improvement Area (BBIA) has made Marketing & Engagement one of its five strategic pillars for 2025 and beyond. Our goal? To market Barrhaven’s business community in a way that ignites pride, attracts visitors, and cultivates a true sense of place.

Building a Stronger Barrhaven Brand

The BBIA will continue to refine our cohesive branding and marketing strategy. This includes:

  • Expanding multi-channel marketing campaigns across social media, print, and community partnerships
  • Developing new email marketing tools to reach both residents and businesses
  • Launching a special branding update to celebrate BBIA’s 20th Anniversary

These efforts will grow visibility, increase engagement, and ensure that Barrhaven businesses shine across the city and beyond.

A More Dynamic BBIA Website

Our website is the digital gateway to Barrhaven’s business community. In 2025, we’ve expanded it to:

  • Showcase local businesses, promotions, and events
  • Launch a new Business Events Tool alongside our popular Community Events calendar
  • Include enhanced offerings on our Commercial Spaces and Member Benefits pages
  • Introduce the “Barrhaven Buddy” AI assistant to help visitors and businesses quickly find what they need

The goal was simple—make it easier than ever to discover, connect, and engage with everything Barrhaven has to oOer.

Celebrating Community Through Events

Marketing isn’t just digital—it’s about creating experiences that connect people with local businesses. This year, the BBIA has:

  • Grown our two annual market events with new programming and community partnerships
  • Hosted monthly networking sessions and larger signature events for members, and added new lunchtime drop-ins to our fall BizConnect series
  • Planned a “Best of Barrhaven” Awards Program to be launched in 2026, featuring special legacy awards as part of our 20th anniversary celebrations at the AGM in November

Growing Engagement & Partnerships

Marketing success relies on strong collaboration. That’s why we’re focused on:

  • Visiting each member business multiple times a year
  • Engaging with more members on social media and through email newsletters (targeting a 45% open rate)
  • Partnering with Ottawa Tourism, local schools, and community groups to amplify Barrhaven’s reach

Stronger Together: A Shared Vision

Barrhaven is more than a place to shop—it’s a community with momentum. Through bold marketing initiatives and meaningful engagement, the BBIA is helping businesses connect, attract new customers, and thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Want to be part of Barrhaven’s marketing story? Reach out today at marketing@barrhavenbia.ca .

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