BIA News & Updates
Preston Street Mother's Day Contest!
The Mother's Day contest launches on Monday, April 23rd. A huge thank you to the following businesses that contributed to the grand prize package:

Anka's Esthetics, Zoey's Nails, Nails and Spa on Preston, The UpKeep Shoppe, NuChic Hair Salon, Kutting Crew Hair Salon, Vincent, Preston Dental Centre, Docere Naturopathic Clinic (1-month personalized meal plan with recipes for the draw (valued at $75),  Vasto Boutique.
 
There is still time for your business to participate.  If you wish to donate an item and be included in our social media promotion, let us know.

If you can contribute to the Prize package, please email info@prestonstreet.com or call the office at 613-231-2815.


Please help us get the word out on this contest by sending out the information below through your social media channels.

"We all think we have the greatest Mom! May is the time to show her how much we appreciate her!

We're giving you a chance to brag about how fantastic your mom is, and you may even win her a fabulous pampering package from the merchants of Little Italy!

The grand prize package includes spa, hair and beauty services, yoga, tooth care, healthy eating, shopping and women's clothing.

To win this fabulous Little Italy pampering package for your Mom:  Send us your photo and story about why your mom is the best Mama.   Share your #MemoriesWithMom with @prestonstreetbia on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram  #PrestonStreetBIA .
 
Contest starts April 23rd and runs 2 weeks, ending May 7th. The winner will be announced May 9th over our social media channels."
 
For more information on the contest, please visit:  http://www.prestonstreet.com/events/2018-03-31-a-mother-s-day-on-preston-street
Tulip Route includes Preston Street!!















This year's Canadian Tulip Festival - "A World of Tulips" runs May 11-21st. 

Since 1953, Canada's most colourful festival celebrates the tulip, Ottawa's official flower and an international symbol friendship and peace, through art and culture. Our millions of tulips set the stage for unique tulip experiences across the city.

One of four Festival locations, The Garden Tulip Experience at Commissioner's Park - Dow's Lake is produced in collaboration with the National Capital Commission, official Gardeners of the National Capital.   During the 10-day festival over 500, 000 visitors will come for the 1-KM panorama of over 250, 000 show-stopping mass-planted tulip beds where interpretive signage and guided tours offer opportunities to learn about tulips and the Festival.   
While spending time in the tulips they will enjoy live musical entertainment and watch artists at work.  This year, the Kingdom of the Netherlands presents a photo exhibition;Tulpi Design of Holland' s whimsical tulip chairs create a great photo spot among raised tulip beds on the Dow's Lake Pavilion Boardwalk; and on Sunday May 20th  we celebrate Victoria Day  with a spectacular fireworks show over the lake.  
 
A special parking lot at the Queen Juliana Park, a few minutes from Commissioners Park (off of Queen Elizabeth Drive and south of Preston Street) is available for a flat rate of $15. Spots can be reserved for specific days at  www.tulipfestival.ca.

Join the celebration and attract visitors to your doorstep! 
 
Rent a pre-painted 5' tulip for the 2018 Festival for $300 and we will list your business name on our website.  

Contact Elisha:   Marketingcoordinator@tulipfestival.ca or CALL 613-567-5757 for further details or to order.  
Annual General Meeting had best turn-out in years


Over 100 people attended the AGM this year and there were many lively discussions about the future of Preston Street, how to promote the area, how to drive business to our shops and restos, etc

We had a presentation by the MTO about the plans to replace the 417 bridge over the O-Train, how they are going to do this, where they are going to stage it and what the impact will be on our area. The Project may start this year, but more likely 2019.
The biggest impact on us will be that the Trillium Multi Use Path will be diverted at Young Street, and run along Young to Preston, turn north on Preston (west side) and run along Preston to Louisa where it will rejoin the original path. This will result in the removal of all the parking spots along Young Street and under the Queensway. 

The City has agreed to adjust the paid parking times in the Adult High School City lot so that they will be the same as Preston Street. Currently, you don't have to pay for parking on Preston Street after 5:30 pm, but you do have to pay in the lot up until 7:00 pm. When the temporary removal of those parking spots goes into effect, you will only have to pay until 5:30 in the parking lot.  For the  

Great River Media provided their marketing report, that reviewed our activity on the Website, There were many new faces Social Media, Calendar, Branding & Design and New Events.  For the highlights, click here .

There were many new faces at the AGM this year and we hope yours will be one of them next year!



Presdelicious 2018 - Sign-up is now open!
Preparations for Presdelicious 2018 are now underway! This year's event will run from July 20th to August 2nd.

Participating restaurants will feature a choice of three different three-course meal options created especially for the festival, priced at either $28, $38 or $48 (drinks and gratuity extra).

So far the following restaurants have signed up for Presdelicious include:

- Mati
- Evoo
- Marc Kitchen 
- Stoneface Dollys
- Mason Dixon
- Two Six Ate
- La Roma
- Trattoria Caffè Italia

Booking deadline is fast approaching so please contact us to participate.

Cristha cristha@greatriver.ca or 

The sooner you get your information in the more exposure your restaurant will get.

"Meet Me on Preston" Events Calendar gives you free listings of events and promotions at your business












Did you know that as a BIA Member you can put your events on the monthly calendar?

This is your tool to promote your business and attract customers. All you need do is come up with a great promotion, and we'll get it up in the calendar. 

Start thinking about promotions you might want to do in the month of June. Deadline for the print version of the June calendar is May 22nd.

We can add events to the web calendar throughout the month so be sure to make us aware of any special event or promotion you are having. We will also use that information to expand your advertising reach through the BIA social media channels.

If you have an event that you would like listed on the website, please email prestonbiainfo@gmail.com.
Italian Festival License Extensions
We are organizing for Italian Festival and will be in touch shortly to get you in to sign your license extension applications. You will need to bring along your cheque for your barricades made out to Preston Street BIA. 

Barricades are 8' long and are $17/ each this year (cost includes delivery, pick-up and taxes.) 

NOTE: if you are planning to prepare food on your patio, please get in touch with the BIA office immediately because the Health Department needs prior notice.

Other News
Councillor McKenney is hosting an Open House meeting on April 26th












All members of the public are invited to attend. The meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss active development applications in the greater Lebreton Flats area, as well as the broader planning framework for how the area is to evolve over time. Possible discussion items may include parks and recreational space, active transportation, family oriented development, affordable housing, traffic management, urban ecosystem, community connectivity, and height and intensification goals.

Details:

Thursday April 26, 2018
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Good Companion Centre
670 Albert Street
Open House format:

 

Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development staff will provide a brief presentation on City of Ottawa planning framework including relevant policies and transportation goals.

 

Active Development Applications in the area will have display boards with project details and team members available to take comments and questions, including:

  • 900 Albert - Proposed mixed-use development with three high-rise towers reaching 32, 52 and 65 storeys offering a range of commercial/retails uses and a mix of residential dwelling units (approx.. 1,200 units).
  • 557-587 Wellington - Proposal including the new Central Library and a mixed-use development concept with building heights up to 25 storeys.
  • 301, 324 Lett and 133 Booth - Proposal known as Claridge East Flats for a development concept of five high-rise mixed-use buildings ranging in height from 25 to 45 storeys, with approximately 1950 residential dwelling units.

Details are also available on Councillor's webpage at:





















The Ottawa Hospital Update
This is a heads-up that new information will be available on the City's website concerning the proposal for the new campus of The Ottawa Hospital.  The revised proposal is to amend the Preston-Carling District Secondary Plan to include the new campus of The Ottawa Hospital into the Secondary Plan and to create a new 'Hospital Area' designation.  

The proposed Zoning By-law amendment is to create one uniform Major Institutional Zone (I2 zone) across the site.  The proposed zoning and secondary plan changes would provide greater clarity on the types of uses permitted within the boundary of the hospital site and the special plans and studies required prior to moving forward on a master site plan for Planning Committee and Council to consider.


The proposed Zoning By-law and Official Plan amendments are tentatively scheduled for Planning Committee on  May 22, 2018.
 
 
Relevant Links:  

I also encourage you to go to visit The Ottawa Hospital's website  to engage in their public consultation at  greatertogether.ca 

Sean Moore MCIP, RPP
Planner III | Urbaniste III
City of Ottawa
Ottawa Public Library - Business Networking resources










Networking is one of the most essential personal skills for business people. Communication and strong presence will help you along your way to building strong relationships with other entrepreneurs. They, like you, are looking for connection, inspiration, advice, opportunities, and mentors.

Approach the networking as any other part of your business. Create a plan with specific goals. Know when, where and why you are going to an event. Be yourself and present your company the way you want other people to see it. Your business is unique, so be sure that you are able to present your uniqueness. Cautiously select your options and choose the one that will bring the most advantages to your business. Connections come as a result of other connections. Stay in touch with connections and continue the actual communication which will be foundation for your strong relationship and network.  You have the opportunity to stay connected and build a strong network online.

Click the link below for resources online and in the Ottawa Public Library collection to inspire you and give you further understanding of the art of networking.  

Don't miss the upcoming New Entrepreneurs of Ottawa Networking (NEON) event on April 25 (details in link below).
The Canada Revenue Agency's payroll podcast - Episode 7: Small business deduction - Is your business eligible?
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) returns with the seventh episode of our payroll podcast for employers and the payroll community. In this episode, we begin a two-part conversation on the small business deduction. The discussion includes:
  • some of the eligibility requirements;
  • Canadian-controlled private corporations; and
  • the more-than-five employee rule.
You can listen to this podcast on:
If you have questions, feedback, or suggestions for future topics related to the podcast, email us at 

2018 Ontario Budget and What it Means for Business












The 2018 Ontario Budget proposes new spending for economic development yet does nothing to alleviate rising input costs or tangibly address low business confidence.
 
Here's a quick analysis from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

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Hashtags you need to know about:

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CONTACT
CONTACT US:

Lori Mellor
Executive Director
Preston Street Business Improvement Association
118 A Preston Street, K1R 7P2
613-231-2815



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