Ottawa Street BIA

December 3, 2020

12 Days of Giveaways

12 Days of Giveaways - December 1st -12th 2020 How it works: The Ottawa Street BIA will post a new giveaway each day for 12 days on our Instagram account. Anyone can enter! Contest details: 1. Like each giveaway post 2. Follow the @ottawastbia & each business tagged in the daily giveaway post 3. Tag 2 friends 4. Bonus entry if you share the contest posts in your IG story Each giveaway closes at 11:59PM daily and winners will be announced via social media the next day! Good luck!!!!

November 26, 2020

Merchant Feature: Empire Make Space

Welcome Empire Make Space to Ottawa Street N! Owner Ariane Clark is a busy mompreneur who is currently raising a family in the Crown Point neighbourhood. Ariane has a wealth of sewing industry knowledge so it is very fitting that she opened her first shop on Ottawa Street, Hamilton’s Textile District. Empire Make Space is a collaborative sewing studio and reclaimed fabric store selling a selection of deadstock and reclaimed textiles. Ariane also partners with a number of local and sustainable vendors which she features regularly in the space or through pop-ups. “At Empire Make Space we purchase deadstock and scrap fabrics from designers, the film industry, and textile-waste diversion organizations like Creative Re-use Toronto to make fabric accessible to the eco-conscious consumer at an affordable price.” “Our aim is to repurpose these discarded fabrics and notions, keep them out...

November 11, 2020

Merchant Feature: Zorro Dry Cleaners

Zorro Dry Cleaners Zorro Dry Cleaners has been a fixture on Ottawa Street for over 18 years. They are known for their exceptional customer service and unbeatable prices. The staff at Zorro's takes the time to learn about individual customer’s needs and have built a loyal repeat client base within the Crown Point Community. Pricing varies based on customer specifications, fabric, style, size and urgency. If you would like a quote you can submit a request directly from their website here or call 905-545-7788. Same day pickup is available upon request. The back entrance can be used for pickup and drop-off and is a convenient alternative from having to find street parking if you’re in a hurry. Zorro accepts all garments, specialty items such as winter coats and jackets, formal wear such a suits and dresses, bedding and more. For...

October 15, 2020

Merchant Feature: Simply Italian Bakery

Simply Italian Bakery Simply Italian Bakery opened on June 15th 2019 and was a welcomed addition to Ottawa Street. With a strong background in the food and beverage industry Nancy and Rocco Leo, owners of Café Limoncello, were excited to take on this new venture. Italian cooking is in their blood and Nancy noticed Ottawa Street was in need of an authentic Italian bakery, when the space at 212 Ottawa Street N became available Nancy knew it was meant to be. Nancy had a vision for the bakery that involved a full transformation of the space, the inside is bright and open concept and makes you feel like you’re walking into a café in Naples. Indoor seating is being offered at a reduced capacity but COVID protocols are in place and being diligently followed by the staff. You can also...

October 9, 2020

Merchant Feature: Burger Lab Hamilton

Burger Lab Welcome Burger Lab to Ottawa Street N! Opening a small business can be challenging, but opening a small business in the midst of a global pandemic is definitely no easy feat. For the owners at Burger Lab this was an added challenge that they faced head on and didn’t let it stop them from opening their doors to the community on September 19th. Owner Cem Sam helped open Burger Lab’s Toronto location a few years ago with co-owner Matt Yilmaz. The business saw such success in Toronto in those few short years that the team decided to expand to Hamilton. When asked why Hamilton, Cem says “we were looking for something similar to Toronto, but with a stronger community vibe. The people in Toronto are a bit more disconnected and Hamilton seemed to have a very welcoming feeling.”...

September 29, 2020

Merchant Feature: Xelf Fitness

Xelf Fitness Xelf Fitness officially opened its doors at 299 Ottawa Street N on July 27th 2020. Owner Damian acquired the space on March 1st 2020 but was forced to hold off on opening due to the pandemic. They have since worked hard to implement strict COVID protocols to ensure members safety and are happy to be a part of the Crown Point Community. When asked what brought them to Ottawa Street, manager and fitness Coach Vince says “We are a community focused small business – we love making connections with those around us and we want to get to know the local residents and business owners on a personal level. Crown Point has made us feel at home and welcomed us with open arms.” Vince didn’t hesitate to get involved with the community when he started a Monday night...

September 22, 2020

Merchant Feature: Obskurah Bazaar

Obskurah Bazaar Obskurah Bazaar recently celebrated their two-year anniversary on Ottawa Street. Located at 116 Ottawa Street N this whimsical space is warm and inviting and definitely worth the visit! “Through engaging workshops, intuitive readings, our Witch’s Cottage event space and a shop full of mindfully curated metaphysical merchandise, we support our community in creating their own fascinating, mindful life by embracing their inner magical energy.” Owner Ariane is a Spiritist of 30+ years. Her path has led her to a place where she is now guiding others along their own spiritual journey. Starting out as a tent vendor at a series of art, music and renaissance festivals Ariane spent 12 years and traveled thousands of kilometers before settling into her brick and mortar location in Crown Point. Ariane says “each event allowed us to connect directly with customers...

September 15, 2020

Merchant Feature: Merk Snack Bar

Merk Snack Bar To owner Mark the definition of Merk is to “act passionately and fully” this is a mantra that Mark carries with him and inserts into everything he does. Merk Snack bar was born from an idea that owner Mark had dreamed up while working in the food and beverage industry. Chef Mark has spent over 20+ years working in bars and restaurants and if you’ve tried anything from the menu you can see that Mark knows his way around a kitchen. His journey began as a line cook at Lick’s Burgers, where he would watch the fresh patties being prepared daily. His love for quality food developed as his career flourished. In February 2018 Merk Snack Bar opened its doors on Ottawa Street and within a few short years managed to win over the heart of the...

September 10, 2020

Ottawa Street Farmers’ Market – Volunteer Opportunity

We are looking for people passionate about supporting our local Farmers' Market! Our mission is to connect our Crown Point Community with farm fresh food – now is more important than ever to support small businesses and local agriculture. Volunteers are the backbone of the Ottawa Street Farmers’ Market and your hard work and dedication, along with your enthusiastic attitude, will ensure we have an organized, safe and inclusive outdoor farmers’ market this season. Ottawa Street Farmers' Market - Volunteer Roles Volunteers must comply with: Being conscientious and courteous at all times Following public health protocols (physical distancing, mask, hand washing/sanitizing etc.) Being a team player and following guidance from the Market Manager Approaching (in a physically distant way) and talking to people to explain protocols of the market, give directions, or answer questions Current Volunteer Opportunities; Set up crew...

August 25, 2020

Merchant Feature: European Textiles

European Textiles Ottawa Street’s history as a commercial shopping district dates back to the 1920’s when the local textile and fabric industry was booming. Over time the street developed to allow other industries to flourish but our rich history as a textile district still remains thanks to the many fabric shops that are here today. “A family operated business since 1979, with an emphasis on value and service. Since the beginning, European Textiles has been known for its commitment to quality, fashionable fabrics at reasonable prices. Over the years European Textiles has grown into one of the industry leaders in all things fabric. Whether it’s fabric for quilting, bridal, kids or the latest in home décor, European Textiles has all your needs covered and Sew much more.” Last Friday Canada's fabric industry lost an icon, President of European Textiles, George Tsiflikiotis passed away after...