About Centretown

With community, diversity, belonging, and passion at its core, the team behind Centretown works hard every day to foster a greener and cleaner neighbourhood, infused with arts and culture.

Situated north of the Queensway, minutes from Parliament Hill, and bounded to the east by the Rideau Canal and the west by Bronson Avenue, this diverse central hub is anything but middle of the road.

With more than 300 shops, cafés, and restaurants over 20 blocks, Centretown is a place where community comes first, with residents, visitors, and business owners striving to venture out of the ordinary.

CentretownThrough The Years

1977
2011
2014
2023
Bank street
​​The Bank Street BIA is founded, making us the oldest Business Improvement Area in the city of Ottawa.
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We become the proud home of Ottawa’s Village, stretching from Nepean to James St. and marked by street signs.
We launch the first edition of Glowfair, Ottawa’s largest free street festival. Spanning 10 city blocks and featuring two main stages, it’s a yearly event you just can’t miss.
We rebrand from Bank Street BIA to Centretown, the name locals have long referred to the area.

Meet the Team

Sabrina is a dedicated change catalyst on a mission to transform Centretown and beyond. With her boundless creativity and vibrant energy, she sparks positive change in the community. Equipped with a forward-thinking mindset and an adventurous spirit, Sabrina is known for her passion, attentiveness, and ability to see all perspectives. When she's not shaping the future, you can find her immersed in thrilling outdoor adventures or nurturing personal passions like yoga and jiu-jitsu. Sabrina believes that together, we can create positive change that leaves a lasting impact.

Sabrina

SabriNa C. Lemay

Executive Director

Stephanie is a magician when it comes to Centretown businesses. With a mix of humility, hard work, and strategy, she builds lasting relationships and propels small businesses to success. Described as an altruistic superhero, Stephanie's meticulous nature and creative flair make her a force to be reckoned with. Outside of work, her true happiness lies in being a mom and creating cherished memories with her family.

Stephanie

Stephanie Wawrzynczak

Communications and Marketing Director

Emma is an artistic whirlwind, infusing her work with vibrant colors and imaginative flair. She's a master at juggling multiple tasks, effortlessly bringing projects to life with her enthusiasm and motivation. Outside of work, you'll find her exploring the great outdoors or sharing precious moments with her beloved cats.

Emma

Emma Gmazel

Finance Officer

Rahmah Aldakkak is a passionate advocate for community engagement and connection. She loves exploring and supporting local spots, finding joy in celebrating the vibrancy of her community. With experience organizing impactful events, raising awareness, and crafting thoughtful communications. Rahmah’s superpower is building bridges—connecting people ideas, and causes to inspire collaboration and create meaningful, lasting change.

@throughmy_lenzz-2

Rahmah Aldakkak

Promotions and Operations Coordinator

Faisal is a Centretown native whose creativity knows no bounds. Growing up in the heart of the city, he's developed a unique talent for spotting connections and bringing people together in meaningful ways. With an entrepreneurial spirit, he's always dreaming up new business ideas and innovative solutions. On his time off, Faisal is all about discovering fresh ways to stay healthy and challenging himself in fitness. His superpower? Turning connections into opportunities, effortlessly bridging gaps to create something greater than the sum of its parts. 

Faisal 1

Faisal Ghali

Community and Economical Development Coordinator

Board of management

Michael Wallack, Chair

David Massine, Vice Chair

Adam Wilson, Treasurer 

Councillor Troster, Director

Farid Dagher, Director

Matthew Tweedy, Director

Jacob Racco, Director

Plan Your VisitFrom parking to cycling and directions, we’ve got you covered.

Explore Centretown

Looking to shop, eat to your heart’s content, or get your art on?

You've come to the right place!

Centretown would like to acknowledge that Ottawa is built on the unceded, unsurrendered Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation.

The Anishinaabe Algonquin peoples have lived on this land since time immemorial. We recognize and deeply appreciate their historic connection to this place. We also recognize the contributions of Métis, Inuit, and other Indigenous peoples have made, both in shaping and strengthening this community in particular, and our province and country as a whole.