River District Wins Special Events Award of Excellence at Ontario Business Improvement Area Association Awards Gala

The Owen Sound River District is proud to announce that it is the recipient of the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) Special Events Award of Excellence. The Award was received in the Marketing & Promotions category in recognition of the Wheel & Ride Safety Festival and Bike Program event held annually.

The award ceremony was held last night, Monday, March 31, 2025, at the annual OBIAA conference in Collingwood, Ontario.

The OBIAA Marketing & Promotions Award of Excellence recognizes programs focused on branding, public relations, promotions, marketing strategies, data and metrics, sponsorship and fundraising strategies, crisis communication plans, public engagement or events.

The River District is honoured to share this award with the Kiwanis Club of Owen Sound, Optimist Club of Sydenham & District, Owen Sound & District Junior Optimists, Scenic Cycle, and Owen Sound Police Services. Without these partnerships, this event, bike program, and award would not be possible. 

The OBIAA Awards celebrate the victories and measurable difference BIA’s make in their communities.

The nominations were selected from a pool of entries that fit the criteria for each award.

For more information, please contact Viveca Gravel, River District Coordinator, at 519-376-4440 ext. 1209 or email vgravel@owensound.ca.   

Quote:

“It’s with great honour that the Owen Sound River District is recognized by OBIAA for the Wheel & Ride Event. This event reflects a welcoming, inclusive, and fun environment for our citizens, visitors and newcomers that we are very proud of in Owen Sound.  We’re grateful for the community help and support of events in the River District.”

-       Mayor Ian Boddy

Quick Facts:

• Since its inception, the bike program has given out more than 100 bikes to children and families.
• The 2025 Wheel & Ride Safety Festival is scheduled for May 3, 2025
• The Owen Sound River District BIA was established in 1973 and continues to support more than 200 businesses in the heart of Owen Sound. 
  

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