Kevin McHale

Executive Director at Downtown BIA

Speaker

Kevin McHale is the Executive Director of the Downtown Ottawa Business Improvement Area (BIA) and the Sparks Street Mall Authority, where he leads efforts to strengthen the downtown’s economic vitality and urban experience. After a 15-year career in broadcast media, Kevin shifted into the world of placemaking and business community support—work that now spans destination marketing, event production, public realm improvements, and business advocacy. In 2025, under Kevin’s leadership, the Sparks Street BIA achieved the largest expansion in Canadian history. The newly expanded Downtown BIA now represents more than 850 properties, retailers, restaurants, service providers, and offices, positioning it as a key partner in advancing the City’s Downtown Action Agenda. A passionate champion of Ottawa’s urban core, Kevin believes in the power of collaboration to create a downtown that is vibrant, resilient, and welcoming for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.