Vanier BIA: richness in contrasts.
by Orkestra
An association on a mission
Vanier is a neighborhood rich in some forty different cultures. In recent years, the area has become a lively cultural hub, where contrasts embellish the décor.
While the mandate was first and foremost to create a new, functional corporate identity, there was a strong desire to reinforce the sense of community belonging with an identity that transcends cultures, age groups and social status.
These two objectives pushed our team towards a functional solution that could be exploded and colored at will, to breathe a breath of fresh air into the neighborhood.
A brand inspired by the neighborhood
Just like the jewels to be discovered along the area’s three main thoroughfares (Beechwood Avenue, Montreal Road and McArthur Avenue), the new Vanier BIA signature hides a secret in plain sight. The three commercial axes are embedded right into the signature, to mark their importance within the sector.
The color palette was strongly inspired by the kaleidoscope of murals already adorning Vanier’s beautiful streets. It reflects the eclecticism and energy of the Vanier community.
When developing a community identity, it’s important to consider its user-friendliness and the simplicity of the elements that make it up. The basis of ZAC Vanier’s graphic identity is therefore the shapes and colors present in the signature. The rules for use are permissive, leaving room for creativity and exploration.
It’s your turn
Every member of the community contributes to Vanier’s social fabric. Together, they have created a tightly woven community rich in businesses and social projects. The Vanier motif is representative of this community collaboration. Vanier has long been home to a large number of French-Canadians and Aboriginals. The pattern is a nod to the arrow belt, a perfect example of the blending of cultures.
A bright future
The Vanier BIA’s revitalization efforts have been recognized. After winning the 2023 Organization of the Year award at the Bernard Grandmaître Awards gala, the BIA was presented with the prestigious Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence, for the transformation of an underused parking lot into a unique community space, at a ceremony organized in Chicago by the International Downtown Association (IDA). (Ottawa Business Journal article)
In 2024, the BIA also won the OBIAA Award for Excellence in Public Realm Management for the same space, and in particular for its work on inclusion, diversity and effective engagement and collaboration with community and business partners.
More recently, Vanier BIA earned a Merit in Marketing award from the Ontario BIA Association at the #2025BIAConference.
See the entire Vanier BIA identity project on Behance
About the client
The Business Improvement Area of Vanier (Vanier BIA) is a non-profit organization representing over 466 property owners in the area. Its mission is to represent, enhance and promote a thriving commercial zone by celebrating the diversity, dynamism and cultural richness of its streets and neighbors. The association is responsible for a wide range of colorful cultural events, from drag story times to native legend bonfire evenings to disco roller skating sessions.
