Meaford Market Square (Photo from Google Maps)
Meaford is starting the process of reviving its Business Improvement Area (BIA).
Council approved having staff initiate the community and stakeholder engagement process for reinstating the BIA during its meeting on Monday.
Meaford’s BIA was dissolved in 2022 and was replaced with a Main Street organization, Main Street Meaford. Its goal was to advance local culture, while preserving the history of the community and pursue economic opportunities for downtown Meaford.
The organization, however, was deemed unsuccessful in generating the community revitalization and improvement of the downtown area as anticipated.
As part of revival discussions, the new BIA could include revised boundaries.
Small and Medium Business Liaison Jessica Kenyon says in a report, “Staff have completed a comprehensive review of the historical BIA boundaries to explore the potential of expanding the area.”
Staff have proposed several options to expand the BIA boundaries, which will be further explored through public engagement over the coming months.
BIAs allow local businesses and commercial property owners and tenants to work together and support their municipalities in organizing, financing and conduct physical improvements, while promoting economic development.
The BIA will be comprised of a board of five to eight people, which will include a member of council.
Coun. Tony Bell says he is looking forward to this process coming to fruition.
“We have just had a gap in that direct impact that good-hearted people who want to make a difference in the downtown core. I do reflect back on the previous BIA when it was truly really working and I believe that it was really working very well. They always had some great ideas tossing around at those meetings, what the BIA could do,” says Bell.
Deputy Mayor Shirley Keaveney adds she hopes local businesses are onboard with reviving the BIA.
The goal is to reestablish the BIA by April/May next year.