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Are you or someone you know passionate about our local business communities?
The Preston Towne Centre Business Improvement Area is having a by-election to fill vacant positions on the Board of Management.
Nominations open Monday August 19 at 8:30 a.m. and close on Friday October 11 at 4:30 p.m.
To nominate an individual:
1. Confirm eligibility
2. Complete a Business Improvement Nomination Form and return it to the City of Cambridge by one of the following methods:
- Online - email clerks@cambridge.ca
- In person - visit Service Cambridge, on the first floor of Cambridge City Hall (50 Dickson St.)
BIA Election Date:
- Preston Towne Centre BIA - Wednesday, October 16, 2024
For more information on the election please see the following documents:
What is a BIA?
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of property owners and businesses within a specified area who organize, finance and carry out physical improvements and promote economic development in their district with the support of the municipality. The BIA area is defined by the Council approved by-laws.
What does a BIA do?
Through an elected Board of Managers, BIAs develop and carry out programs to improve, beautify and market their area. They promote the businesses in the BIA area and bring in customers. BIA programs include, but are not limited to:
- Liaising and consulting with the Council and staff of the City of Cambridge, providing assistance and input from the Board and BIA members regarding City programs, planning issues, services, by-laws, activities and initiatives impacting its members and the BIAs
- Representing the opinions and expectations of its membership;
- Communicating with members to keep them informed and canvas the membership when appropriate and practical for input and participation;
- Communicating with the other Cambridge BIAs;
- Reviewing and implementing marketing efforts and initiatives to promote the BIAs;
- Participating and encouraging events in the BIAs;
- Promoting open communications in particular with the City, the membership, event partners, the Cambridge business community and the public;
- Enhancing the streetscape and beautification of the BIAs.
BIA's ensure that the public view these areas as attractive, pleasant places to shop, have fun, work and live.
Cambridge BIAs
There are three BIAs in Cambridge.
| Downtown Cambridge |
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The Downtown Cambridge BIA is made up of about 230 businesses, this is the largest BIA in Cambridge. Members include retail, commercial, service and office space users in the area. The Downtown Cambridge BIA provides information about real estate availability, retail promotion, membership activities and services. View a map of Downtown Cambridge. For more information, contact the Downtown Cambridge BIA Executive Director, Brian Kennedy. Address: Email: info@downtowncambridgebia.ca
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| Hespeler Village |
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The Hespeler Village BIA consists mainly of businesses located along Queen Street with a total membership of about 66 businesses. Their goal is refresh community pride and business activity in the Hespeler area. The Hespeler BIA is experiencing amazing growth. View a map of Hespeler Village. For more information, contact the Hespeler Village BIA Executive Director, Darren Jolly. Address: Phone: (519) 740-4650, Ext. 7266 Email: info@hespelervillagebia.ca
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| Preston Towne Centre |
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The Preston Towne Centre BIA is mainly the former downtown of the town of Preston. Its boundaries stretch along King Street (Highway 8) from Waterloo Street to Dolph Street. This BIA has undergone two large expansions at the request of businesses wanting to become members. The Preston BIA is the second largest of Cambridge's BIAs. View a map of the Preston Towne Centre. For more information, contact the Preston Towne Centre BIA Coordinator, Shirley Bowman. Address: Email: prestontc@icloud.com
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