Why a BIA?

BIAs are established by the municipality to oversee the improvement, beautification and maintenance of designated downtown areas. BIAs are also established to promote the area as a shopping or business destination.

Fees are levied by the municipality on commercial properties to maintain a business improvement area.  These fees make up the majority of the BIA's budget.  The balance of the budget is derived of government and other grants awarded to take on special projects.  Presently, the BIA administers a downtown revitalization grant from the Province of Ontario which has enabled significant promotions, and streetscape enhancement in our downtown.  This grant has enabled the BIA to hire its first Executive Director who has helped to generate additional human and financial resources through partnerships and proposal writing.  This grant expires at the end of 2011.

The Picton BIA is also a member of OBIAA which supports and encourages business improvement areas to increase their effectiveness and their contribution to the economic, cultural and social well-being of the communities in which they are invested.

Advocacy In Action

One of the primary roles of the BIA is to advocate on behalf of its membership. In 2010, our advocacy efforts included:

• Amendment to Retail Holiday Business Act Exemptions
• Making recommendations to Council on implications of Parking Study
• Appearing before council regarding the matter of turning lanes in Picton's downtown
• Seeking approval to allow Market Days on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in July and August
• Participation in planning Artisan Market
• Holiday Parking
• Undertaking community consultations on business gaps in Picton's downtown
• Participation in Public Meetings
  
• Visioning for Picton's Secondary Plan
  
• Undertaking accessibility audit and liaising with the accessibility committee.

The BIA...

The BIA's main activities include:

• Representing the interest of business in community decision-making processes
• Enhancing Picton's streetscape and beautification
• Promoting Picton as a shopping, business and tourist destination
• Planning events to bolster our economy and heighten awareness of our distinct culture
• Planning for the future needs of our community
• Liaising with municipal and regional partners to enact the strategic action plan of downtown Picton
• Linking members to information and resources that can help to strengthen your business endeavours

To join the Picton BIA, contact the Executive Director Roni Summers Wickens at (613) 476-7901 ext 211 or e-mail roni@experiencepicton.com.