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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-09Historic Downtown Bowmanville Business Centre (BIA) Board of Management Meeting Minutes Tuesday September 9, 2025; 6:30pm Virtual Meeting 1. Attendance In Attendance: Ron Hooper, Chair Laura Holmes, Secretary Gerri Lucas, Treasurer Lloyd Rang, Council Representative Cathy Holmes, Director Edgar Lucas, Director Laura Knox, MOC Ec Dev representative (departed 8:37pm) Sarah Gerdy, owner Markets Natalie Dookheran, owner Roam Coffee Regrets: Bonnie Wrightman, CBOT representative Erin Kemp, Director Delegations Present: Amber Ross, owner Pink Lemon 2. Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order. 3. Land Acknowledgement The Chair read the land acknowledgement statement. 4. Presentation by Delegations A. Ross shared a document on screen outlining a proposal for social media. Acknowledged the great work that is already being done on social media. Runs her own business social media. Sits on the marketing and event committee for Cobourg BIA. Wants to open conversation about social media and how it can be leveraged to promote the downtown. Concerns raised about missed opportunities to promote business sales. Would recommend daily posts leading up to an event. Would like to see static posts, reels, stories, FB events, posting on community pages. Would like to personally engage member businesses. Recommends budgeting to hire social media manager and for professional videos and photography. Cobourg has a committee of 6 volunteer business members who plan social media posts and 2 persons responsible for executing the posts. Most focus is social media, little bit of radio advertising, posters. Cobourg has a tourism department which partners on marketing. The Chair asked that a copy of the document be provided to the Board and thanked the delegate for the presentation. 5. Updates from Community Partners (a) CBOT Historic Downtown Bowmanville 2 SEPTEMBER 2025 Business Centre (BIA) B. Wrightman provided an update via email ahead of the meeting that shared Paisley’s/Romancing the Home is having their grand opening this Friday and provided an update on other businesses impacted by the fire. (b) Economic Development L. Knox shared that Paisley’s/Romancing the Home is opening this Friday at 72 King St W. Talk of the Town grand opening is October 1 inside Markets. Aspen Florist grand opening is October 4 at 26 King St W. Seeking feedback on the Bowmanville Strong mural/hoarding placed at the site of the demolished building. Hopes to plan a collaborative workshop between Clarington BIAs in November. There are two provincial funding opportunities – Central Counties, digital retail components – will send information to be distributed. Still awaiting information on CCTV camera funding. 6. Adoption of Minutes Moved by C. Holmes, seconded by G. Lucas THAT the minutes of the meeting of June 10, 2025 be approved as circulated. CARRIED 7. Business Arising from Previous Minutes (a) Tree at BMO E. Lucas spoke with landscaper and BMO financial department is still looking at proposal and has not given approval to move forward at this time. Next cycle is in October and hopefully more information will be forthcoming. (b) Recycling Regulations Councillor Rang spoke with a representative from the Region. Circular Materials was told they need to provide more space after speaking with Region. Region went back to Province with recommendations. Ministry and Municipalities need to sort out regulations very soon. Discontinuation of services deadline is January 1, 2026. It remains unclear what will happen with BIAs with mixed residential and commercial. Councillor Rang suggests that the BIA and impacted businesses send letters to MPP McCarthy. (c) Bowmanville Farmers Market BFM moved forward with their market at a downtown-adjacent location at Central Public School operating from Saturday June 14 until Saturday Oct 11 from 9-2. Concerns raised about the organizer allowing booths from non-farmers/handmade crafters and promotion of businesses and corporations were realized. The following were advertised participants that did not fall within criteria for a farmers market and presented competition for downtown BIA businesses. Royal LePage Connect Real Estate in Ajax Knife Sharpening Haircare business from Whitby Magic Windows Leaf Filter Historic Downtown Bowmanville 3 SEPTEMBER 2025 Business Centre (BIA) Vedanta Living Retirement Residence OPG Canadian Thermal Windows Seasons Retirement Residence Co-operators Specsavers Courtice Great Lakes Plastic (d) Clarington BIAs Collaboration The proposed date of September 23 did not work for Orono who subsequently suggested a date in mid-to- late October. October 21 will be proposed to Orono and Newcastle. (e) Banners Funds were budgeted for banner replacement. Winter banners are in the worst condition, despite the Summer banners being the oldest. Winter banners are installed the longest and subject to harsh weather and road salt resulting in more wear and tear. L. Holmes will get some new proposed designs to consider. Existing winter banners are dark so designs should be brighter and suitable to remain installed from November to April. 8. Consent Items - Correspondence Correspondence was received from i. Follow up email from Marc Oosterholt, Creative Outdoor Advertising ii. Invitation to Bowmanville Strong Appreciation Celebration (distributed to members) iii. OBIAA re: Recycling Changes iv. Notice of Passing ZBA 2021-0025 & PD-064-25 v. Notice of Decision OPA 141 COPA 2025-0002 & Notice of Passing ZBA 2024-0024, PD-069-25 vi. Legislative Services re: central parking meter upgrade vii. Economic Development re: Bowmanville Strong design viii. Planning Department: Notice of Public Meeting re: 2547 Bowmanville Ave ix. Planning Department: Notice of Public Meeting re: 2494 Bowmanville Ave x. Planning & Infrastructure: Construction Notice re: downtown intersection upgrade (distributed to members) Moved by L. Holmes, seconded by E. Lucas THAT the correspondence be received for information. THAT items 8.ii. and 8.x. were distributed to members. CARRIED 9. Consent Items – Discussion none 10. Treasurer’s Report Historic Downtown Bowmanville 4 SEPTEMBER 2025 Business Centre (BIA) The Treasurer presented the following: i. Audit is complete ii. $222978.00 Moved by G. Lucas, seconded by C. Holmes THAT the Treasurer’s Report be adopted as presented. CARRIED 11. Directors’ Reports (a) Council Liaison – L. Rang reported that a couple heritage designations have been heard, letters of intent to designate heritage have been received, upgrades to parks in Clarington have happened, Bowmanville Strong hoarding was paid for by OPG and installed at the site of the demolished building, upcoming development proposals, Council passed a respect resolution at the last meeting, Councillors attended conference in Ottawa this summer with much focus on social media attacks of elected officials. The Chair reports that the representative of Creative Outdoor Advertising stated some misinformation during his delegation presentation in June. This summer the graffiti on the garbage can was painted. The Chair would like to know when new receptacles are coming. Would also like to know if there is a plan to replace trees downtown. Councillor Rang will report back. (b) Events – C. Holmes reported that Twilight Tuesday was well attended. Sidewalk Sale had good crowds and was successful for those who participated, but unfortunately only around 8 businesses had product on the sidewalk. Applefest is completely sold out. Currently working to find a location for the shuttle service. (c) Membership Relations – G. Lucas reported that flowers were sent to Jane at Snips Hair on her 44 year retirement. A new business is opening in the former dry cleaners. (d) Streetscape – E. Lucas reported that he met with the flower vendor and the winter basket vendor about using a standard fiber pot. The summer baskets are much heavier than winter so the bracket will need to be reinforced on the bottom. The welder is going to provide a quote. (e) Communications – L. Holmes reported that a notice about the upcoming construction downtown was provided to members. (f) Website & Social Media – L. Holmes reported that the business directory will be updated with the new businesses opening. There has been a significant increase in the number of messages to the BIA mostly related to Applefest. Historic Downtown Bowmanville 5 SEPTEMBER 2025 Business Centre (BIA) 12. New Business (a) Event Road Closures C. Holmes reports that an email message sent by a downtown business to Community Development in early May was provided to the BIA on August 18. The message was asking that the road closure for major events be adjusted to 9pm. The message was never sent directly by the business to the BIA, nor has this concern been raised with the BIA in any other way or by any person. While the BIA recognizes that a 6pm road closure time for Maplefest and Applefest disproportionately impacts those open beyond 6pm, in particular restaurants, the closure time is necessary to allow for logistical needs and safety ahead of the event. A response was sent to the business and all BIA members explaining the necessity of a 6pm road closure for the event to proceed. A separate response was also sent to Community Development. C. Holmes confirms that BIA members are sent several notices about the event road closures in the weeks leading up to the event so that they may inform employees, delivery drivers, those booking reservations/appointments and others about the potential impacts. (b) Road/Sidewalk Patios There are two patios in place this year. Previous years the BIA has granted an extension for one of these patios to remain in place during Applefest, but this year is complicated by two patios. One of the patios has not been utilized during its install and has extended beyond the patio with a smoker, bags of charcoal, garbage and recycling bins, a sign that is blocking the sidewalk. It is blocking additional parking and is not aesthetically pleasing. There are also concerns about safety since there are no barriers between the patio and passing traffic. L. Knox asks that any feedback on the patios be provided in writing. In addition, feedback can be provided to bylaw when violations occur. Review on patio permitting will begin soon and recommendations implemented in 2026. L. Knox confirms that the one patio will be removed prior to Applefest. (c) Policy for Business Recognition G. Lucas suggests that criteria be created for when the BIA recognizes businesses, particularly with floral deliveries. Needs be determined when flowers be sent so that it can be done equitability and so that it can be included in the budget. (d) Veterans Banners The Chair reports that the person previously responsible for the Veterans banners has passed away. The new representative contacted the Chair about installation and removal dates. The legion will install October 1 or later and remove immediately following Remembrance Day. Historic Downtown Bowmanville 6 SEPTEMBER 2025 Business Centre (BIA) E. Lucas will arrange to have Fall banners removed by Sept 30. (e) Member Involvement The Chair is concerned about succession planning and would like to see more business member involvement. (f) Downtown Fire Update The Chair asked if there is any update on rebuilding of the demolished building or renovations of the adjacent buildings. (f) Construction and New Traffic Signage The Chair received a letter from the Municipality about the accessibility and safety improvements at the intersections downtown. The Chair expressed concerns to the project manager that the work be completed prior to Applefest on October 18. The Chair expressed concern about the new 4-way stop signs at Church and Silver and how they may impact traffic at our large events. 13. Date of Next Meeting The next meeting of the Board of Management is scheduled to be held on Tuesday October 14, 2025 commencing at 6:30pm, virtually. 14. Adjournment Moved by E. Lucas, seconded by C. Holmes THAT the meeting adjourn. CARRIED The meeting adjourned at 8:54pm