HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-23Orono DBIA Meeting Minutes January
2026
Date: January 23, 2026
Time: 8:30 A.M.
Location: Harmer Wealth Management, 5301 Main Street, Orono, Ontario, L0B1M0
Attendance
●Chad Harmer
●Brad Beckstead (Virtual)
●Will Davies
●Shelly Rivers
●Alison Dee
●Samantha Aitken
●Karen Lowery
●Scott Story
Approval of Agenda
Motion: Chad
Seconder: Brad
Carried
Approval of Minutes ( November 2025)
Motion: Brad
Seconder: Chad
Carried
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 8:30 A.M.
2. Key Updates – Summary
●Year-end financial balance confirmed at $7,250; all Santa Claus Parade sponsorships
collected.
●Bookkeeping transition approved: Lucy to replace retiring bookkeeper Sarah.
●2026 proposed budget discussed, including a $6,000 municipal levy, $4,000 in grants, and
potential access to up to $20,000 for marketing and tourism initiatives.
●Priority placed on collaborating with the Town Hall board to combine holiday events into
larger joint activities.
●Infrastructure priorities identified, including vacant property discussions and street lighting
upgrades.
●Waste management and recycling challenges remain ongoing, with focus on compliance and
landfill reduction.
3. Financial Management and Budget Planning
●Confirmed year-end balance of $7,250 with all Santa Claus Parade sponsorships collected.
●Bookkeeping transition underway: Lucy (downtown Whitby bookkeeping shop owner) to
replace Sarah.
●2026 budget proposal includes a $6,000 municipal levy, $4,000 in grants, and potential
access to up to $20,000 in additional marketing and tourism grants.
●Events committee budget estimated at approximately $5,500, with intent to grow
sponsorship revenue.
●Fixed operating costs reviewed, including social media management, flower maintenance,
accounting/QuickBooks, web hosting, and Canva.
●New municipal requirements introduced: 90-day advance road closure applications and
mandatory strategic safety plans for events.
●Future meetings will be held in a hybrid format to increase participation.
4. Event Strategy and Community Engagement
●Group discussed strengthening collaboration with the Town Hall board to unify holiday
programming.
●Downtown Christmas tree lighting proposed, including installation of a GFI receptacle to
improve safety.
●Plan to replace outdated holiday lights with higher-quality, maintainable décor using
available funds.
●Long-term vision includes a Christmas village atmosphere, vendor markets, and expanded
holiday programming.
●Events committee exploring a summer festival concept featuring local bands.
●Sponsorship strategy discussed, including tiered sponsor packages and prepaid Santa Claus
Parade button sponsorships.
5. Infrastructure and Beautification Initiatives
●Vacant property at the entrance to Town Centre View and Main Street identified as a
priority.
●Plan to engage the municipality regarding ownership, maintenance, and improvement
options.
●Snow removal and sidewalk clearing concerns raised, particularly for elderly and disabled
residents.
●Street lighting upgrades and permanent electrical outlets discussed to support
beautification and events.
6. Waste Management and Recycling
●Ongoing challenges with downtown recycling logistics and contamination.
●Several proposed solutions ruled out through municipal discussions.
●Increased landfill use noted as a growing concern due to limited recycling options.
●Provincial regulations complicate waste management compliance.
●Group to continue sharing interim solutions and advocating for broader municipal and
provincial responses.
7. Municipal Infrastructure and Event Impact
●Upcoming road construction in Newcastle expected to disrupt access and impact events
over multiple years.
●Jurisdictional complexity involving roads and utilities may cause delays.
●Aging infrastructure concerns noted, including leaks and lack of a modern sewer system.
●Potential need for alternative event timing or locations discussed.
●Continued coordination with municipal bodies planned to minimize disruption.