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3 ASS A Lt Sg i cama oh idee ba EEE Stade al LB wd SES 12 -- PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, October 25, 1988 (From page 1) Following this proceedure, a no- tice of intent will be sent out to every business within the proposed boundary and they are given 60 days to appeal the decision. Providing there are no objec- tions, the by-law would be passed and the BIA becomes a reality. If there is more than one objec- tion from the designated area, the decision can be taken to the OMB (Ontario Municipal Board) for a fi- nal ruling. In order for the by-law to pass, at least two-thirds of the businesses (representing at least two-thirds of the total business assessment) must be in favour of the proposed BIA formation. Providing there are enough busi- nesses interested to proceed, the next step is the formation of a Board of Management, which must include at least one member of the local council. One of the main concerns of the merchants present was "how much was this going to cost?" Ms. Break explained that the cost to the merchant depended up the budget set up by the Board of Management. "The final cost will depend on the amount you want to spend," she said. The calculation for figuring the cost is based on the businesses lo- cal realty assessment, the total re- alty assessement in the designated arca, and the BIA budget. Downtown Merchant chairman Tom Mitchell explained to the gathering, "with the BIA the big guys will pay more, and the little guys pay less...but at least every- one pays something." Hc went on to suggest that the BIA would ensure a continuity of the structure already set in place by the downtown merchants. "We all Merchants appear to like BIA pay, and we all benefit", he said. Invited to attend the meeting was Scugog Chamber of Commerce president Debbie Jones. Mr. Mitchell indicated if a down- town merchants BIA is formed, it would work in conjunction with the local C of C, not against them. "If we work together we can make more things happen. Co-operation between the two groups can be a benefit to everyone," he said. Mr. Greenfield echoed this mes- sage stating that the Simcoe BIA and the Simoce Chamber of Com- merce work hand in hand. "We can't afford to hire a manager our- selves, but by working with the Chamber we can both benefit." During the past ycar, the Down- town Merchants have collectively started to market Port Perry as a great place to visit and shop. In addition to local promotions, like the very successful Sidewalk Sale held early this summer and the Big Apple Festival held recent- ly, they have advertised the com- munity extensively in magazines. Just what can the BIA do for the merchants that they are already not doing, was answered by Mr. Greenfield when he said you are in- vesting in the future of Port Perry. "The unseen benefit of the BIA is the "pride" factor of being a mer- chant and citizen of the communi- ty. The BIA is such a good idea, I "have no doubt that you will adopt it," he concluded. Following the end of iF > presen- tations, Mr. Mitchell asked those attending for a "straw vote" to see what interest had been generated. By a show of hands, there was overwhelming support to proceed 'with the plans, and a general meet- ing of the Downtown Merchants will be held in the near future dis- cuss this further. PROCESS | NoTicé of TaTenT About 50 downtown Port Perry merchants attended an Information meeting at Emiel's Place last Thursday evening to learn more about a proposal to form a BIA (Business Improvement Area) In the downtown core. Above, chairman of the Port Perry Downtown Merchants, Tom Mitchell (left), discusses the proposal with guest speakers Helen Break, a community planner with the community re- newal branch of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, and Alan Greenfield, BIA chair- man from Simcoe, Ontario. (see story) SH, Ratt Now is the time ... Second attempt in last decade to form business improvement area (BIA) to order your corporate or personal gifts of fine chocolate for the coming Holiday Season. Rogers * Belgium * Swiss 182 Queen St., Port Perry OPEN 7 DAYS - 10 to 10 -- -» The Port Perry Downtown Merchants are in the process of setting-up a Business Improve- ment Area for the central core of the town. This is the second attempt to form a BIA in the past decade. Ten years ago, on February 1, 1978, over 100 business people gathered to discuss the pos- siblity of forming a Business Improvement Area, and voted unanimously at that meeting to set the wheels in motion. The area designated at that time was identical to those proposed in 1988 (from Water to Lilla St. and Mary to North Street). One month later, opposition to the proposal began to surface and at a special meeting held, by the Scugog Chamber of Commerce, to explain the proceedure only 21 merchants of the 65 in the effected area turned out. Of these twenty one merchants, most were opposed to the formation of the BIA. By mid April, it was apparent to tle Cham- ber of Commerce, who were spear-heading the project, that there was enough opposition to the BIA to defeat the by-law. As a last attempt to convince those opposed, the Chamber sent a let- ter out explaining the needs for the BIA, but to no avail. On Monday, May 8, 1978 council received a petition from 30 members of the business com- munity asking them not to implement the BIA. As only 22 of the 65 businesses in the area were "needed to defeat the proposal, council turned it down. That was ten Jeers ago...could the same thing happen today? It's possible but the Down- town Merchants are hoping not. Ironically two things in the recent proposal are the same as the original in 1978. First, the designated boundery lines are identical, and sec- ond, following the first meeting there was a gen- eral agreement that steps should be taken to im- plement the BIA. Just what is a Business Improvement Area (BIA), and what can it do for the residents and businesses of the community? Basically, a BIA is a self-help mechanism de- signed to assist the local business community upgrade and promote the commercial shopping district. An attractive and vibrant business area helps to provide and project a positive community im- age not only to visitors, but also to the resi- dents. The BIA helps to generate greater communi- ty interest and pride in the downtown area; effec- tively promote the area as an entity; improve the overall appearance; provide a greater spirit of co- operation and enthusiasm within the area, and at- tract and maintain customers. There are over 220 BIA's actively in place throughout Ontario today, as compared to about 60 in 1978. These numbers alone indicate the ac- ceptance of the program in similar communities has been a positive step in maintaining the vita- lity of the downtown area. Port Perry is indeed fortunate to already have a vibrant and beautiful downtown. Just think what could be accomplished if everyone Joined in to help it become and even more desirable place to visit or live. The partners of the law firm FOWLER, DAVIES are pleased to welcome to the firm Marianne D. Davies, B.A., LLB, (formerly of the Toronto Transit Commission, Legal Department) FOWLER, DAVIES 1785 North St., Port Perry 985-8411 'MEATING PLACE 4 -- OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK -- = 180 QUEEN ST., PORT PERRY -- Phone 985-2818 BAKERY - DELICATESSEN - FRESH MEAT - COFFEE SHOP