[SteelTown]

BIA clears final obstacle
Mandate begins in January

By Mike Pearson, News Staff

It’s official. Ancaster’s new business improvement area has been cleared for takeoff.

The BIA is set to hold its inaugural meeting in early December. Its mandate officially begins on Jan. 1, 2009. Last summer, business owners with frontage along Wilson Street from the Ancaster Old Mill to Dalley Drive were formally advised of the BIA plan.

Ancaster Councillor Lloyd Ferguson said the 60-day notification period passed with no objections.

"It’s pretty exciting news," Mr. Ferguson said. The city will hire a consultant to help market Ancaster’s village core as a shopping and tourist destination.

Mr. Ferguson said the BIA concept is long overdue in Ancaster. He looks forward to helping business owners apply for grants for streetscape and property improvements. BIA members are also eligible for commercial property improvement grants, Christmas display grants and other intiatives.

The BIA will replace the Ancaster Village Core Advisory Committee, formed by former Ancaster Councillor Murray Ferguson. The committee, which represents the interests of business owners and residents, will be disbanded.

Bob Wilkins, a member of the BIA steering committee, said the new committee will be a catalyst for renewal in Ancaster’s village core.

"It’s comforting to know there’s not a single objection to it," Mr. Wilkins said. Mr. Wilkins could also become a candidate for election to the BIA executive board. A board election is anticipated before the end of the year. "There’s a lot of great people," he said. "I’d be happy to assist in any way."

Ancaster will become the 13th BIA in the City of Hamilton. A BIA is established through a municipal bylaw and governed under the Ontario Municipal Act.