The BIA Subcommittee met to discuss preparations for the 2026 municipal election, approve funding for various BIA initiatives, and review upcoming programs. The Elections Office presented plans to partner with BIAs for voter outreach, emphasizing new voting changes including the ability to vote anywhere in your ward. The committee approved parking revenue funding for seven BIAs and discussed the new Vacancy Supplemental Grant Program aimed at addressing commercial vacancies.

Topics Discussed

2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTION PARTNERSHIP: The Elections Office is seeking to collaborate with BIAs to improve voter outreach for the 2026 election. Key changes include allowing voters to vote anywhere in their ward and increased advanced voting opportunities. The city will hire student ambassadors in May and set up pop-up information tables at recreation centers and BIA events. Christina from the Elections Office clarified important restrictions: "It is in the municipal act. The nonpartisanship." BIAs are prohibited from publicly endorsing political candidates, though they can meet privately with them. She emphasized: "When you speak as the BIA, you are speaking on behalf of every single one of your members."

VACANCY SUPPLEMENTAL GRANT PROGRAM: A new grant program was approved to address commercial vacancies in BIA districts. The city will conduct an updated commercial vacancy audit in 2026, with funding allocations determined based on vacancy numbers. Grants can be used for vacancy reduction initiatives or business retention, with all submissions requiring vetting through economic development.

PASSPORT PROGRAM: The passport program working group has identified a preferred vendor. According to Susie Braithweight, "we have a short list of ideas that have been um sort of vetted through the working group and um we think we have what is going to be um an option that we can bring to this committee." The selected group will present at the next meeting.

TEMPORARY OUTDOOR PATIO PROGRAM: The application intake is now open with a new automated system. Businesses can pay fees directly online, and the program runs from April 1st to October 31st. A new requirement mandates that businesses print and display official permits in their front windows, particularly important for establishments serving alcohol. Christina emphasized: "The sooner you get your applications in, you'll have your permits in hand," with processing taking 2-5 business days.

BIA FUNDING ALLOCATIONS: The committee approved expenditure requests for seven BIAs (International Village, Barton Village, Concession Street, Ottawa Street, West Hill Village, Lock Street, and Dundas BIA) to be funded from the parking revenue program. Additionally, $2,000 was allocated to participating BIAs for Juno-related community events.

Motions

Passed: - Expenditure request for International Village, Barton Village, Concession Street, Ottawa Street, West Hill Village, Lock Street, and Dundas BIA to be funded from the parking revenue program (carried unanimously)

Attendees

Present: Chair Ugle, Susie Braithweight, Adrien, Christina, Chandra Jobs, Shauna Evans, Philip Wonder, Jennifer Madden (Ancaster BIA, with technical difficulties)

Regrets: Doris Sanchez, Councillor Tammy Huang