Business Improvement Area Subcommittee Meeting – May 19, 2026

The Business Improvement Area Subcommittee met May 19, 2026, with discussion centred on the 2026 BIA parking revenue distribution and the December holiday parking program. Speakers from Dundas and Locke Street objected to the city's proposed Dec. 1 to Dec. 31 schedule, saying it does not match local shopping patterns and could create confusion for customers. The subcommittee also heard updates on the Common House Cafe and food entrepreneurship programs, approved three BIA flower and maintenance expenditures, and received administrative updates on patios, levies, audits, and upcoming BIA board elections.

Topics Discussed

1. 2026 BIA PARKING REVENUE DISTRIBUTION AND HOLIDAY PARKING PROGRAM

Manager of Parking Operations Joanne Star presented the 2026 parking revenue distribution for BIAs, saying the total allocation is $235,000. She said the formula includes a base amount of $7,500 for each BIA, plus 10 per cent of additional revenue from pay machines and parking meters.

Staff said BIAs that opt into the holiday parking program would offer two-hour free parking from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31. Staff also said the city plans to return to bagging meters and machines to make the program more visible. In one staff comment, the city said, "We're actually going to go back to bagging the meters and the machines to try and make them more prominent." BIAs must notify the city by Oct. 1 if they want to participate.

2. DUNDAS AND LOCKE STREET OBJECTIONS TO DECEMBER DATES

David said the proposed citywide dates do not reflect Dundas's holiday shopping season. He told the subcommittee, "I understand the need for standardized dates from the city, but that really quite frankly doesn't matter on the street in downtown Dundas." He asked for flexibility to modify the dates "based on the needs of the neighborhoods and the taxpayers."

Tracy said BIAs had previously aligned around a different schedule and argued that extending the program through Boxing Week would not help some commercial areas. She said, "A lot of businesses in Hamilton close Boxing Week, so it's really just a waste when we're paying for that week." She added that BIAs had previously agreed on messaging for Nov. 24 to Dec. 24.

David also stressed that local communication would be critical in Dundas, where street parking is paid but municipal lots offer two hours free. He said poor communication last year risked pushing shoppers elsewhere.

3. SIGNAGE, ENFORCEMENT, AND CUSTOMER CONFUSION

Speakers said last year's holiday parking program was difficult for customers to understand. David said that in Dundas, drivers staying less than two hours in municipal lots still had to get a ticket from the machine, and "That was never ever communicated."

Tracy raised similar concerns about Locke Street. She said signage had been inadequate and asked for clearer notice that drivers still needed to pay and display in some locations. She also said enforcement had been too quick, telling the subcommittee that "multiple people were getting multiple tickets and they didn't even get out of their car." She asked whether drivers could be given more time to get out of their cars, access the code, and register parking before receiving a ticket.

Staff said the city would improve signage and continue discussions with BIAs about communication and implementation.

4. COMMON HOUSE CAFE AND FOOD ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMS

Kristen Hugenboss, Program Lead with the Hamilton Business Centre, updated the subcommittee on the Common House Cafe and related food entrepreneurship supports. She said the city has received interest from other municipalities in the model, stating, "We have had well over a dozen other municipalities and municipal partners reach out inquiring about this program and how we solved a problem with a vacant space and a demand for increased programming within that food and entrepreneurial space."

The subcommittee also heard about broader entrepreneurship supports, including food business programming and a planned market accelerator. One speaker said there are 88 applications needing space in Hamilton and pointed to opportunities for collaboration. Councillor Wang said the market accelerator would include work with BIAs.

Staff said the current Common House Cafe occupant will be leaving at the end of June, with a further announcement expected.

5. BIA ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES AND EXPENDITURES

The subcommittee approved three BIA expenditure requests from account 815010-56905 for streetscape flowers and maintenance: - Westdale Village BIA: $9,936.95 - Stoney Creek BIA: $12,216.65 - Locke Street BIA: $2,559.19

Christina said she would circulate a checklist by the end of the month. Staff also said second BIA levy payments are expected by the end of June, second-wave BIAs must complete KPMG audits, and BIA boards will need to prepare for elections and annual general meetings.

On patios, Christina said applications submitted before June 1 can expect decisions within two to five business days, while later applications may take longer. Staff also reminded BIAs that economic development will reimburse IDA registration fees upon submission of receipts.

Motions

• Approved: Westdale Village BIA expenditure for streetscape flowers and maintenance — $9,936.95
• Approved: Stoney Creek BIA expenditure for streetscape flowers and maintenance — $12,216.65
• Approved: Locke Street BIA expenditure for streetscape flowers and maintenance — $2,559.19

Attendees

The notes provided do not include a full attendance list. Individuals specifically referenced in the discussion were: - Councillor Wang - David - Tracy - Joanne Star, Manager of Parking Operations - Kristen Hugenboss, Program Lead, Hamilton Business Centre - Christina