Wiarton BIA
The Wiarton BIA promotes the established area as a business or shopping area. They also promote beautification to support the Wiarton business community.
View the Wiarton BIA boundary map.
In partnership with the RT07, the downtown Wiarton video was created. The video showcases all of the wonderful places, to explore, shop and dine in downtown Wiarton.
Exciting BIA Updates
The Board of Management is please to announce that they have appointed Board member Nathan Vascotto to act as the Marketing Liaison for the BIA. Nathan has been asked to come up with a marketing plan for the Board to approve. Nathan will work with Town staff on social media platform messaging and on other marketing initiatives. Join us in thanking Nathan for his dedication to the Wiarton BIA.
The County of Bruce will be working on a Shop Local initiative. It is hoped that their campaign can be used by the BIA to promote the importance of supporting our local downtown. This year, instead of the "Sidewalk Showcase" promotion for long weekends, the Board has decided to allocate the budget for Shop Local promotion and messaging. Nathan will work with Town staff to get this underway.
The Board has decided to purchase a booth at the Home and Lifestyle Expo which will be held at the Wiarton Arena on August 2nd and 3rd. We will be around to the BIA membership businesses looking for any promotional information/items that you would like us to have on hand at the booth. In the past, businesses have provided pamphlets, menus, etc.
| BIA Strategic Planning | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Wiarton BIA Board of Management have been working on establishing a Strategic Plan which will help to provide guided direction for BIA decisions and projects. To date, the Board of Management has chosen mission and vision statements and has included key initiatives. Prior to preparing the final document, the Board of Management wants to hear from you! They will be holding a public meeting on June 9, 2025 at 6:30 pm in the Municipal Council Chambers. Be sure to have your say on shaping the future of BIA initiatives! Make sure to complete the survey and submit it at the public meeting, drop it off at Town Hall or email it to the BIA secretary.
Public Meeting PowerPoint Presentation
mission statement “The Wiarton Business Improvement Area nurtures and enhances the vibrant, inclusive downtown ensuring it remains a premier four-season community and tourist destination.”
vision statement “Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Bruce Peninsula and Georgian Bay, downtown Wiarton is a place where businesses flourish, residents thrive and visitors are inspired by the unique blend of cultural offerings and community.”
key initiatives 1. Customer Attraction a) Targeted Marketing by promoting key sectors of the BIA b) General Marketing of Natural Assets and Recreational Opportunities c) Utilizing Data to support marketing in targeted locations d) Wayfinding for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians e) Market data collection
2. Fostering Small-Town Appeal a) Collaboration with community to encourage and promote annual cultural events in the public spaces of the downtown that inspire locals and visitors to shop
3. Beautification a) Flowers, trees, hanging baskets b) Banners and other lamp post decorations c) Collaboration with local artists and history lovers to support the enhancement of the downtown d) Maintenance above and beyond what is offered by the municipality e) BIA Brand (ie. communications/marketing) f) History of Wiarton
4. Membership Engagement a) Increased communication through a regular newsletter b) Encourage membership to be engaged in budget process and board vacancies c) Economic Development Efforts (ie. Spruce the Bruce, RT07, OBIA Employment Education, Data sharing etc.) d) Ensure membership includes the increased business growth of the downtown
5. Advocacy to Government a) Reduction in pollution relating to traffic (ie. vehicle noise/fumes) b) BIA boundary expansion c) Increased Parking options d) Increased Accessibility e) Access to Public Bathrooms
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| Audited Financial Statements | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2018 Audited Financial Statement 2019 Audited Financial Statement 2020 Audited Financial Statement 2021 Audited Financial Statement |
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| 2024 Board of Management Members | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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David Nusko (Chair) Melanie Hepburn Wendy Chen Deputy Mayor Caleb Hull (Deputy Chair) Adam Lesperance Nathan Vascotto Cory Dobbin |
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| 2025 Budget | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The 2025 budget is in the chart below in summary form. Detail to show what is included in each line is available. Council adopted the budget on November 19, 2024.
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| Wiarton BIA Board of Management meetings | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Board of Management meets on the first Wednesday of January, March, May, September, October and November at 6:00 pm in the South Bruce Peninsula Council Chambers (315 George Street Wiarton). Meetings may be cancelled or special meetings scheduled, subject to procedure and quorum requirements. Delegations can be scheduled by contacting the Town Clerk. 519-534-1400 ext 122. Agendas are posted on the Town Community Calendar. If no meeting is scheduled, no agenda or notice will be posted. Minutes of the meetings are available for viewing. Minutes are posted in "draft" until the Board of Management formally adopts them by resolution. |
