GUEST SPEAKER : Amanda MacDonald, Executive Director of the Downtown Oshawa Business Impriovement Area
Introducer: Stellarly by Larry Hurren
Amanda grew up in Hampton and Oshawa. She gave a very lively talk. Currently Executive Director of the Downtown Oshawa Business Improvement Area. Starting ‘Welcoming Streets’ initiative to help make the City a pleasure to visit and shop. Will pay one year’s rent for one qualifying new business as an attraction to set up business in Oshawa. Currently 70 Restaurants in downtown core thanks in part to College and University students.
Downtown Oshawa is the thriving epicentre of our city. From arts & entertainment, dining and accommodations, retail and services, we are evolving into a vibrant place to live, work, play and shop. Boasting two fully accessible hotels, a convention centre, the Tribute Communities Centre, the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, the Canadian Automotive Museum, and so much more, we offer something for everyone. We continue to see residential growth with the recent addition of 200+ units and construction of many more, already underway. Downtown Oshawa is a safe, family-friendly, economic hub of our city and we welcome you to come explore all it has to offer.
What is a BIA?
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of commercial property owners and tenants within a defined geographic area who join together, with official approval of the City, in a self-help program aimed at stimulating local business. The BIA works in partnership with the City to create thriving, competitive, and safe business areas that attract shoppers, diners, tourists, and new businesses. There are over 300 BIAs in Ontario, representing over 60,000 local businesses. Read more about the history and role of BIA’s in this handbook written by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Generally the BIA arises from the businesses in the area wanting to increase the positive energy and experience of the downtown. Members look to the BIA to focus on the promotion, beautification, safety on the streets, establishing awareness of events as well as liaising with the City and other community partners, which in turn establishes and animates the local community.
The BIA also provides a significant contribution to the Downtown by acting as an advocate for its members and by promoting new programs and changes that will assist the members. This ranges from who to contact about an issue in the downtown, working with the City on their initiatives - such as pilot projects to improve the streetscape. The commitment to its members, the City and the residents of Oshawa will ensure that downtown continues to be active, safe and a destination of choice
Here is a link to their website: https://downtownoshawa.ca/
Here is a link to their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DowntownOshawa/
Amanda was thanked stellarly by David Penney
IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT, MAKE UP : Go online at www.rotary.org go to the club locator and find a club or clubs near your destination. Or you can add the free App Rotary Club Locator to your phone for instant look up of any club in the world. Please mail or fax your make-ups to Secretary Robbie Larocque, or give your make-up card to the attendance/registration officer at the next club meeting