The downtown business group behind events such as Starlight Shopping and the Big Truck Parade, will exist for at least five more years.
The Heart of the City Business Improvement Area Society, also known as the Downtown BIA, is expected to get a new lease on life after council supported a renewal of the group Tuesday night.
The bylaw that established the group expires on Dec. 31, but the society requested that the city renew its contract. John Wheat, chair of the BIA, said the group wants to continue on with its initiatives to make the downtown an inviting, clean place to visit.
“The Heart of the City BIA has continued to help create a growing, inviting, safe place to be when in the downtown core,” Wheat wrote in a letter to council. “Our wish is to continue on.”
Achievements of the Heart of the City BIA include:
- the beautification of downtown
- working on the need for better lighting downtown
- events and activities like the Big Truck Parade, Starlight Shopping, the Easter event, and the Pumpkin Walk
The BIA has also provided financial support for Canada Day, River City Arts Fest, Angel Tree, and the Tuesday lunch entertainment in Spirit Square.