About

What is a BIA?

A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is essential for promoting and beautifying a town. By bringing local businesses together, BIAs drive initiatives that enhance the overall aesthetic of the area - think vibrant signage, improved landscaping, and engaging public art. They also organize events and marketing campaigns that draw attention to local shops and attractions, making the town more appealing to both residents and visitors. In short, BIAs help foster a lively, attractive environment that benefits everyone in the community.

What is the Port Hope HBIA?

The Port Hope Heritage Business Improvement Area (HBIA) is an association of downtown business and building owners who work hand in hand with the Municipality of Port Hope. Our mission is dedicated to advancing and showcasing the Heritage Business District through investment, advocacy, and beautification efforts. We actively promote the district as a premier destination for shopping, business, and entertainment. By working collectively as an HBIA, our local businesses have the organizational and funding capacity to be catalysts for civic improvement, enhancing the quality of life downtown and through the town as a whole.

Where we are

How does it work?

Each year, a tax levy is collected from the approximately 140 businesses and buildings within the HBIA boundaries, forming the foundation of our annual working budget. Membership is automatic for all businesses within this area; if you're located within the boundary, the Municipality will collect the levy, making you a member.

The HBIA is governed by an Acting Chair and a Board of Directors responsible for overseeing all operations, activities, and decisions. These positions are filled by volunteers and approved by the Municipality of Port Hope Council, comprising 5-10 local business or building owners and one town Councillor. We also have support staff to assist with our marketing and administration efforts.

HBIA Mandates

Our goals are simple yet impactful:

• Promote downtown Port Hope as a unique place to shop, work, visit, or live
• Beautify our Heritage District to enhance its charm
• Collaborate with the Municipality, community partners, and other business groups to achieve our vision

HBIA Board

Robin Dines, Acting Chair
Todd Attridge, Port Hope Town Councillor
Teresa Brown
Bob Dodd
Dean Howlett
Carolyn Scatterty

Interested in joining our team? If you are a business or building owner located within the HBIA boundary and would like to apply to become a board member, please contact HBIA@downtownporthope.com.

Sub-Committees

• Finance
• Governance, Film
• Planning
• Communications, Promotions and Events
• Beautification

HBIA members as well as the qualified members of the public are able to join our sub-committees. If you are interested in participating, please contact HBIA@downtownporthope.com.

Board Meetings

The Port Hope HBIA conducts its Board Meeting on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 6:30 PM in the Committee Room at Town Hall, 56 Queen Street. All HBIA members as well as the general public are invited to attend. Agendas and Minutes for each meeting are posted by the Municipality and can be viewed here.