About
The Downtown Guelph Business Association (DGBA) is downtown Guelph’s Business Improvement Area (BIA).
What is a BIA ?
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of commercial property owners and tenants within a defined area who work 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.
What is the DGBA ?
The Downtown Guelph Business Association (DGBA) is a BIA governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Created in 1972, the DGBA is one of the oldest BIAs in Ontario and recently expanded it’s borders. There are three full time permanent staff and one seasonal staff member (from May to September) that work for the 500+ members that reside within the boundary.
DGBA Boundary Map
Board of Directors
The DGBA Board is composed of twelve voting directors who are elected on a four-year term following each municipal election onto a subcommittee board structure. All BIA members are eligible to put their names forward for election. There are also three non-voting positions representing the Guelph Chamber of Commerce, the University of Guelph, and the City of Guelph. Copies of Board minutes are available by contacting the DGBA office.
Executive Committee
Charles Nash, Chair
Kevin Polach, Past Chair
Richard Overland, Treasurer
Voting Members
Leanne Caron – City Councillor, Ward 5
Rodrigo Goller – City Councillor, Ward 2
Greg Elliott – The Cooperators
Tom Lammer – Old Quebec Street Shoppes
Derrick Rutherford – Valentini Hair Design
Pina Marfisi – Acqua Salon
Iside Dallan – Apple Salon
Bryan Steele – La Reina
Brianne McCrossan – Lovely Co.
Non-Voting Members
Marc Petitpas- Chamber of Commerce
What does sitting on the DGBA board mean to you? It comes with the desire, and responsibility, to have an impact in driving awareness to my favourite part of Guelph, our Downtown.
What is the vision you see for the future of Downtown?
I grew up in Montreal and saw the vibrancy and beauty of Old Montreal based on the architecture of the buildings. When you add a business, entertainment and curb appeal to the mix people aspire to be there. I see Guelph with the opportunity to be that place in our Area.
John Regan- GM Economic Development City of Guelph
What does sitting on the DGBA board mean to you?
It means being connected to the Downtown core to assist in connectivity between City departments and the Downtown BIA membership
What is the vision you see for the future of Downtown?
A vibrant community hub that is welcoming, safe, prosperous and accessible for all.
Daniel Atlin- Vice President, University of Guelph