Village Squire, 1980-04, Page 12bixeter
Exeter's renovated town hall makes a striking addition to the
town's streetscape. The area around the town hall is one area
being considered under the BIA program - local businessmen are
considering adding a parkette with benches and a play area
between the town hall and library building.
(Photo by Townshend)
A small town taking progressive steps
In 1977, Exeter became one of the first
small towns in Ontario to form a Business
Improvement Area (BIA). Now the BIA
committee is launching into a main street
program to improve and beautify down-
town Exeter.
Unlike businessmen's associations,
membership in a Business Improvement
Area is mandatory, and a BIA must be
passed by an act of Council at the request
of the businessmen. A BIA has definite
physical boundaries, and anyone who pays
a business tax within those boundaries
must pay into the BIA. A petition is sent to
all businesses; if less than one-third object,
the BIA is passed by council.
In 1976, a group of Exeter businessmen
learned of the BIA program and felt it
would be beneficial for their town. Exeter
PG. 10 VILLAGE SQUIRE/APRIL 1980
BY ELAINE TOWNSHEND
council passed a by-law to form the BIA in
1977.
Bob Swartman. current chairman of
Exeter BIA, believes everyone benefits
from the program. Keeping the business
area strong attracts more people to the
town. Thus non -retailers, such as doctors,
dentists, lawyers and accountants, have
the potential for increased clientele.
Early last year Exeter BIA became
involved in the 'main street program,'
which is a loan the Ontario government
provides over a period of 10 years at 1 per
cent to municipalities with populations less
than 30,000.
The BIA will borrow S100,000 for the
improvement and beautification of Main
Street Exeter, and town council has agreed
to assume liability for another $50,000,
which will be used to increase parking
spaces in the town. Both the BIA and
council recognize parking as one of the
town's main problems.
Mr. Swartman says two misconceptions
should be cleared up. First, the S100,000
borrowed by BIA can only be used on
property owned or leased by the Town of
Exeter; it will not be used for improvement
of any personal property of BIA members.
Secondly, the loan will be paid by the BIA
and will not affect the general tax levy; the
main street program involves a special tax
on top of their business tax.
To qualify for the main street program, a
community has to follow certain criteria. A
Business Improvement Area has to be
formed and in place, and the town has to
have an official plan. The town also has to