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.

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

Will Mactaggart, Chair- Richardson GMP
Chris Ahlers, Past Chair – Wyndham Art Supplies
Doug Minett, Treasurer- The Bookshelf
Heather Watt-Kapitain, Secretary – KAP Design

Voting Members
Leanne Piper – City Councillor, Ward 5
Dan Gibson – City Councillor, Ward 1
Greg Elliott- The Co-operators
Bernie Dyer- Buon Gusto
Kevin Polach- Capistrano Bistro & Espresso Bar
Ian Panabaker- Coldpoint Holdings
Kristel Manes- Business Centre
Tom Lammer- Old Quebec Street Shoppes