BIA needs fresh perspective to carry on the work
By MARK PAVILONS Editor

The Bolton Business Improvement Area (BIA) has an important role to play, but needs some fresh direction from dedicated members of the community.

This January, the BIA will hold its annual meeting,

to elect a new executive. Current chair, local businessman Tony Viola wants the group to be led by a proactive individual. He would like to pass on the reins to an energetic individual and stay on the board in some capacity. But he said he won’t leave his post if no one steps forward.

The BIA collects levies from its downtown member businesses and uses the funds to keep the core looking clean and enticing. The budget is also used for special events and attractions, such as the annual Midnight Madness celebration in August.

Viola has vowed to keep Madness going. A couple of years ago, Rick Jessup came in to help revive the event and despite some setbacks caused by the weather, the event went on as planned.

As with any volunteer organization, the BIA often has difficulty attracting board members and a good crowd for its regular meetings.

But people like Viola do have a vision for downtown Bolton, one he shared with voters during the recent municipal election when he ran for regional councillor in Wards 3 & 4. Viola is quick to point out you can’t take anything for granted.

The BIA needs people with passion and heart.

Viola is still thinking up great ways to promote what Bolton has to offer. He is trying to organize the Taste of Bolton event for next summer. His idea is to bring together all of Bolton’s restaurants and eateries under one roof (the community centre or fairgrounds) for a two- or

three-day culinary festival. It would be a great way to sample just what the area has to offer.

There’s no limit in helping the help the BIA as a board chair or board member. It’s critical to focus on local small business and groups like the BIA help foster the concept of shopping locally.

If you would like to help or find out more about the BIA, contact Viola at 905- 857-0201.