OUR DOWNTOWN STRATFORD BIA was formed on August 27th, 1973. The Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of downtown small business owners who work in partnership with the City of Stratford to create a thriving, competitive, and safe business area that attracts shoppers, diners, tourists and new business. By working collectively as a BIA, our local businesses have the organizational and funding capacity to be catalysts for civic improvement, enhancing the quality of life downtown and the City as a whole. The Stratford BIA consists of a Board of Management that oversees and is responsible for all the operations, activities, and decisions of our BIA. The positions are a four year term that runs concurrently with city council terms. Our Board comprises eight small business owners/employees and one City Councillor. Staff also support the operations in the role of General Manager, Social Media, Communications and Board Assistant.

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Downtown Stratford BIA Aims and Objectives:

1) To maintain Downtown Stratford BIA as an active and viable area.

2) To beautify the City centre and to encourage preservation of the City centre’s architectural heritage, including appropriate building renovation by private businesses.

3) To encourage more use of the Downtown Stratford businesses by both local residents and by visitors.

4) To encourage a forum in which the downtown business community can develop opinions and programs which will benefit the social, economic and physical quality of life in Stratford.

5) To work in a co-operative manner with city officials and other business groups, never neglecting to maintain Downtown Stratford’s unique position.

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To promote Downtown Stratford as a special place in which to shop, work, visit, or live.