Update from Barry’s Bay Business Improvement Area

The Current publishes this update from the Barry’s Bay BIA during Small Business Week. 

The Barry’s Bay Business Improvement Area (BIA) boasts another successful year in the books. With the busy summer season coming to a close, and the fall colour tourism starting to slow down, the quieter time of the year for many businesses in the area has either started or is right around the corner. The change of season has allowed the BIA to step back and reflect on the past year. There is a lot to be proud of, and thankful for.

Where is the BIA?

The BIA includes the ‘downtown’ core of Barry’s Bay extending from Charlie D’s on the east side of town, running all the way along Highway 60 to the Barry’s Bay Dental Hygiene Clinic on the West end of town. It also includes Dunn Street from Hwy 60 to Kitts Street, Bay Street from Highway 60 to Stafford Street, as well as Stafford Street from Hwy 60 to Hwy 62. This downtown core became a BIA in 2015 with the goal to beautify and promote the area.

Who pays for BIA programs?

The BIA is funded by its own members, gathering an extra tax levy from commercial property owners in the BIA area to fund beautification and promotion projects.

Why we can be proud

The beginning of the ‘busy season’ in Barry’s Bay opened on the May long weekend with Bay Day, a BIA signature event.  The streets were busy with families, locals, and summer residents coming out for a day of fun after a long winter season. There was live music, a car show, farmers market, local artisans selling their wares, a face painter, balloon artist, bouncy castle, and sidewalk sales.  The weather was wonderful and sunny, and the crowds reflected it!  The attendance at Bay Day was much higher than the previous year.

Summer 2019 marked the fourth year of the banner and flower program. All of the beautiful hanging baskets, and welcome banners with the yellow sky, blue water, and loon on them were displayed on the hydro poles downtown this year. Thirty-two ground planters were also placed throughout the BIA area.  The flower and banner program is a proud addition to town by the BIA as it creates a small spectacle, makes it feel welcoming, and really creates a unified look to our small town.

A wonderful addition to the BIA area included the pergola (photo below) that was donated by Barry’s Bay Home Hardware, and constructed by volunteers in the parkette between Talk O’ The Town and V&S Stedmans.

The BIA executives and others have heard many encouraging words about the beautification efforts, our town, and the Madawaska Valley as a whole.  Some of the feedback over the last year included notes about the cleanliness, the welcoming atmosphere, and the sheer beauty of the Madawaska Valley.

The Madawaska Valley also received a 5 bloom rating with the Communities In Bloom 2019 International and National competition and have been invited to compete at the National level again next year.  This could really promote and encourage tourism in our area.

On the August long weekend the BIA organized a band to play in the downtown area on Saturday.  This day creates a real small town, welcoming feel that the BIA is working hard to create.

The BIA has also taken note of some individual businesses within the BIA and neighbours outside of the BIA taking beautification and promotion to the next level. Additional seating areas, outdoor decor including gardens, flowers, benches, signage, etc.  The community really is growing, becoming branded and promoting itself with natural beauty.

What’s next?

Even with all of these positive past year outcomes for the BIA and township as a whole, there is still more to be completed before the close of 2019.  The BIA is excited to start a seasonal lighting project very soon. Stay tuned to learn more!

About the author: Marcia Rutledge is an independent dental hygienist who has owned and operated the Barry’s Bay Dental Hygiene Clinic since July of 2010. An active BIA member, she co-chaired Bay Day 2019.