About Us

Founded in 1977, the Downtown Milton Business Improvement Area (DMBIA) is a local board that works to enhance our historic downtown community and promote it as a vibrant destination to shop, dine, visit and do business. With the support of the municipality, the DMBIA empowers property owners and business operators to join together and help the community thrive. Over 220 business operators and property owners are members of the DMBIA.

The DMBIA’s mission is to restore, enhance, and promote Downtown Milton as a vibrant and growing business community. We do this in a variety of ways.

  • Beautification – We aim to create a cohesive and colourful atmosphere in Downtown Milton through landscaping, street banners, special lighting, seasonal décor, maintenance and more.
  • Marketing and promotions – Through our website, social media accounts and media and advertising activities, we promote our community and our members.
  • Events and activities – We host and support events and activities which help to attract and engage people from across Milton and beyond and connect them with local businesses
  • Advocacy and strategic partnerships – We advocate for our members and support their interests by maintaining strong partnerships with all levels of government and community groups.

The DMBIA is funded through a special tax levy paid by owners of all commercial and industrial properties within the DMBIA boundaries. Property owners determine how to include DMBIA levy fees in their lease agreements with their tenants and there is no additional fee for business operators to be DMBIA members. The DMBIA also seeks sponsorship and grants to support specific initiatives and events.

An independent volunteer Board of Directors oversees the planning, budgeting, implementation and evaluation of DMBIA activities. The board members are elected by the membership and then appointed by the Town Council every four years. The Executive Director and staff manage the DMBIA office and activities.

All property owners and business operators within the designated BIA boundaries are members. The BIA is bounded approximately by Bell Street to the west, Fulton Street to the east, Mill Street to the north and Mary Street to the south.

Property owners and business operators within the DMBIA district can get involved in several ways.

Visit our member information page here.

Staff

Mira Nasser, Events Manager

Mira Nasser

Events Manager

Ask me about: Participating in Downtown Milton Events

Alisha Bustamante, Marketing Coordinator

Alisha Bustamante

Marketing Coordinator

Ask me about: Social Media Collaborations, Marketing Support

Board of Directors

Executive

  • Eric Chabot — Chair
  • Diana Lakich — Vice Chair
  • Tom Dusmet — Treasurer

Directors

  • Colin Best — Regional Councillor for Ward 1
  • Moe Hartley — Former Downtown Milton BIA Business Owner
  • George Minakakis — Town Councillor for Ward 1
  • Eric Parris — Community Member
  • Abhi Sarkar — Owner, The WORKS Craft Burgers & Beer