Board of Director’s Meeting – Minutes

Wednesday March 5, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual ZOOM

Attendees: Monique Gaudet (MG), Moe Hartley (MH), Colin Best (CB), Diana Lakich (DL), Tom Dusmet (TD), Eric Parris (EP), Abhi Sarkar (AS)

Regrets: Kristina Tesser Derksen (KTD), Eric Chabot (EC)

DL called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m.

DL asked the board if there was any declaration of pecuniary interest or conflict of interest. None were made.

Motion to accept the previous meeting minutes by TD, seconded by CB. Motion passed.

Treasurer Report (TD):

  • Only two financial entries this month: Staff salaries and one administrative expense.
  • No other activity to report.
    • CB moved to accept the Treasurer Report. MH seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Council Reports

Regional (CB)

  • MH and I have been working at the Elections Ontario office over the past month.
  • Anticipating more changes from the provincial government that may impact the downtown core — updates will be shared as they come.
  • At the February 19 Regional Council meeting, there was a discussion around Buy Canadian policies. These policies will become more relevant after yesterday’s announcement. Expect similar discussions at the next Milton Council meeting.
  • The purpose of these policies is to help keep local businesses afloat amidst the potential impact from tariffs and other economic threats from the U.S.
  • The Britannia Secondary Plan was approved, adding 17,500 homes between Thompson and Sixth Line, increasing Milton’s population by 57,000–70,000.
  • At the Regional level, several motions were put forward addressing homelessness, urging provincial and federal action. Discussions also covered the upcoming provincial election and municipal challenges highlighted by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.
  • MH- Follow-up on the Buy Canadian discussion: Is there currently a policy at Council regarding prioritizing Canadian suppliers when awarding contracts? Do we ever engage with American suppliers for goods or services?
  • CB- responded It’s very rare that American suppliers are used — mostly limited to certain technical items. The matter will be reviewed again at the next Council meeting on the 17th.  This initiative is being communicated to all municipalities across Ontario. Currently, contracts are typically awarded to the lowest qualified tenderer. Based on experience: Approximately 98% of contracts go to Canadian firms. Only about 2% are awarded to American firms.
  • AS- is in contact with a couple of other downtown restaurants. Efforts are to move away from U.S. products (e.g., ketchup and mustard). The aim is to source and use Canadian alternatives whenever possible.
  • AS- asked a question as a collective or as a board: Are we planning to send any message or notification to local businesses encouraging the use of Canadian products? Have we done this already, or is it something we plan to do?
  • MG- A letter was sent in the Member Newsletter two weeks ago, encouraging members to join the Make Canadian I will resend the letter to all members.
  • MH- A suggestion was shared to help businesses highlight Canadian-made products in-store: purchase inexpensive decks of playing cards with a maple leaf or Canadian flag on the back (around $3–$4), and use the backs of the cards as simple signage to indicate Canadian-made items. It’s an affordable and effective way to make a visual statement.

Local (CB) on behalf of KTD

  • The next council meeting will be held on March 17.
  • Similar motions regarding the Buy Canadian initiative will be discussed.
  • A preview was given of the new Mountain View West neighborhood on the 34-acre Meritor property (previously known as Rockwell Meritor or the steel plant).
  • The first phase will feature over 1,000 homes, ranging from townhouses to an 8-story building.
  • Two new streets will be added to Steeles Avenue and two onto Martin Street, with traffic lights planned.
  • Construction and occupancy are expected to take 3 to 5 years, with the first phase coming soon.
  • The development could bring up to 3,000 new residents to the area, which would have a positive impact on downtown, as it’s only a 5-minute walk from downtown.
  • Public Information Session is planned before the project proceeds.
    • MH moved to accept the Council Reports. EP seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Executive Director Report:

  • **Administration:
  • Waiting for a decision on our Canada Summer Jobs application. I would like to hire the same student as last year, Kaleigh Chapman.
  • **2025 Strategic Planning Committee
  • The 2025 Strategic Planning Survey will be sent to members on Monday, March 10, 2025.
  • We have two sessions left, March 24 & 31.

ENHANCED PROMOTION ON THE DOWNTOWN MILTON COMMUNITY AND ITS BUSINESSES

  • **DMBIA Events:
  • Taste of Downtown Milton: Friday, February 21, 2025 – Sunday, March 16, 2025.
  • SummerFest: Saturday, June 7 from 12 pm – 8 pm. Vendor and entertainer applications close next week, with the first round of acceptances being sent out this week.
  • Logistics planning and sponsor outreach are in progress.
  • We are exploring a partnership with Destination Ontario for upcoming events. Information about TODM has been submitted, though not all submissions are promoted.
  • We held a TODM giveaway event, which is happening until the end of the event.
  • Milton Prism is hosting the Pride Parade in Downtown Milton. I am speaking with Melanie Tremlis, Founder and Chair, to gather full event details.

INCREASED FOCUS ON ATTRACTION OF NEW BUSINESSES

  • Business updates

For Sale:

  • 17 Commercial Street- Luigi’s Lasagna & Pizzeria

Closed:

  • 167 Main Street– Ill Cosmos Tattoo Studio
  • 158 Mill Street – Benjamin Moore – Milton Paint

ENHANCED ADVOCACY WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT ON KEY ISSUES AFFECTION DOWNTOWN

  • We continue to promote OBIAA’s statement to Support Local. This will be posted on our socials, updated to our members, and shared in our next community newsletter.   OBIAA has developed a Shop Main Street Canada. Support Local Toolkit.
  • The Town of Milton is currently undergoing an RFP process for insurance providers. We continue to work with Aliya Orloff Manager, Risk Management on insurance for SummerFest vendors and entertainers.

ENHANCED DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE FOR BUSINESSES AND VISITORS THROUGH BEAUTIFICATION EFFORTS

  • **Beautification:
  • Receptacles and benches were damaged by sidewalk plows. Operations have been made aware, and further updates will follow.
    • CB moved to accept the Executive Director Report. MH seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Adjournment

  • CB moved to adjourn. MH seconded the motion. Motion passed.
  • DL Meeting adjourned at 7:22 pm.