Board of Director’s Meeting – Minutes

Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual ZOOM

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

Guest: Shelly Howe, Lloyd Sison

DL called the meeting to order at 6:35 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 EP. Motion passed.

Treasurer Report (TD):

  • $107,000 reimbursement/contribution from the Town received; this covers SummerFest and Miracle on Main Street event
  • This reimbursement is the primary notable item this month; it appeared in the revenue line in last month’s report.
  • Other than this, there is nothing out of the ordinary to report, just standard, ongoing expenses.
  • Expense trending report shows expenses are slightly up compared to last year, which is expected.
  • Current total expenses are $349,000 this year vs. $335,000 last year.
  • The increase keeps expenses well within the target of a 5% difference year-over-year.
  • Expenses will balance further as more costs for the Miracle on Main post in December.
  • Overall, finances are on track.
  • MH moved to accept the Treasurer Report. AS seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Council Report

Regional & Local (CB)

  • Last Monday’s council meeting included: Application for Slessor Square (3 Main Street), covering the block of Main, Pearl, Bruce, and Prince Streets: Proposed 18- and 16-story buildings with 570 apartment units, 8,000 sq ft of retail, and only 431 parking spaces.
  • Application from Neatt Communities for the Meritor property (150 Steeles Ave, former Meritor plant): First phase: 1,083 units; project total projected at 4,100 units, or ~10,000 people, over the next 5–20 years. The current market is slow with an 8-year supply of condominium apartments.
  • Ongoing construction on Ontario Street South, Nipissing, and Child, drivers should expect and obey road signage.
  • Regional “Integrated Master Servicing Plan” is underway, combining water, wastewater, and major roads: Projected investment: $4.7 billion over 25 years (could reach $6 billion with inflation). Goal: Double regional population, with Milton projected to triple from 156,000 now to 455,000 by 2051.
  • MG: George needs to be officially appointed by the Town to join the BIA board. I will research the process.
  • MG: will reach out to The Town regarding the appointment of Local Councillor George Minakakis to the Downtown Milton BIA Board.
  • TD moved to accept the Council Report. AS seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Executive Director Report:

  • **Administration:
    • Canada Summer Jobs is open, DMBIA will apply for one student, Special Events Intern, beginning April 28, 2026, for 8 weeks.
    • Director and Officer Insurance Policy arranged by the Town of Milton annually, providing $1,000,000 liability coverage for $900 + $150 policy fee + applicable taxes and fees. This is based on the current number of board members, with adjustments if new members join. Annual budget allocation is $1,500. Documents attached.
    • MG: to submit the documentation to the Town of Milton for Director and Officer Insurance Policy.
    • Contribution from The Town of Milton of $107,661 has been transferred to the DMBIA accounts, for SummerFest and Miracle on Main Street, as per the 2025 budget.
    • A repayment from the Town of Milton for the receptacle damage due to snow plowing will be transferred to the DBMIA accounts this month for $3850.
    • The Town of Milton’s budget is public as of November 12, 2025.
    • Budget Council Workshop is on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 7:00 pm to present the DMBIA budget SummerFest ask.
    • Mira Nasser and Alisha Bustamante will attend the December 10, 2026, board meeting to provide their year-end updates.

ENHANCED PROMOTION ON THE DOWNTOWN MILTON COMMUNITY AND ITS BUSINESSES

  • Milton Santa Claus Parade is Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 1:00 pm
  • Miracle on Main Street in Downtown Milton is on Saturday, December 6, from 1 pm to 5 pm.
  • “Support Local to Win” holiday initiative discussion.’
  • AS: Summary of “SupportLocal2Win” presentation: The initiative will run Dec 1–28 for the DMBIA using the supportlocaltowin.ca domain. Weekly prizes of $250 in Downtown Milton gift cards will be awarded to customers who upload a receipt showing a purchase of $25 or more at any BIA business. Website setup is expected to cost $700–$800
  • Summary of Board Discussion: Potential Conflict of Interest:
  • The board discussed a potential conflict of interest since AS, a board member, would receive BIA funds for the initiative.
  • Members clarified that there is no conflict if no money changes hands between the BIA and AS’s company.
  • If the project is funded by outside sponsors rather than the BIA, conflict is avoided.
  • If sponsorship is not possible and the BIA must pay for the campaign, it would be a conflict for AS as a board member.
  • A possible solution mentioned was AS resigning from the board if he wished to run the program as a business initiative.
  • The board agreed to explore alternative ways to run the campaign, such as a BIA-managed website with funded compliance.

INCREASED FOCUS ON ATTRACTION OF NEW BUSINESSES

  • **Member/business updates:
  • New
  • KNINE (pet groomer) – 158 Mill Street
  • Wildwood Books and Market – 207 Main St East. Soft grand opening Nov 22 & 23
  • The Secret Garden (florist) – Grand opening TBD. Renovations needed!
  • Anniversaries coming up:
  • ACT Physiotherapy and Health Services (5 years)
  • Barn Door Studios (10 years)

ENHANCED ADVOCACY WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT ON KEY ISSUES AFFECTING DOWNTOWN

  • **Patio Rebranding Program
    • Working with Christina Romasz from the Town of Milton’s Economic Development and Marketing team on rebranding the Seasonal Patio Program into an Intentional Placemaking initiative aimed at enhancing public spaces and creating a more engaging, year-round downtown experience.
  • **Farmers’ Market MOU Renewal
    • Connected with Erin Caldwell, intern President at The Chamber of Commerce to confirm the market will remain on Main Street and to work on the revised MOU.
  • **2026 Strategic Planning Update
    • Currently developing the Strategic Plan for review. The plan is based on committee discussions, current survey results, and notes provided by Tom Dusmet and will outline key priorities and action items for the upcoming year.
    • DL: to send survey results and notes received.
  • Andy Scott resigned from the Town of Milton. I have not received an update on his replacement.

ENHANCED DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE FOR BUSINESSES AND VISITORS THROUGH BEAUTIFICATION EFFORTS

  • **Holiday Tree Lighting:
  • Proposal 1: Cerelli Tree Farm and The Christmas Light Company, approximate total $4,200,
  • Proposal 2: Trees on a Truck, approximate total $1,600.
  • Review pictures of the trees at the board meeting to decide. Board approved Proposal 1
  • There are sponsorship dollars available for an annual holiday tree lighting event
  • MG: Tree Lighting planned for November 27th 5pm – 7pm. Charles Street will be closed for pedestrian safety.
  • Program additions: Live Music by Academy of Music, Santa Writing Station,
  • TD: suggested that local restaurant owners consider creative add-ons or special offerings during the Christmas tree lighting event (e.g., specials, live music, themed menus) to help make the event a stronger draw for the community.
  • DL: creative referenced past successful partnerships with the Milton Art Center (e.g., concert and dinner events).
  • Shelly Howe, EXIT Realty, expressed strong support for preserving the unique character of downtown Milton, emphasizing the importance of local events to keep the area special and vibrant as the town grows. The potential board member shared a commitment to helping drive more traffic downtown, to make it a desirable destination for locals and visitors alike.
  • Lloyd Sison, The Eighth Note, voiced support for downtown Milton’s continued growth as a community destination, noting increased activity over recent years. The member advocated for building on this momentum with data-driven strategies and emphasized the value of music in attracting more visitors and fostering greater community involvement.
  • **Beautification
  • Legacy of Honour banners will be taken down, and DMBIA banners will be installed on the evening of November 17, 2026.
  • Snowflake lights will be installed on the evening of November 19, 2026.

Other Business:

  • Proposal for a summer pilot program to allow restaurants to extend patios onto the street.
  • Could run on four Saturdays during the summer, possibly coinciding with the farmers’ market.
  • Street closure would be limited to the patio areas; no alcohol or town-managed events in the street.
  • Restaurants would set up enclosed patio areas with fencing/bollards for safety.
  • Like encroachment agreements already used by restaurants like Pasqualino’s and Chuck’s.
  • Goal is to boost downtown vibrancy and attract visitors.
  • Participation depends on the restaurant’s interest and willingness to set up outdoor seating.
  • If successful, could expand the program in future years.
  • TD and AS: to create a presentation for the next board meeting
  • CB: The Canada Day committee meeting will be held on Thursday, November 20, at 7:00 PM in Building #1 of the Milton fairgrounds. Community members interested in helping revitalize Canada Day are encouraged to attend.
  • MG: We will share the meeting information on our socials and add the information to our community board poster.

Adjournment

  • DL moved to adjourn. TD seconded the motion. Motion passed.
  • DL Meeting adjourned at 7:52 pm.