About the Downtown Chatham BIA
The Historic Downtown Chatham Business Improvement Area (BIA) stretches along King Street West from Third Street to William Street, supporting the interests of local retailers, restaurants, financial institutions, service providers, and residential spaces within its boundaries.
BIA’s focus is guided by four key priorities:
- Beautification & Maintenance: Enhancing the district through planters, Canadian flags, banners, select murals, and coordinated clean-ups.
- Events & Experiences: Hosting signature events such as RetroFest™ and the Downtown Chatham Santa Parade, and supporting additional initiatives that align with our values and attract new visitors.
- Advocacy & Support: Representing our 100 (and growing) members on issues of community safety, cleanliness, property standards, and overall vibrancy to help maintain welcoming, fully occupied storefronts.
- Marketing & Promotion: Showcasing the Chatham BIA as the ideal place to stay, shop, dine, and explore.
The BIA is led by Executive Director, Kaitlin Goulet, who works closely with downtown merchants, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, community partners, and the Board of Directors to drive physical improvements and support economic development within the downtown core.
Meetings
BIA Board Meetings are usually held monthly on the second Tuesday of each month at 6pm at the BIA Office: 237 King Street West. Chatham, Ontario.
If you wish to attend or add an agenda item, please contact us ahead of time by calling 519-352-8387 or by filling out the contact form.
The Events Calendar will confirm up coming meetings and agenda upload.
Contact Information
237 King Street West, Chatham, ON. N7M 1E6
Hours
Open by appointment only.
Email or call with your request to set up an appointment.
What is a BIA
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) unites local businesses and property owners by providing them the leverage they need to carry out physical improvements and promote economic development in their district. The local municipality is the body responsible for establishing and approving the budget of the BIA; while the BIA's Executive director and governing Board of Directors oversees the day to day operations, improvement functions, area initiatives, and promotions.
The size of a BIA may vary from under 50 businesses and property owners to over 2,000 in larger city districts. The size of Downtown Chatham's BIA can vary from year to year but averages around 120 members within it's boundary.
History
In 1970 the province passed enabling legislation in response to a request by the business community in the Bloor and Jane Street area, City of Toronto, for special authority to establish the Bloor West Village BIA. Provision for creating and operating a BIA are contained in section 220 of the Municipal Act. “Business changes everyday. Adapting to the marketplace is important!”
There are now more than 230 BIAs across Ontario and the concept has been adopted by more than 1,500 communities across the United States and Canada.