Congratulations to our friends in Seaforth! 

Seaforth BIA wins prestigious award at National Conference

It was Margaret Mead who penned the famous quote about the inevitable ability of thoughtful,

committed citizens to implement change.

Never was this more evident than on Seaforth’s Main Street. A collaboration between Peter

Klaver, the late Debby Somerville, the Municipality of Huron East and its Municipal Heritage

Committee has resulted in a dramatic facelift to the town’s business district and now notable

recognition by the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) at its recent

National Conference in Thunder Bay.

“Dressing for Success”—a major renovation project in Seaforth—involved the restoration of six

properties within the town’s Business Improvement Area during 2011. Klaver, a BIA Member

and Past Board Chair, and BIA Member Somerville, spearheaded the major renovations

undertaken at the following heritage properties:

• Timber’s Outfitters

• Decadence in the Country

• Etue Insurance and Financial

• Tulips Dental Centre

• Sally’s Closet Too!

• The Commercial Hotel

Nominees for an OBIAA award under the “Bricks and Mortar” category had to meet stringent

criteria.

Innovation: a unique approach to a BIA management/development challenge

Replication: a solution or idea that could be modified and utilized by other BIA’s

Representation: inclusive, partnerships, community involvement

Outcome: significant and measurable impact; objectives reached

Given the improved aesthetics and property values on Seaforth’s Main Street, the ensuing

economic development, and low commercial vacancy rate, it is evident that “Dressing for

Success” achieved its goals—and OBIAA rewarded this accomplishment.

As John Kiru, President of OBIAA and executive Director of the Toronto Area BIA, noted

“recognition goes a long way in encouraging BIA’s across the province to continue with their

stellar work in improving the economic and social wellbeing of their communities.”

The Ontario BIA Association recognizes the best in revitalization and management, and through

its awards celebrates the most successful, innovative efforts in Ontario BIA development.

“Seaforth has seen challenging times over the past few years,” says Jan Hawley, Huron East’s

Economic Development Officer, “yet despite the downturn in the economy, its business district

has remained vibrant, positioning itself well within the region. And the efforts of Pete and

Debby played a big part in that.”

Indeed, the vision and work of Peter Klaver and Debby Somerville, supported by the

Municipality and Heritage Committee, has resulted in a win-win-win: for the town, for its BIA,

and for its Main Street businesses.

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Contact for further information

Jan Hawley, Economic Development Officer

Municipality of Huron East

519.527.-0160

edo@huroneast.com