WILL GRAVENHURST BIA AREA BE INCREASED IN SIZE? I BROUGHT IT UP SEVERAL YEARS AGO AS A VIABILITY ISSUE
EXPANSION WOULD BRING IN MORE BUSINESS REPRESENTATION, AND MORE DIRECTORS
DESPITE WHAT YOU MIGHT BELIEVE IS CAST IN MUSKOKA STONE, I DON'T DISLIKE THE LOCAL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION. IT'S WELL KNOWN, OUR FAMILY HAS HAD PROBLEMS IN THE PAST, WITH UNDERLYING POLITICS WITHIN, AND THEN, IT WAS ONLY WITH SEVERAL MEMBERS; AND NOT THE WHOLE GANG OUT THERE. THE RESOLVE WAS, TO SIMPLY REMOVE OURSELVES AS PARTICIPANTS IN BIA GOVERNANCE AND GENERAL MEETINGS. OUR CHOICE TODAY IS TO ABSTAIN, BASED ON THE LIKELIHOOD OLD FRICTION CAN BE RENEWED UNDER THE RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCES. POINT IS, WE HAVE FOUND THIS A COMMONPLACE ATTITUDE, AMONGST SOME OTHER VENDORS, WHO WOULD RATHER BE LEFT ALONE, THAN PLAY ANY MAINSTREET REINDEER GAMES. IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO AVOID THE TITHE TO BELONG TO THE GROUP, AS IT IS MANDATED BY THE MUNICIPALITY; BUT IF THERE WAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO "OPT-OUT" OF THE ASSOCIATION, I BELIEVE THE EXODUS WOULD BE ENOUGH TO SHOW VERY CLEARLY, THAT THERE IS A GENERAL INDIFFERENCE TO THE GROUP'S POLICIES, AND FUTURE PLANNING.
I'VE FREQUENTLY SUGGESTED THERE NEEDS TO BE CLOSE SCRUTINY GIVEN BY THE TOWN, TO THOSE COUNTER-OPINIONS CIRCULATING, ABOUT THE NET WORTH OF THE BIA, AND THE ONGOING ECONOMIC CONCERNS ABOUT THE MAIN STREET. AND YES, I DO BELIEVE THE TOWN IS BLIND TO THE FACT, SUPPORT FOR THE BIA IS NOT AT ONE HUNDRED PERCENT, AS THEY SEEM TO BELIEVE. SO WHAT IS THE PERCENTAGE OF SUPPORT? WHY DON'T WE KNOW THIS? IS IT 20 PERCENT, FIFTY PERCENT OR SEVENTY PERCENT? WHAT WOULD THE TOWN GATHER, FROM A SURVEY, IF THEY FOUND SEVENTY PERCENT OF BIA MEMBERS, WOULD LEAVE THE ASSOCIATION IF THEY HAD THE OPPORTUNITY? WOULDN'T IT BE USEFUL FOR THE BIA EXECUTIVE, TO KNOW FOR FACT, THAT SEVENTY PERCENT OF THE PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES, SUPPORT THE PRESENT EXECUTIVE. IN MOVING AHEAD WITH FUTURE MAIN STREET IMPROVEMENTS, THE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT OF ALL, WOULD BE TO KNOW JUST HOW STRONG THIS ENDORSEMENT IS…..OR IS NOT. A LOT HINGES ON MEMBER PARTICIPATION FOR THESE PROGRAMS. IT'S NOT LIKE THE SUPPORT LEVEL ISN'T IMPORTANT, BECAUSE IT MOST DEFINITELY IS….ESPECIALLY MOVING ON TO MORE PROGRESSIVE PLANS FOR THE FUTURE. BIA ZONE EXPANSION, FOR ONE! AS A FOOTNOTE TO THE ABOVE, ATTENDANCE AT PUBLIC MEETINGS IS NOT A BAROMETER OF SUPPORT OR APPROVAL. IT MAY BE A HARBINGER OF SOMETHING, BUT ONLY AN INDEPENDENT SURVEY WOULD FIND THE CONSENSUS, WE NEED, TO MAKE A CLEAR ASSESSMENT ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION'S PERCEIVED RELEVANCE.
JUST BECAUSE WE AREN'T FRONT ROW SUPPORTERS, OVERALL, WE ARE NOT BIA DETRACTORS, BECAUSE WE DO BELIEVE IN THE RIGHT FOR THE MEMBER BUSINESSES TO HAVE A STRONG REPRESENTATIVE VOICE, IN DEALING WITH THE MUNICIPALITY. WE SEE THE VALUE OF THE BIA ON MANY PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN, ALTHOUGH WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO DISAGREE, WHICH ISN'T LOOKED UPON FAVORABLY;……OR AT LEAST HASN'T BEEN, BY TRIAL AND ERROR. THE BIA GOVERNANCE HAS BEEN A SPARK MAKER FOR A LONG TIME NOW, AND YES IT DOES HAVE A REPUTATION FOR CREATING UNDESIRABLE AGITATION, OFTEN IN THE WRONG PLACES, AT THE WRONG TIME. IF MEMBER BUSINESSES WERE AFFORDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO CRITIQUE THE BIA'S PERFORMANCE OVER THE PAST DECADE, THE TOWN MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO LEARN THERE IS AS MUCH DISHARMONY, AS DECLARED ENDORSEMENT. THE SPLIT WOULD SHOW AN AREA OF WEAKNESS, AS IT HAS PREVAILED IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, FOR YEARS. IT'S JUST NEVER BEEN PROPERLY ADDRESSED, BECAUSE THE TOWN HAS NOT TAKEN THE TIME, DESPITE HAVING A STAKE IN THE PROGRAM, TO KNOW…..WORTS AND ALL, HOW MANY ARE "FOR" THE BIA, AND HOW MANY ARE "AGAINST." IF THE BIA IS TO HAVE SOLID FOOTING, IN FUTURE PLANNING, IT REQUIRES AN ACCURATE ASSESSMENT OF ITS BASE OF SUPPORT. IT NEEDS TO KNOW HOW MANY WOULD OPT OUT, IF IT WAS POSSIBLE, AND WHY THAT NUMBER IS WHAT IT IS. BEFORE LOOKING TOO FAR DOWN THE ROAD, THEY SHOULD BE BACK-TRACKING A LITTLE, TO FIND OUT WHAT MEMBERS WANT AND EXPECT FOR THEIR TAX-TITHE TO THE BIA. THE EXECUTIVE SHOULD WANT THIS INFORMATION ON DECK, AS MUCH AS THE TOWN SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE PREVAILING ATTITUDE, OF PARTICIPATION AND GENERAL INTEREST IN BIA PROGRAMS. A SUBMITTED QUESTIONNAIRE FROM THE TOWN, WOULD BE A GOOD PLACE TO START, BECAUSE SUCH A DEBATE ON BIA RELEVANCE CAN NOT BE HELD IN AN OPEN FORUM, DUE TO THE POTENTIAL OF SERIOUS NEGATIVE REACTION…..FROM THOSE WHO DO NOT APPRECIATE CRITICISM OF THEIR EFFORTS.
WHAT ABOUT AN EXPANSION SOUTH ON MUSKOKA ROAD
Back about two years, I suggested that the BIA, to remain relevant in the future, would require an expansion of their zone. To be a more dynamic area, it absolutely requires more member businesses, and I'm sure this has been considered by both the town and BIA executive. I believe it will be an issue in the near future, as the multi-year planning will undoubtedly see expansion as strengthening the whole association, offering more money, and more participating members, with a lot more streetscape to incorporate into a cohesive marketing strategy. In fact, I think the BIA would be more prosperous and better served with an expansion, that in its present limited capacity in almost all regards.
Now, just in case you're getting tripped up by what appears to be a giant contradiction of opinion, regarding the BIA, I will clarify, by suggesting that new members in particular, could mean a huge improvement for the association's general operations, and choices for governance. I think that getting new blood into the BIA would be a life-saver, if it eventually becomes the case, an expansion is agreed upon by those further south on Muskoka Road. I'm guessing the zone would reach to the border of the plaza area, at about the present gateway. I think having more business opinions on the BIA would be refreshing and could make a new and powerful alliance…..if the old guard will agree to share their sandbox.
There have been rumors for years about this expansion. While a political watcher like myself, sees this coming down the pike in the next year, it could take much longer to get a positive consensus from these southern businesses…..and it may actually turn out to be a great divide as well. There will be some businesses, knowing what has happened over the past decade, further north, that will refuse outrightly to join the BIA, or agree with a potential town initiative to expand the qualifying area. Some will only see it as a tax grab, and refuse on that basis alone. Once again, I hope the town, and the council representatives working as liaison with the BIA, are prepared to handle such a contentious issue well in advance, because it will be…..regardless of anyone's wishful thinking……a time of serious reckoning. Unless this is handled properly, it could create a huge upset that no one needs at this point……when things are actually moving along pretty well, on the main street. No need to stir up controversy. Or so you'd think. We'll have to wait and see, if I'm clairvoyant or just a peddler of hearsay.
My advice to south end merchants, who may be in such an expansion plan, in the future, is to get a neighborhood consensus before the matter comes to council for serious consideration. I have heard rumors about new expansion interests, but they're probably rehashes of rumors I've heard for the past five years. I probably started some myself, via this blog, but regardless of my meddling, it is a logical, sensible, practical and potentially workable proposal. The only kicker, other than the taxing part, is track record, from the present BIA, and how the north and south would partner for main street business improvement in the future. The reason I suggest the Town needs to know how the present BIA is graded, by member businesses, is to clear up, once and for all, if it is considered a workable, satisfactory association under all present circumstances. Before heading down the street, to incorporate others into the mix, the town would be highly negligent, if they didn't have an accurate consensus, of the BIA as it stands. If there is a plan to extend, what may be considered by consensus, as a failing association, then what trouble for administration and direction, will result by increasing membership and expanding jurisdiction?
The BIA can not scrutinize itself, to arrive at an unbiased opinion, about its effectiveness and representative capabilities to member businesses. The town has a responsibility to scrutinize its operation. If member businesses aren't happy with their representation, they why? Why wouldn't the town want to know this information…..or these opinions? Well, I've been suggesting this for the past two years, and there hasn't been a murmur from town hall, that this is a reasonable way of proceeding. What I'm concerned about, just as an average, everyday town "watcher," is if this expansion concept, isn't handled properly when it does come to fruition……the hole at the other end will be a big one. It's just a rumor today. But if it becomes a more serious objective in the next twelve months, and if there is any evidence of "this is the way it's going to be," coming from the town or the BIA, then one can expect some interesting eruptions of opposition……and "vehemently" is a word that comes to mind, to describe efforts by those totally against any plan to expand the BIA zone. Oh they're out there. Best to chat with them first, and find out just what kind of opposition could muster quickly, to thwart these plans.
I believe the BIA zone should be expanded. Stated this before, and I'll state again, so there is no confusion about this blogger's position. But like everything else, imbedded in my sense of democratic protocol, the southern-area merchants and property owners, should have the capability of voting on the proposal……and the town should oblige to make it fair to all. The BIA program can have many positive spin-offs, and bring the business community together for a strong mutual benefit. It is pivotal on matters of renewal and marketing, and I know enough about the work of other BIA groups, serving Ontario communities, to know it is a powerful association with great unifying potential. The question is, in our town, how the BIA here ranks on the level of best case scenarios…….of what we expect from our tithe and what we actually get in return.
I feel that an expansion will bring new members into the association, who will create a more viable, inclusive democracy, and forgive me for welcoming such a plan, but I see new blood as a saving grace right now; for marketing and improving the downtown over the next decade. Status quo will make the BIA efforts, in this small uptown core, a dream scratched onto paper, but not much more. So the town has a conundrum that has been batted around for years, without any clear direction being shown. As a first step, they should know exactly what present members think of the BIA as it exists today. If there are problems that can be corrected, then the town should inspire change within, to make it more palatable to the membership. It would be wrong, to proceed with a plan of expansion, to the BIA boundary, without understanding what's been dragging the association down at present. But let the members at large identify what this drag has been.
I have been unpopular with the BIA for years now, and the town doesn't care what my opinion is……on anything, including the half-finished Opera House roof, (what a nice day it was for roofing - but nary a hammer was lifted) and I'm pretty sure I could start a rebellion in the south end, by suggesting it would be good to have an expanded BIA. So you know for sure, I'm not entering a popularity contest. But it needs to be said anyway, damn the torpedoes. I just want to see democracy play its role. If the BIA wants to be progressive and democratic, then work with the town to find a way of seeking consensus to such an expansion proposal, if and when it does come down the pike. Maybe I'm just a dreamer and none of this will ever come to fruition. On the other hand, well, maybe it's not so dumb to think about the future, before one is forced to swallow it……"cause that's the way it is!"
Thanks once again for joining my daily blog. I know some find it a tad controversial. A few find it strangely inane. Colorful. Perky. Half nuts. Courageous and stupid at the same time. But I do value your opinion, and it is the case, far too many of us have lived with status quo in this town…..because we didn't know how to fight town hall. This is changing. I have a feeling the council two years from now, will be slightly more aware of democratic privilege, when they're officially sworn in. Democracy isn't a one day event, when we cast ballots for those we wish to elect. It's up to us to demand full accountability, and democracy, ever after. Please join me again. There's always an extra seat around the Birch Hollow hearth. I just need to toss on another log, to keep the home fire burning.
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