Member News June 29, 2022
In this issue of Member News:
  • Oh Canada, Ribfest - Thousands of visitors expected in town this weekend - how can you capitalize on increased visitor traffic?
  • Graffiti - increasing incidence of tagging in the Village - what to do if you are tagged
  • Seeking BIA Committee Members

Keep scrolling for details.
Welcome Back Oh Canada Ribfest!
This Weekend!
July 1 - 3, Memorial Park
Consider Ways to Connect Ribfest Visitors to YOUR Business
The return of the Rotary Club's 'Oh Canada Ribfest' is likely to draw thousands to Waterdown Village this weekend, providing our local business community an opportunity to impress visitors. Even if Ribfest attendees don't shop or dine with you THIS weekend - you can still capitalize on the event to promote return visits to your location.
  • Do you have extra parking spaces? Consider offering free parking for Ribfest visitors with an invitation to drop into your business before or after the festivities. Place flyers in windshields of cars in your lot to promote special Ribfest offers, discounts or advertise any information enticing people to visit your business.

  • Promote a Ribfest Weekend Special. Use signs, chalkboards, A-frames, window posters, pennants, social media, etc. to welcome Ribfest visitors to town and promote your business/special offers. (For example, advertise sunscreen, hats, Canada Day gear, a pre-Ribfest, Canada Day manicure, a mid-Ribfest cool down in your air-conditioned location, a post-Ribfest massage to address aching dancing muscles...)

  • Maximize social media hashtags. Send congratulatory or welcome messages to Ribfest visitors on your social media platforms using hashtags such as #ohcanadaribfest and #waterdownribfest to reach new followers.
  • Volunteer for an hour or two in the BIA-sponsored photo tent where you can introduce yourself, help hand out BIA website magnets and show people how to find local businesses (including yours) on the new BIA website. Email or call Susan directly (susan@waterdownvillage.ca or 289-260-1261) if you would like to attend in the booth.
  • Make a great impression. Some people will be visiting Waterdown for the first time, or the first time in a few years - let's put a shine on the Village. Take a look at your signage, your windows, your flowers, sidewalks (weeds, obstacles, etc.) and spruce up to attract positive attention.
Graffiti Tagging in Waterdown
Regrettably, we've noticed a recent increase in tagging incidents in Waterdown Village. Several tags have been placed on City- and utility-owned assets and we've reported these incidents.

Graffiti is an act of vandalism and it places a significant burden on the City and property owners. It increases the fear of crime in the area and requires a large amount of money to eradicate. It's important for us to keep a watchful eye and get ahead of incidents before they become a negative trend.
Unfortunately, per City bylaws, the responsibility for removing graffiti for private properties falls to property owners.

Did you know?

  • The quick removal of graffiti can be effective in deterring further acts of vandalism. Plus, the sooner you remove, the easier it will come off.

  • Video surveillance cameras, increased lighting in vulnerable areas and plant materials such as climbing vines or thorny bushes can help mitigate graffiti risks.

  • All incidents of graffiti and tagging should be reported:

  • Call Police (911) if you see graffiti in progress

  • Contact the City to report existing graffiti at 905-546-CITY (2489) or online using the Graffiti Form.
Find more information and tips on preventing, reporting and removing graffiti -

Please email susan@waterdownvillage.ca if you see new graffiti appear within the BIA footprint so we can track incidents and trends.
BIA Networking Event - Door Prize Winners!

Thanks to the BIA members who came out for our Open House and Networking Event on June 2. Congratulations to the following members who also won door prizes -

Ribfest VIP Passes
Daanyaal & Nicole from Waterdown Laundromat, Ayden from BLR LLP, and Hannah from Ridgeway Florist

Bottles of Wine, from The Wine Shop
Ross from the Royal Coachman and Amelia from Stolen Hearts Bridal

Farmers' Market Bucks
Christina Birmingham, Birmingham Consultants
Engage with YOUR BIA
The success of the Waterdown Village BIA depends on the engagement and volunteerism of BIA members. As things normalize coming out of the pandemic, and with a municipal/BIA board election on the horizon, we encourage you to consider playing a more active role in BIA activities.

BIA Committee Opportunities

Adhoc Beautification Committee (Short Term)
The BIA analyses its beautification requirements (think about Village planters, hanging baskets, banners, holiday lighting, etc.) and requests tenders every two to three years. We're planning now for 2023 tenders and are looking for volunteers to help develop an overall beautification strategy. This will require meeting approx. three times over the next three to four months (date and times to be determined based on committee availability). If you have thoughts on how you think we should beautify and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the Village to attract new visitors, this committee is for you.

Holiday/Marketing Planning Committee (Ongoing)
The Marketing Committee will meet a few times during the summer to further plan BIA marketing and events for fall/holidays 2022 and lay foundations for the 2023 marketing plan/budget. New committee members are always welcome.

Board Directors for 2022 - 2026 Term
Elections for new board directors will take place at the BIA Annual General Meeting on November 15. Volunteering on an adhoc committee now is a good way to see if becoming more involved with the BIA as a board director is something you would be interested in.

Inquiries about any of these committees or the board of management positions can be made to susan@waterdownvillage.ca.
Waterdown Village Business Improvement Area