Exeter BIA wants early input into construction projects

The Exeter BIA is looking to provide input on projects earlier in the planning stages as Exeter navigates business disruptions due to the reconstruction of Main Street.

By John Miner

Pointing to the huge impact Main Street construction can have on businesses, the Exeter Business Improvement Area (BIA) board is asking for a seat at the planning table before the first tender is issued.

In a presentation to South Huron council, BIA director Jayme Lamoureux said the association that represents more than 175 local businesses and property owners is brought into the process late in the game.

“When project timelines shift, when phases change, or when unexpected disruptions occur, our members are often the last to know,” she said.

The BIA understands the requirement for infrastructure investment and that projects need to be done, but downtown construction projects carry significant consequences for BIA members. Foot traffic drops sharply, customers avoid construction zones and even businesses not directly adjacent to the work see reduced walk-in traffic.

For businesses operating on tight margins even a few weeks of reduced revenue can have lasting consequences, Lamoureux said.

The BIA requested council direct staff to include the Exeter BIA in the planning and development stages of Main Street construction projects, starting with the current project and continuing with all future projects that materially affect the downtown Main Street areas.

“We would love the opportunity to work collaboratively with the municipality to provide constructive feedback and suggestions on proposed streetscape designs, layout or beautification opportunities, and infrastructure upgrades such as additional wiring on lamp posts or light installations,” Lamoureux said.

She cited two advantages to having a BIA representative at the table during the planning and development stages.

One is that it allows business owners who have a vested interest in the project’s success and timeline to participate in a way that they feel a sense of ownership in the project. Being able to discuss the project timelines can alleviate any concerns with the construction.

Another advantage is that municipalities can gain first-hand knowledge and valuable insight into measures that will improve the overall feel and movement on Main Street.

Coun. Aaron Neeb asked for clarification on what the BIA was requesting when there is a municipal councillor that serves as liaison on the BIA board.

Neeb said it was his understanding that the municipality had reached out to major stakeholders and that businesses had been contacted individually about the Main Street construction.

Lamoureux said her experience is that businesses are involved well past the point of the planning stages.

The tenders have already gone out, contractors have already been set, the schedules have already been set, and then at that point the community stakeholders are kind of engaged, she said.

South Huron CAO Rebekah Msuyua-Collison said she appreciated the feedback from the BIA and the long partnership with the municipality in supporting businesses, identifying common problems and assisting with communications.

Msuya-Collison said there have been ongoing conversations with municipal staff on different initiatives, including the current project.

“We have met and discussed various opportunities and concerns for this particular project at a staff level,” she said.

Outside of construction projects, Msuya-Collison said staff are also open to discussions with representatives of the BIA.