Paris BIA board appointments, $325 levy head to council for approval

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

The Paris Business Improvement Area’s 2026 executive board appointments and operating budget are being forwarded to County of Brant council for approval following the organization’s annual general meeting earlier this month.

In a report presented during County Council on Feb. 24, General Manager of Corporate Services Heather Boyd outlined recommended bylaw amendments to formalize two new board appointments and approve the BIA’s 2026 budget.

The BIA held its annual general meeting on Feb. 17, where two executive positions were available. Two nominations were received and both candidates were acclaimed.

Sara Graham of the Arlington Hotel and Jennifer Von Schleinitz of Paris Beer and The Wincey Mills were nominated to fill the vacant positions. They will join existing board members Councillor Steve Howes, Penny Ritchie, Zack Haight, David Mahn and Amy Jackson.

Two resignations from elected executive members prompted the appointments. The names of the two who resigned were not provided. 

The 2026 operating budget, also reviewed and approved by the BIA membership at the AGM, is based on a per-business levy of $325. The levy is applied to property owners and businesses within the BIA boundaries and funds the organization’s annual programming and promotions.

According to the report, the Paris BIA serves as a liaison between County of Brant council and the downtown business community. Approval of the executive board and annual budget are described as key steps in supporting the organization’s activities and initiatives.

The proposed 2026 budget includes allocations for general promotions, Christmas promotions, contracted services, website operations and facility rentals, among other operational expenses.

Council will consider bylaws to amend the appointment bylaw and approve the 2026 budget at an upcoming meeting.