St Thomas Downtown Development Board 2021 AGM Report

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN ST. THOMAS 2021 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Presented January 26, 2022

St Thomas Downtown Development Board 545 Talbot Street, St Thomas ON N5P 3V7 516-633-5248 DDB@stthomas.ca

www.DowntownStThomas.ca

January 26, 2022 On behalf of the St Thomas Downtown Development Board, I welcome you to our 2021 Annual General Meeting.

The St Thomas Downtown Development Board is a volunteer based Committee of Council tasked to (a) oversee the improvement, beautification and maintenance of municipally-owned land, buildings and structures in the area beyond that provided at the expense of the municipality generally; and (b) to promote the area as a business or shopping area.

Your DDB Board has been extremely busy throughout 2021, working to make our downtown a vibrant place to work, invest and shop. After 9 months of tough times, we thought that 2021 would bring us back to normal. However, challenge after challenge was thrown at our Downtown small Business owners. But they were not to be deterred, they fought back and kept moving forward. With caution, a dedicated crew tackled our 7th Annual Nostalgia Nights Car Show which turned out to be the best car show ever. And finishing off the year we held a toned down Tree Lighting Celebration and a tear-jerker Downtown Santa event. Please support our Downtown businesses and Shop Local.

Our Annual Report will provide an overview of the work that has been completed over the past year on behalf of all downtown property and business owners and define the projects and events planned for 2022.

I would like to personally thank Dave Thomson, Sarah Van Pelt, Grayden Laing, Susan Boldt, Russell Schnurr, Reza Alavie and Ian Gillespie plus advisors Sean Dyke, Megan Pickersgill, Tara McCaulley, Barry Fitzgerald, Paul Jenkins, Adrienne Jefferson, Duane Orth and Mayor Joe Preston for their commitment and dedication to our downtown.

Our 2019 - 2022 Board of Directors are committed to developing and implementing plans to promote our downtown and to keeping it looking good. But we can always use your help. Please jump in and volunteer. As you know, more hands make everyone's job easier and we can achieve great things as a result.

Thank you,

Earl Taylor

Earl Taylor, DDB Chair 545 Talbot Street, P.O. Box 520, St Thomas, Ontario N5P 3V7 ddb@stthomas.ca www.downtownstthomas.ca 519-633-5248

AGENDA 1.

Call to order at 8:30a

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Chair Remark

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Con rmation of Agend Motion to con rm the DDB 2021 AGM Agend

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Con rmation of Minute Motion to con rm the minutes of the January 20, 2021 AG

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Act of the Boar Motion to accept all acts, contracts, bylaws, proceedings, appointments and of cers forming the Board of the St. Thomas Downtown Development Board during the scal year 2021 as the same, are set out or referred to in the Minutes of the St Thomas Downtown Development Board, or in the nancial statements, or in reports submitted to this meeting, be approved, rati ed and con rmed 6.

Declaration of Con ic

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Introduction

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Goal / Mission / Visio

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Management Repor

10. Promotions Repor 11. Beauti cation Repor 12. Budget Approva Motion to accept the 2022 Budget as outlined in the 2021 AGM Repor 13. Open Discussion and New Busines

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14. Adjournment

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING January 26, 2022

2020 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTE ST THOMAS DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOAR WEDNESDAY JANUARY 20, 2021 at 8:30am VIA ZOO 2019 - 2022 Board Member Attendance: Chair - Earl Taylor, Vice Chair - Dave Thomson, Promotions Chair- Susan Boldt, Beauti cation Chair - Grayden Laing, Reza Alavie, Russ Schnurr, Ian Gillespie, Advisors Tara McCaulley, Paul Jenkins, Sean Dyke, Megan Pickersgill, Adrienne Jefferson, Duane Orth and Mayor Joe Presto There were 31 business and property owner members in attendance Reference 2020 Annual General Meeting Report as provided to attendee 1. The DDB 2020 AGM Meeting was called to order by Chair Earl Taylor at 8:34am 2. Chair Earl Taylor provided Opening Remark 3. Con rmation of Agenda Motion by Grayden Laing, Seconded by Susan Boldt “To con rm the DDB 2020 AGM Agenda as presented and distributed” Carrie 4. Con rmation of Minutes Motion by Reza Alavie, Seconded by Grayden Laing, “To con rm the minutes of the January 20, 2020 AGM Minutes as presented and distributed" Carrie 5. Declaration of Con ict: Non 6. Introductions: All attendees on the Zoom call introduced themselve 7. Goal / Mission / Visio Earl Taylor read the DDB Goal, Mission and Vision as developed in the Strategic Plan 8. Management Report Earl Taylor presented the details as outlined in the 2020 AGM Report 9. Promotions Report Chair Earl Taylor presented the details as outlined in the 2020 AGM Report 10. Beauti cation Report Chair Earl Taylor presented the details as outlined in the 2020 AGM Report 11. 2021 Budget Approval Chair Earl Taylor presented the details as outlined in the AGM Report Motion by Earl Taylor, Seconded by Susan Boldt, "To accept the 2021 Budget as outlined in the 2020 AGM Report" Carrie 12. Open Discussion and New Business Overall, members were pleased with the actions of the Downtown Development Boards actions through 2020 and look forward to the proposed plans for 2021

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13. Adjournment Motion by Grayden, Seconded by Susan “To adjourn the meeting at 9:40am" Carried.

2019 - 2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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St Thomas Mayor

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Joe Preston - Adviso

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Entegru

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Duane Ort

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St Thomas & District Chamber o Commerc

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Paul Jenkins - Adviso

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St Thomas Parks and Recreatio

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Adrienne Jefferson - Adviso

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Small Business Enterprise Centr

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Tara McCaulley - Adviso

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Railway City Touris

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Megan Pickersgill - Adviso

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St Thomas ED

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Sean Dyke - Adviso

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Oh My Fur and Whisker

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Ian Gillespi

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Representing Your Fish and Chip Member of CIP and Municipal Heritag

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Russell Schnur

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Yurek Pharmacy Home Healthcar

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Reza Alavi

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Limitless Tatto Member of Community Improvemen

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Susan Boldt - Promotion Chai

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Laing Studio

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Grayden Laing - Beauti cation Chai

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Van Pelt’s Business Solution

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Sarah Van Pelt - Treasure

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MYFM Radi

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Dave Thomson - Vice Chai

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Coldwell Banker at Success Realt Member of Special Events Committe

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Earl Taylor - Chai

Goa The St Thomas Downtown Development Board is a volunteer based Committee of Council tasked to (a) to oversee the improvement, beauti cation and maintenance of municipally-owned land, buildings and structures in the area beyond that provided at the expense of the municipality generally; an (b) to promote the area as a business or shopping area

Mission To cultivate a community of all Downtown property and business owners and residents, while advocating, beautifying and actively promoting our businesses and authentic heritage in Downtown St Thoma

Visio To engage, inspire and welcome our community and visitors to experience Downtown St Thomas as a unique destinatio Assessment: $64,745,116 for 2022 (Reference $64,300,516 for 2021) 220 properties along Talbot Street from First Avenue to Stanley Street and the south side of Curtis Street and the north side of Centre Street.

The St Thomas DDB was formed in 1985.

Get Involved!

We are looking for members to volunteer to help us with the many activities planned in Downtown St Thomas for 2022 Are you interested in: Joining the Board of Directors Joining one of our Committees Assisting with one or more of our annual activities

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Please contact us today!

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GOAL / MISSION / VISION

MANAGEMENT DDB Office The City provides the DDB with an office in the lower level of City Hall access the north east doors and we are easy to find.

The 2022 budget allows $14,900 to cover the following expenses and services. Office supplies $1,000, Telephone and internet services $300, Accounting, Bookkeeping and Legal costs $6,000, Insurance $4,500, Board and Committee meetings $200, Bank service charges $400, Seminars / Conference expenses $0,00 due to COVID cancellations, Membership fees $1,500, Annual General Meeting $500 and Computer expenses $500.

Meetings Board Meeting are typically held at 8am on the first Wednesday of each month in City Hall Room 304.

However, due to COVID guidelines and restrictions, these meetings were moved to virtual meetings in April 2020 and continued as such through 2021. These meetings are open to all property and business owners in our Downtown. Email DDB@stthomas.ca if you would like to obtain the Zoom link to attend.

Virtual Member Meetings Two Downtown Chat virtual member meetings were held in 2021, the first on Wednesday April 7, 2021 and the second on Wednesday July 21, 2021. Discussions were centred around DDB Beautification and Promotion plans, Downtown Issues and Housing, Patios and Murals and Downtown Policing Issues.

A third City lead virtual meeting centring around “A Community Approach to Social Issues” was held on Tuesday November 2, 2021.

Office Staff

Throughout 2021 we continued to employ Annette S'barra as our Office Administrator to manage our DDB office at City Hall. Annette maintained our office duties, updated the DDB Members database, website and social media sites and was our liaison with all Downtown business owners. Annette also worked on all special projects like the Nostalgia Nights Car Show and the Tree Lighting Celebration. The 2022 Wages and Benefits budget allows for $17,000 to cover these and other office related personnel expenses.

Newsletters The DDB newsletter is distributed by email to all DDB members on our email list on a weekly basis. The newsletter updates members on recent and upcoming events in the downtown, and other relevant local information. Please ensure that the DDB has your correct email address.

Website The DDB website, www.downtownstthomas.ca continues to be updated to display ongoing and upcoming events as well as a full membership directory. If DDB members require changes to your contact information, please contact our office. The 2022 budget for our Website is part of the Promotions budget encompassing Website, Timken Wall and Social Media.

Social Media The DDB also maintains a Facebook page, www.facebook.com/downtownstthomas which is continually updated with our information from events in our downtown. Also, our Twitter feed @stthomasddb and our Instagram site www.instagram.com/stthomasddb continue to gather interested followers.

DDB Membership Business Directory Database A new membership database was developed through 2015 and refined each year to display all contact information of our members. This database was expanded to include a section that identifies all businesses that accept Downtown Dollars. Our directory is available for viewing at www.downtownstthomasdirectory.ca and there is a tab on the DDB website and on the Railway City Tourism website. Please ensure that your business information is correct.

OBIAA Conference The 2021 Ontario Business Improvement Area Association Conference was held on April 18 - 21, 2021 in Niagara Falls. Grayden Laing, Susan Boldt and Earl Taylor attended the virtual event. The 2022 OBIAA conference is scheduled for April 24 - 27 in Niagara Falls.

CIP - Community Improvement Plan

The CIP program is facilitated by the City of St Thomas and our DDB is represented on this committee by Russell Schnurr and Susan Boldt, to understand and provide input on the developments in our Downtown.

Visit the City website at www.stthomas.ca and search “CIP” or visit our DDB website at www.downtownstthomas.ca for more information.

Municipal Heritage Committee The Municipal Heritage Committee is a City of St Thomas committee and our DDB is represented on this committee by Russell Schnurr, to understand and provide input on the heritage developments in our Downtown. The Downtown Historic Conservation District plan which was implemented by the City in early 2019, will bring a higher level of control on the historic features of our Downtown. Visit www.stthomas.ca and search “Municipal Heritage” for full details.

Special Events Committee The Special Events Committee is a City of St Thomas committee and our DDB is represented on this committee by Earl Taylor, to understand and provide input on the events happening in our City.

Sign Bylaw This new Bylaw, came into force in February 2018, sets rules for the use of temporary signs throughout the City and has eliminated all temporary signs in our Downtown Core. This Bylaw also ensured that Downtown businesses could install Sidewalk A-Frame signs during business hours and better defines the use of our business facade signs. City Council removed these newly implemented temporary sign guidelines through 2021 with the goal of permitting businesses affected by the COVID restrictions to advertise.

Vacant Property Tax Rebate Started in 2017 and implemented in January 1, 2019, property owners who maintain a vacant property will no longer be able to apply for a 30% municipal property tax reduction. We have also been advised that the funds which would have been rebated to the owners of such vacant properties were moved into the Community Improvement Program.

Downtown Policing At the start of the COVID pandemic shutdowns, St Thomas Police Services increased their Downtown Policing Initiative and opened a temporary office in the tourism office at the L&PS. Constable Katherine McNeil and her team are now a familiar face in our Downtown keeping an eye on Downtown happenings and building a positive relationship between Police and Downtown merchants, property owners and visitors.

St Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre

The DDB supports the STEPAC with a $1,000 donation each year which is used to sponsor a juried art show that brings further awareness of our DDB to the community. Prior to the COVID situation, our DDB Annual General Meeting and breakfast, along with other member meetings were held at the Art Centre.

CCTV Cameras In the spring of 2019, the DDB presented an idea of installing CCTV Cameras at each of the 8 major intersection of Downtown St Thomas. The goal was to implement a system that would allow residents to feel safer in our Downtown as well as to assist STPS in crime reduction. Through 2020, a number of meetings took place, with the cooperation of the City of St Thomas, St Thomas Police Services, St Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce and Entegrus to study and develop a plan for this project to move forward.

A number of cities including Orillia, Sault Ste Marie, London and Woodstock have installed cameras throughout their city and we were able to draw upon their expertise to gather data and system implementation documentation. It was determined that approximately $200,000 would be required to purchase and install the cameras along Talbot Street as well as a server and software system to be located in the STPS building.

The DDB contributed $10,000 to get the funding started which resulted in funds being obtained from the City and Entegrus followed by an application for matching funds through a government program which was approved in 2020.

The CCTV camera installations were completed in 2021 with 8 cameras along Talbot Street at St George, Elgin, Hiawatha, Moore, Ross, Manitoba, CASO Crossing and Woodworth. The DDB offers our sincere thanks to Chief Herridge and his STPS team for their dedicated work to make this happen.

Social Issues A number of new and some old issues came to the forefront in 2020 including Homelessness, Mental Health, Drug Addiction, Sharps, Crime and Garbage. Although these issues tend to fall beyond the original mandate of the DDB, they affect our Downtown property and business owners. As a result, we are committed to finding a solution. Through 2021, the DDB worked closely with the City seeking input, advice and solutions to these concerns. In discussions with Mayor Preston, the DDB has offered our help as a conduit in delivering the concerns of our members to the City as well as delivering the messages and solutions from the City to our members. Please send your input, concerns and solutions to customerservice@stthomas.ca and copy the DDB at ddb@stthomas.ca.

Downtown Crosswalks

As a result of a number of issues and concerns in 2021, the DDB petitioned the City to change the Talbot Street “Courtesy Crossing” crosswalks to “Pedestrian Friendly” crosswalks were vehicles must yield to the pedestrian.

This will create a much safer experience for our Downtown shoppers. We have been advised that the 2022 City budget will allow this to happen.

Although the amazing murals found throughout our Downtown are not sponsored by the DDB, our DDB is extremely pleased that other community organizations have found our Downtown to be the perfect canvas for these artworks. A perfect reason to take a stroll Downtown.

Membership Guide

The DDB produced a Membership Guide that is used to explain what the DDB is all about and how we can help your business through the various Promotional events we sponsor and the Beautification project we complete throughout the year. These guides are distributed to new businesses, but if you wish to obtain one, in digital or print form, please connect with us.

Murals

Partnerships and Sponsorships We are all in this together. The DDB is extremely appreciative of the many partnerships that have been developed with a number of groups and organizations over the past number of years.

Our many partners include: * City of St Thomas - Municipal Heritage, CIP, Special Events, Permits, Infrastructure * St Thomas Parks and Recreation - Hanging Flower Baskets and Planters, Downtown Parkettes * Elgin County Railway Museum - DDB Coach * Railway City Tourism - Murals Projects, Arts Crawl * The Small Business Enterprise Centre - Bridges to Better Business * St Thomas Economic Development Corporation - Business Development Fund, So Much More Life * Talbot Teen Centre - Social Media Training * St Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre - Sponsorship of a Juried Art Event * St Thomas Public Library - Downtown sponsorship initiatives * St Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce - Membership and business networking, So Much More Life * St Thomas Police Services - CCTV Cameras and Downtown safety initiatives * Entegrus - LED Christmas Lights and Cross Street Banner installations * Horton Market - Christmas Market * Andrew Gunn Consulting and Young & Free Press - Downtown Sidewalk Patios and Mural Projects * Elgin County Economic Development - So Much More Life program * MP Karen Vecchio & MPP Jeff Yurek - Advocacy, Optimist Magical Christmas Santa Claus Parade * St Thomas Fire Department - Santa escort to Tree Lighting Celebration

* St Thomas Optimist Club - Santa Claus Parade, Nostalgia Nights Car Show

Advertising Program Throughout the year, the DDB places advertisements in local print media including the Elgin County Visitors Guide. This fund also covers the cost of social media advertising and pays for the website domains owned by the DDB. The 2022 budget allows $4,000 to cover these costs.

The Downtown VIBE In August 2020 we launched a new monthly printed publication called the Downtown VIBE. The VIBE interviews and highlights our many unique Downtown businesses, brings awareness to our historical and cultural features and introduces the many exciting events happening in our Downtown. Checkout The VIBE Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/TheDowntownVibe or read all VIBE issues online at https://issuu.com/stthomasddb. The 2022 budget allows $7,500 to cover the Downtown VIBE printing costs.

Radio Advertising The DDB has worked hard to promote our downtown businesses and events using radio advertisements.

Through MYFM 94.1, we implemented a program where we are on the radio on a consistent schedule. The 2022 budget allows $9,500 to cover Radio advertising.

Video Production

In 2019 we added a Video Production component, which continued through 2021. Thanks to Grayden Laing, these videos allowed businesses to explain how they re-invented themselves due to COVID shutdowns. These videos were then promoted extensively on our DDB website and through our Social Media channels.The 2022 budget allows $3,000 for Video Production.

PROMOTIONS REPORT

Joe Thornton Centre A DDB donation of $150,000, paid off in 2015, allows the DDB to maintain a slideshow presentation on a television screen to display Downtown scenes, activities, events and to promote the businesses in Downtown St Thomas. Due to COVID, this program was placed on hold in 2021. The 2022 budget allows $2,500 for Website, Timken Wall programming updates and other Social Media expenditures.

Welcome to Downtown St Thomas The DDB continued a program to recognize and welcome the many new businesses that choose to locate in downtown St Thomas. A flower arrangement and a welcome package including a Downtown Dollars window sticker are delivered to each new business. In 2019, a new booklet was produced, and reprinted in 2021, to better explain the DDB events and the many services provided by our DDB. The 2022 budget allows $1,000 for this program.

Home Show Due to COVID, the 2021 Home Builders Home and Garden Show was cancelled. In anticipation of better times, ahead, the 2022 budget allows $1,000 for the possible return of the in-person Home Show.

Optimist Stationary Santa Claus Parade Due to COVID restrictions, the 2021 Optimist Santa Claus Parade along Talbot Street was cancelled for the second year. As a result, the DDB participated in the December 3rd - 5th, 2021 Magical Christmas Reverse Santa Claus Parade by installing our Downtown LED lighted streetscape silhouette in Pinafore Park. We are hoping that better times lie ahead and that we can once again, sponsor the premiere band in the 2022 Parade.

The 2022 budget allows $250 for sponsorship of this event.

Tree Lighting Celebration

The DDB held the much anticipated annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday November 19th as a toned down celebration. At 5:45pm, Santa arrived on a St Thomas Fire Truck and lit the tree at 6:00pm. Due to COVID we eliminated the visits with Santa, cookies and hot chocolate and entertainment.

Since 2016 we have hired a professional lighting company to install the tree lights. The 2022 budget allows $2,500 for the sponsorship of this event which, subject to COVID guidelines, is scheduled for Friday November 18, 2022.

Nostalgia Nights Car Show and Free Train Rides After struggling through COVID restrictions, the DDB, working with a number of volunteers decided to host the 7th annual Nostalgia Car Show on Saturday July 10, 2021. As a result, the 2021 Car Show was a tremendous success that saw more classic cars visit our Downtown then ever before. The 2022 budget allows $5,000 for sponsorship of this event which, subject to COVID guidelines, is scheduled for Saturday July 9th, 2022.

Easter Shop Hop Due to COVID, the annual Shop Hop event was cancelled for the second year. In anticipation of better times, the 2022 budget allows $500 for sponsorship of this event which, subject to COVID guidelines, is scheduled for Saturday April 16, 2022.

Downtown Pumpkin Prowl Due to COVID, the annual Downtown Pumpkin Prowl was cancelled for the second year. In anticipation of better times, the 2022 budget allows $500 for sponsorship of this event which, subject to COVID guidelines, is scheduled for Friday October 28, 2022.

Black Friday Due to COVID, the annual Black Friday event was cancelled for 2021. In anticipation of better times, the 2022 budget allows funding in the Other Community Event to sponsor this event which, subject to COVID guidelines, is scheduled for Friday November 25th, 2022.

Downtown Santa For the 6th year, Santa returned to Downtown St Thomas on Saturday December 4th to greet Christmas shoppers and collect Christmas wish lists. We used $750.00 to surprise Downtown shoppers by paying for their purchases. Santa headed back to the North Pole at lunch time but promised to return next year. Thanks to Dave Thomson and Grayden Laing and of course our famous Santa, (shhh but it may have been Mayor Joe Preston) for making this a success.

The 2022 budget allows $250 to cover the expenses for this event which, subject to COVID guidelines, is scheduled for Friday December 3, 2022.

Bridges to Better Business As a sponsor of the Bridges to Better Business, the DDB has the honour of presenting the Downtown Small Business Award. The 2021 Downtown Small Business Award winner was Sandy Vasquez of CTP Computers.

Through the tough times of 2021, Sandy pushed forward and invented ways to promote, not only his business, but other Downtown businesses by presenting gift cards from these businesses to his customers. The 2022 budget allows $5,000 to cover Community Events and Sponsorship with $1,000 specifically earmarked to cover this Bridges to Better Business Sponsorship.

Downtown Dollars Program In 2021 we gave away Downtown Dollars to different promotions such as the Scavenger Hunt and the Nostalgia Nights Car Show. To make it easier for the Downtown Dollar recipients, we have created a special page on our Downtown St Thomas webpage - visit www.downtownstthomasdirectory.ca to make sure your business participates in the Downtown Dollar program. If not, please contact us for more information.

As a special project in 2021, to encourage residents to #ShopLocal, $25,000 was used to allow the sale of $100,000 in Downtown Dollars at a 25% discount. Sales began on November 1st with an end date of December 20th, but due to overwhelming demand, all $100,000 Downtown Dollars were snapped up by the end of November. Even more reason to make sure your business participates in the Downtown Dollar program. The 2022 budget allows $6,000 in Downtown Dollar donations and $500 for printing costs.

Sidewalk Patios The DDB implemented a Sidewalk Patio program at 5 Downtown Restaurants and Coffee Shops in 2020. Thanks to a generous private donation through Andrew Gunn Consulting, we worked with Andrew Gunn and the City of St Thomas to have these patios installed for a second year in 2021 at The Roadhouse, Streamliners, Bella Jacks and Why Not Cookies. In 2021, we worked with St Thomas Parks to have our planter urns installed around the patios to enhance the patio experience. The patio units are in storage and will hopefully be reinstalled in 2022.

Horton Market

The DDB sponsored Serge Lavoie in his efforts to raise funds for the St Thomas Food Bank during the Christmas Horton Market. The sale of 6 pounds of local chestnuts being roasted over a wood charcoal BBQ enhanced the shopping experience for market shoppers.

Thanks to the work of the St Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce, The St Thomas Elgin Home Builders, the Elgin County EDC and the St Thomas EDC, our DDB participated in a new billboard sign program that expanded upon the 25% More Life advertising initiative. Checkout www.somuchmorelife.ca for updates to the program.

Downtown Jingle In the spring of 2015, the DDB launched a Downtown Jingle advertising plan to highlight and promote our downtown. The main jingle is 30 seconds in length but with many options to allow a sing in, sing out or just a musical score. Using the theme "Love Where You Shop" as the tag line we have continued to use this theme in all signage and print material.

DDB Coach Unveiled at our July 12, 2014 Nostalgia Nights Car Show, our DDB Coach became a major investment in our downtown St Thomas advertising plan.

With the help of St Thomas Tourism who designed the vinyl wrap graphics and in cooperation of the ECRM who supplied their 70' 120 passenger Quebec Coach, the DDB Coach has been the showpiece at the Day Out With Thomas event and Iron Horse Festival Events. Of course, over the past 7 years, our DDB Coach has been the centre piece of the Nostalgia Nights Train rides. In 2019, we renewed our contract for a further 6 years.

Discover Downtown St Thomas Sign

In 2016, after 25 years of service, the DDB replaced the "Discover St Thomas" sign at the intersection of Talbot Street, Sunset Drive and Wellington Road with a new "Love Where You Shop - In Historic Downtown St Thomas" sign. This sign is designed to allow advertising panels to be installed to alert visitors of upcoming Downtown events like the Nostalgia Nights Car Show.

So Much More Life

Banners Our banner program was affected by the uncertainties of COVID and we did not install any of our banners in 2021. However, in early spring we fixed our 25 Canada flag banners with new zip ties.

The 2022 budget includes $4,500 to cover the costs to remove and install our banners up to 2 times per year plus $4,500 to cover the cost to purchase a new set of banners or repair our existing art banners.

Downtown Facade Signs A new program started in 2016 and continuing through 2021 has seen Downtown Facade Signs installed to better identify our Downtown businesses. A wrought iron bracket attached to the business facade holds a 12" x 24" DDB sponsored sign to identify the business location. These signs are being designed & installed by McBain Signs. Want one for your retail business? Send us a Hi-Res file and we’ll have one installed for you.

The 2022 Community Projects budget includes $7,500 to continue the installation of these signs, pay for the high speed fibre optic CCTV Camera internet charges and other Community programs.

Summer Students Since 2011 we have hired summer students for our Ambassador Program. In 2021 we hired two summer students - Travis Holt and Blake Lickman - to work in the downtown core picking up garbage and providing tourism related information to visitors. We also hired Joseph Schuit to assist with merchant connections and to gather data to update our contact and Downtown Dollar databases. We were fortunate to receive $8,467.00 in funding through Canada Summer Jobs to cover the wages for these 3 summer students. We have once again applied for 2022 Canada Summer Jobs funding for 3 summer students.

Our 2022 budget includes $9,000 to cover employee wages, $100 for WSIB and $500 for Repairs and Maintenance.

BEAUTIFICATION REPORT

Planter Urns Thanks to the St Thomas Parks Department, our 27 planter urns were planted with colourful flowers and installed on our downtown sidewalks throughout the summer. As a result of an expanded planting program, these urns will remain on the sidewalks year round. I’m early September the summer petunias are replaced with colourful Mums. In mid November, the Mums are replaced with a planting of evergreens. As the evergreen plantings fade in January, they are removed and our protective urn covers installed until springtime.

Our 2022 budget includes $5,000 to cover the cost of these fall and winter plantings.

Hanging Flowers Baskets Due to COVID related concerns, St Thomas Parks were unable to install our hanging flower baskets in 2021.

However, we are hopeful to make this happen in 2022.

The DDB has set the 2022 budget to include $10,000, payable to the City of St Thomas, to cover our portion of this project. It should be noted that our contribution does not cover the complete cost of this program. We thank St Thomas Parks for their commitment in the beautification of our Downtown.

Storage Unit The DDB rents a storage locker to store our Christmas lights and decorations, banners, brackets, tents, Carollers, Car Show and Home Show equipment and files.

The 2022 budget includes $4,000 to cover this expense.

Directional Signs

The old orange directional signs were at the end of their life span. We had previously revised our cross street banner, Downtown Dollars and business door signs so it was time to update our directional signs. Plus, since the City of St Thomas revised their logo, we incorporated it for consistency. In October 2019, 25 new signs were installed. Due to COVID concerns, this installation was placed on hold in 2020, however a further 8 signs were installed in 2021.

Railway City Tourism Sign In 2016, our DDB contributed $10,000 to the Railway City Tourism sign that is installed in front of the L&PS Station / Tourism office. An agreement with the Economic Development Corporation and Tourism allows our DDB to advertise upcoming events and other messages to promote our Downtown.

Canada Flag Pole On November 11, 2015, the DDB installed a new 30' tall, gleaming white flag pole in the L&PS Railway Corridor, just south of Talbot Street. As a result of the newly installed Veterans Memorial Gardens at this location in 2017, our flag pole was relocated to the Talbot Street and Stanley Street intersection as a welcome point to our Downtown.

Cross Street Banner Cross street banner installations for local organizations like Alzheimer's Society, Lions Club Car Show, Railway City Road Races and the Optimist Santa Claus Parade, were suspended in 2021. However, the Nostalgia Nights Car Show and the Victim Services banners were installed.

A new “Love Where You Shop - Downtown St Thomas” banner was produced in 2021 to replace an old banner.

These banners are installed free of charge by Entegrus and as such we pass this along to our charitable partners.

Due to the installation of the CCTV cameras, a new multi-use pole, installed in September 2020, was destroyed due to high winds. As such, our cross street banner poles were moved east to a location near Horton Street in 2021.

Our West End DDB Cross Street Banner poles, relocated in 2016, were used for the Paralympics participant Emma Reinke banner.

Downtown Street Clock In 2014, the DDB installed an historic replica designed street clock in the DDB Gardens in front of the L&PS replica train station. In 2021, a new clock mechanism was installed to replaced a vandalize part.

Weed Control

The City Parks Dept implemented a new non toxic vinegar based weed control spray program in 2017 in our downtown core. This program continues to eliminate weeds and grasses that makes our Downtown sidewalks look much better.

Ongoing Downtown Beautification Projects

In 2016 the DDB purchased 14 new LED Snowflakes and installed them on the poles in the newly constructed west Talbot Street. In 2017 we purchased an additional 25 Snowflakes, in 2018 we purchased another 25 Snowflakes and in 2019 we purchased 6 to bring our count to 70. Our summer students spend an afternoon testing each unit in preparation for the pending installation.

Thanks to Entegrus, our LED Snowflakes were installed free of charge on the week of November 9th and will remain in place until mid January 2022. As a thank you for their very generous contribution, in a COVID safe manner, we treat the folks at Entegrus with a gift card.

Downtown Entrance Signs On June 12th 2014, the DDB installed two new 11 foot tall “Welcome to Historic Downtown St Thomas” signs in the Canron Parkette gardens at Talbot Street and First Avenue and another in the Stanley Street gardens at the west Talbot Street entrance. In 2021, our summer students spent an afternoon, applying a boiled linseed coating to both signs, which will help preserve the rustic metal patina.

Bikes and Skateboards St Thomas Police continue to work to keep bikes and skateboards off the sidewalks in order to make our Downtown a safer place for pedestrians.

Downtown Sidewalk Snowplowing A City bylaw ensures that Downtown sidewalks are cleared and salted 7 days a week. Through the winter we ask that you please ensure that the snow is removed from the sidewalk, from your front door to the curb, so that shoppers can easily access your business.

And, in the summer, please help keep our downtown clean by sweeping the sidewalk and picking up any accumulated garbage.

2 Hour Free Parking

As a reminder, a 2 Hour Free Parking Bylaw allows a vehicle to park anywhere within the Talbot Street zone for 2 hours total. We have been assured by the City, that vehicles, unless they are business owners and repeat offenders, shoppers would not be ticketed if they parked in various locations along Talbot Street for more than 2 hours total. In 2021, the City implemented the HONK app to make all day parking lot fees easier to pay.

LED Snowflakes

ST THOMAS DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD 2022 BUDGET January through December 2022 Income 4020 BIA Levy

126,000.00

Total Income

126,000.00 2021 BUDGET

2022 BUDGET

1,000.00 300.00 8,500.00 4,000.00 200.00 400.00 1,500.00 500.00 500.00

1,000.00 300.00 6,000.00 4,500.00 200.00 400.00 1,500.00 500.00 500.00

16,900.00

14,900.00

4,000.00 6,000.00 9,500.00 3,000.00 2,500.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 250.00 2,500.00 5,000.00 500.00 500.00 250.00 5,000.00 500.00 6,000.00

4,000.00 7,500.00 9,500.00 3,000.00 2,500.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 250.00 2,500.00 5,000.00 500.00 500.00 250.00 5,000.00 500.00 6,000.00

47,500.00

49,000.00

Expenses 5000 Office 5010 5020 5120 5130 5135 5140 5150 5160 5440

Office Supplies Telephone & Internet Accounting, Bookkeeping & Legal Insurance Board & Committee Meetings Bank Service Charges Membership-OBIAA, Elgin, Chamber AGM Meeting Computer

Total 5000 - Office 5200 Promotion 5206 5203 5211 5208 5212 5254 5257 5258 5260 5266 5268 5270 5271 5289 5446 5445

Advertising Downtown Vibe Radio Advertising Video Production Website, Timken Wall & Social Media Awards and Recognition Home Show Santa Claus Parade Sponsorship Christmas Tree Lighting Nostalgia Nights Car Show & Train Rides Pumpkin Prowl Shop Hop Downtown Santa Other Community Events & Sponsorship Downtown Dollars Expense Downtown Dollars

Total 5200 - Promotion

2021 BUDGET

2022 BUDGET

4,500.00 4,500.00 7,500.00 500.00 5,000.00 10,000.00 3,500.00

4,500.00 4,500.00 7,500.00 500.00 5,000.00 10,000.00 4,000.00

35,500.00

36,000.00

7000 Wages and Benefits 7050 Summer Stuudents 7600 WSIB 7650 Digital Service Squad 7700 Office

8,000.00 100.00 3,000.00 15,000.00

9,000.00 100.00 0.00 17,000.00

Total 7000 - Wages and Benefits

26,100.00

26,100.00

126,000.00

126,000.00

5300 Beautification 5230 5232 5320 5401 5405 5406 6000

Seasonal Banners - Install Seasonal Banners Community Project Repairs and Maintenance / Equipment Christmas Urns Floral Projects Storage Unit Retal Fees

Total 5300 - Beautification

Total Expense