With spring so soon in sight, the board of the Downtown Huntsville BIA looks back on a busy 2007 and starts to plan for the year ahead.

On Feb. 26, the members of the Downtown Huntsville Business Improvement Area (BIA) will gather for its annual general meeting.

The BIA is an association of local business people and property owners who, for almost 30 years, have strived to work in partnership with the municipality to enhance their business area. This is done through downtown beautification, marketing, promotional campaigns, street festivals and events. Funding for the BIA is principally derived from a tax levy applied to landowners within our downtown boundaries.  

Last year, the downtown had a great influx of new businesses, as 15 newcomers made downtown their home. Main Street vacancies were quick to fill and the year ended with a very low vacancy level. As we look forward to the future, it is the support of Huntsville residents and visitors as downtown customers that will keep our downtown alive and strong. The majority of our downtown businesses are locally owned, operated and staffed. These businesses are therefore creating jobs for Huntsville residents, contributing significantly to community projects and helping to sustain a vibrant town centre. It is important that we all support them.   

The year 2007 was a busy one for downtown events. The Group of Seven Mural Festival was the kickoff for summer. During this two-week festival, the downtown grew the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery from 10 to 21 murals.

A highlight of this event was the painting of Autumn Garland, which now hangs in the town square, and was painted by more than 1,300 Huntsville residents and visitors. Along with regular annual events such as the Huntsville Firefly Festival, the Summer Sidewalk Sale, and the Shades of Autumn Car Show, the downtown Huntsville BIA also added the Girlfriends’ Getaway Weekend as a new fall shopping event.

Downtown comes alive in the winter. Stores like Algonquin Outfitters and Muskoka Bicycle Pro Shop are filled with winter gear to get you skiing cross-country or on the slopes and snowshoeing through the bush.  A number of retailers offer clothing to keep you warm for your winter adventures. Our wide selection of restaurants is waiting to warm you up inside. Our many salons are ready to refresh you. There are a number of gift and home furnishing stores prepared to help you fight the winter blues with a new addition to your home.