BIA wants new and familiar faces
Posted Feb 5, 2010 By Charelle Evelyn
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Tweet ThisEMC Business The Manotick Business Improvement Area (BIA) is shaking off the stress of a construction-filled 2009 and welcoming the opportunity for a fresh start.
"The focus of the BIA for 2010 will be bringing business back to Manotick and putting feet to the street," said Donna Cooper, Manotick BIA executive director.
After a summer that saw barricades down Main St., the local businesses will be eager to showcase what so many were missing by avoiding the mess caused by the sewer installation.
Another focus for the BIA will be whipping the core back to shape, in terms of post-construction clean up and general beautification. The Manotick Horticultural Society, which is responsible for a lot of the flower planting in the village, had declared their beautification program in the core a "non-event" for 2009.
"We tried to keep things business as usual," said Ms. Cooper, "but the traffic flow was really a challenge."
To remedy this, an initiative Ms. Cooper said she is putting a lot of effort into is potential signage for the village that identifies the business sector. She will also be looking to the City of Ottawa for guidance and approval in driving traffic into the village via Rideau Valley Dr. with signage at Prince of Wales Dr. and Bankfield Rd.
"It's an opportunity to get the message out about how close Manotick is," Ms. Cooper said.
Along with the annual favourites such as Dickinson Days, Harvest Festival and Women's Day, the BIA will also be working with Watson's Mill to help promote the celebration of the village's 150th anniversary.
For those who are already members of the community, the BIA is going to be emphasizing the "staycation" trend by encouraging people to enjoy what is available in their own backyard.
"Manotick has so much to offer and we just have to remind everyone that you don't have to go far," Ms. Cooper said.
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