Stirling-Rawdon Council has made the decision to keep its existing Business Improvement Area & Board of Management in place for the remainder of this year.
The group made that decision at its meeting this week following the acceptance of a staff report recommending that option over further discussion on a governance model with the BIA executive.
The future of the volunteer-run BIA has been under discussion this summer, with council first directing staff to prepare a report outlining the process should Council decide to dissolve the BIA on July 7.
At its next meeting August 4, council decided to receive the report and pass a resolution to have its members and staff consult further with the BIA Board Executive.
In accordance with Council’s direction, representatives of Council and staff met with the BIA Board Executive on August 11th, 2026, to discuss the concerns identified with the current BIA structure, the work of the BIA and potential options moving forward.
The Township also issued a public statement clarifying that Council had not made a decision to dissolve the BIA and that further consultation with the BIA Executive would take place before Council considered next steps.
Staff stated in the report that aspects of the current BIA structure require review and BIA representatives acknowledged that portions of the existing constitution no longer appropriately reflect the role or activities of the organization and indicated a willingness to consider changes.
The meeting also included discussion regarding alternative approaches to supporting downtown businesses and community events. These included the potential for a Chamber of Commerce or Main Street-type model, which could provide greater flexibility in membership and potentially allow businesses outside the existing BIA boundary to participate.
A petition with nearly 700 signatures was also brought forward to council.
The full staff report can be read at this link.
