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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, April 24, 2014 | 12 Community improvement plans could benefit BIAs continued from p.1 If passed, the policy would be in effect until the completion of Lakeshore Road reconstruction, scheduled for 2016 and 2017. Burton said he's also hoping the Town could start developing a community improvement plan and business plan for the downtown, similar to those created for Kerr and Bronte villages. Parking relief will also be considered for Kerr Village while Bronte already has free parking. Parking practices vary across Oakville's three Business Improvement Areas BIA has had a parking token program in the past few years. It gives merchants the option of offering free parking to its staff and customers, but at a cost to merchants and the BIA. She said the BIA offers the tokens worth $1 each at a discounted rate to BIA members, Downtown BIA has parking token program which in turn can be used at all Oakville electronic meters, municipal parking lots and at Downtown Oakville BIA Executive Direc- the municipal parking garage. tor Sharlene Plewman said the downtown Plewman, who recently came into her role at the BIA, said she isn't sure how widely advertised that program is or how successful it has been, but that it accounts for about $10,000 of Job Searching? the BIA revenue and $12,000 of its expenses. On Tuesday, while reviewing this year's budgets for Oakville's three Business Improvement Areas (BIA), Burton had representatives from the Downtown Oakville BIA, Kerr Village BIA and Bronte Village BIA explain their area's parking situation. We can help. One-on-one support from our professional staff can assist you with: · Updating your resume and cover letter · Improving your interview skills · Defining your career goals · Second Career funding information Limited, not unlimited free parking preferred When asked about the BIA's opinion about potential free parking options, she noted members would like a timed option, rather than a free all-day, everyday policy. One hour isn't enough, but three hours free parking would be preferred, she said. Bonus to park in front on Kerr Kerr Village BIA Executive Director Doug Sams echoed the same sentiment, noting he'd like to see some parking relief in front of businesses. While there's free parking in the back of most businesses, he noted it would be a draw for customers to be able to park on the streetfront without being worried about getting a ticket. Conversation, however, quickly turned to the overall retail landscape, with Bronte BIA Executive Director Ann Sargent expressing her concern of the effect it's had globally. Sargent said although local businesses were especially hit hard during this past winter, Oakville merchants are in the same boat as many others, around the world, struggling to keep pace with consumer trends. Those issues, coupled with demographics, make up the challenges to the Bronte BIA, she noted. Bronte Village faces change in consumer trends With many residents in the Bronte area over the age of 65, they're either going south for the winter or de-cluttering and downsizing, said Sargent, adding people are also turning to the Internet to shop online because of the convenience. Committee members voted to support the BIA budgets, which will go before Town council Monday (April 28) for final approval. Burton's plan to help revive businesses in the town's three BIA areas is also expected to go before Town council Monday. For more information, call 905.845.1157 X 121 or visit: thecentre.on.ca Building a better future This Employment Ontario service is funded in part by the Government of Canada. WITH A MOTHER'S DAY GIFT SET A vailable No w While Supplies Last Available Now Purchase the PANDORA "Forever in My Heart" gift set for $230.* C E L E B R AT E M O M *Featuring one sterling silver clasp bracelet, one "mother's heart" charm and two clear "cosmic stars" clips in a porcelain box (a retail value of $285). Prices before taxes. While supplies last. See store for details. Experience at: MAPLEVIEW CENTRE Upper Level · Centre Court Burlington · 905.632.5400