OBIA Welcome Package, the COVID Alert App, an exciting small business webinar from Digital Main Street, and some very important reminders.

 

Hi everyone! So many events have been cancelled this year due to COVID-19, and Downtown Orangeville’s annual Harvest Celebration is no exception, but we do have a few tricks (and treats!) up our sleeves to promote Downtown Orangeville throughout the month of October.   All I can tell you for now is that the OBIA Task Force has something spooktacular brewing!  Get your Halloween decorations ready and stay tuned to our weekly Member Updates for more details!  

Welcome Package Updated

We have recently updated the OBIA Welcome Package that is sent out to all new members and have attached it here for anyone who would like a refresher on member benefits, our core vision and values, marketing opportunities, and more.   You will also find several new sections including: Downtown Orangeville Gift Certificates & Coupons, Social Media, and ShopDowntownOrangeville.ca .  We encourage you to have a read-thru and please let us know if you have any questions. You can find the updated Member Package here.  

Covid Alert App

Have you downloaded the COVID Alert App on your smartphone or tablet? COVID Alert is Canada's free exposure notification app. COVID Alert is intended to help break the cycle of infection. The app can let people know of possible exposures before any symptoms appear.  Once you know that you may have been exposed, you can take action (stay home and get tested) to protect yourself and your community. How does it work?  Watch this 2 minute video for more information.  

Important Reminder: Open House to Discuss Development Options for the Public Parking Lot at 82-86 & 90 Broadway

(Photo courtesy of Orangeville Economic Development & Culture) Are you curious about the plans for this space in downtown Orangeville? Dial-in on Tuesday, September 22 at 6:30 p.m. for a Public and Stakeholder Open House to discuss potential development at 82-86 & 90 Broadway. The presentation will include:
  • Project overview
  • Land use planning framework
  • Concept designs, including considerations for each
  • Q & A (submitted online)
  • Next steps in process
Members of the public may access the open house by telephone at 289-801-5774, Conference ID: 299 580 660#  

UPCOMING WEBINAR: Small Business Stories | Challenges, wins and going digital

Date: Saturday, September 19th, 2020 Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Where: Online Webinar - access from anywhere Hosted by Digital Main Street's ShopHERE Program powered by Google, the Small Business Stories event will bring local small business owners together for an engaging discussion. They will discuss challenges, victories, digital transformation and takeaways for fellow small business owners. Discussion
  • Ins and outs of being a small business owner
  • Challenges and wins (COVID-19 and more)
  • Business impact through going digital
  • Takeaways for small business owners
Panelists To join this webinar, click here to launch Zoom on Saturday, September 19th at 2pm.  

Important reminder: transit safety study

Your business neighbours, especially those located in the immediate area of the new Transit Terminal (planned location is on Broadway between First and John Street) are asking for your support to help keep our community safe. Many thanks to those of you who have already signed up for the walk-thru or sent in your comments.  We are encouraging everyone to register for the upcoming Transit Safety Study walk-thru to show solidarity for fellow members who have raised the following safety concerns:  
  1. Jaywalking
  2. Lack of street parking impedes accessibility to businesses/services for the elderly and persons with disabilities
  3. Curbside pick-up/service will not be possible putting vulnerable clients at greater risk
  4. Volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic (current traffic volume has not yet risen to regular pre-Covid-19 levels, so the study needs to take this into consideration)
  5. Safe passage for emergency service vehicles
  6. Puts added pressure on very strained parking resources which leads to illegal parking (ie. delivery vehicles)
  7. Idling buses/diesel fumes will create air quality and noise issues for neighboring businesses, their employees/clients, and pedestrians
  8. Lighting/ security
  9. Lack of public washrooms in the vicinity may create sanitation issues in the alley/laneways
  10. Winter safety/proper snow clearing/removal
  Background On April 20, 2020, Council passed Resolution 2020-141 which allowed staff to proceed with establishing a transfer point on Broadway between First Street and John Street as the new Orangeville Transit terminal. In response to stakeholder concerns, Council requested that a formal safety review be conducted. Staff have retained the services of the IBI Group Professional Services (Canada) Inc. (IBI Group) to undertake the work. IBI Group is looking for input from members of the BIA, particularly those businesses in the area, related to concerns about the safety of road users at and around the proposed terminal.   How to Register for the Walk-Thru You must email Matt Colwill (mcolwill@IBIGroup.com) to register for the walk-thru which will take place during the week of September 21s, exact date and time to be determined.   What if I cannot attend? If you are unable to attend the Walk-Thru, you may attend a Tele-Conference.  Please email Matt Colwill (mcolwill@IBIGroup.com) and request to be included in the telephone call (date and time to be determined).   If you cannot attend the Walk-Thru or the Tele-Conference, you may email your questions and comments to Matt Colwill (mcolwill@IBIGroup.com) .   Thank you for taking the time to support your fellow members by registering to attend the walk-thru, phone conference, or by submitting your comments.   Together, we can help to keep our community safe.