Aliens invade Hespeler??? Plan to come to the AGM!

Earlier this week I was taking my dog for her early morning walk and heard the scariest noises I've ever heard....loud sounds of metal and concrete being ripped and torn and crashing all around. It sounded something like what you'd expect in a "War of the Worlds" type scenario. I met another dog-walker and she expressed the same sentiments - eerie stuff, and what the heck was going on?!? Were aliens actually invading Hespeler?
Well, upon investigation, this is what  all the noise was all about:

The water tower was being dismantled!
The next day, as the strange sounds continued,  I met another fellow dog-walker who told me it hasn't been in use for a couple of years now. He lamented the fact that (he thought) it was one of the last remnants of something that actually said the word "Hespeler" on it.

I told him not the worry, that he need only go downtown and look at the letters in the stonework above Gifted's entrance (the old Post Office), to see the name Hespeler. We won't ever cover up or otherwise remove that name on our landmark building, never fear!

On another note, mark your calendars for the BIA's Annual General Meeting - Wednesday January 20th at Ernie's Roadhouse. Social time starts at 6 pm (with eats!) and the meeting itself starts at 6:30 pm.

And lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone an absolutely delightful Christmas. And a most happy, healthy, prosperous 2010.
- Deb

The BIA supports the Santa Claus parade too!!!!

I'm really happy that the Company of Neighbours and the Hespeler Optimists support Russell Bygrave and the Hespeler Santa Claus parade. The work of these two fine organizations and the people involved really help create a sense of community in our area.

I wish, however, that the BIA had gotten a little recognition in Thursday's article in the Cambridge Times, "Santa Heading to Hespeler" (Dec 3rd).

For those that might not know, we also support the parade  - to the tune of $1000 every year. That might not seem like much, as we don't know how much it costs to mount an event like this. But it is a significant portion of our budget (about 7%) and we feel it is important to dedicate that money to this particular event. Every year we cheerfully hand over the money we have allocated to Mr. Bygrave's parade, no questions asked.

And every year, a fine parade magically happens, and kids of all ages line the streets with eyes lit up, taking in the wonderful seasonal sights and sounds. Keep up the good work Mr. Bygrave and friends! The BIA supports your endeavours.

 - Deb

Music And Lights 2009 - a Joyous Time Had by All

From the look of these happy faces, Music and Lights in the Village 2009 was a great success! Mother Nature cooperated with some mild weather, unlike last year's event. Many thanks to Lynn Craig of Top Drawer and the rest of the Music and Lights committee who took many hours to put this heart-warming event together for the community's enjoyment!

(In the foreground is Cliff Vanclief of The Hub Bicycle Shop and son Caiden, enjoying the festivities.)

If anyone has photos of this event they'd like to share, please email me at hespelervillagebia@gmail.com and I'd be happy to post them on the blog.

 - Deb

Introducing Michael Baskett

Michael Baskett, of the Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank, is the Street Outreach Worker for this organization, a new position as of one month ago. His objective is to initiate, develop, and maintain relationships with street-involved individuals and act as a bridge between the community, resources, and those individuals.

He will advocate for street people and maintain, initiate and develop relationships with local business with respect to those individuals. In 30 days he has already helped 2 people go from homeless to housed. He comes to Hespeler every other Thursday afternoon and alternate Tuesday afternoons. Here's how to contact Michael:

• Cell number: 519-242-7360
• Office number: 519-622-6550 x116
• Fax: 519-622-9076
• Email: streetoutreach@cambridgefoodbank.on.ca

WRSBC Annual Event for Retailers

The Retail event is slated for Feb. 24th in Waterloo this year. The cost has been set to $100 per non-member and $75 for BIA sponsored members. Information on the event will be posted on our website:

www.waterlooregionsmallbusiness.com

For more information, contact:

Jennifer Penney

Small Business Advisor

Waterloo Region Small Business Centre

50 Dickson St., First Floor, Box 669,

Cambridge, ON, N1R 5W8

Telephone: 519.740.4615 Fax: 519.623.0441

penneyj@cambridge.ca

9 More Sleeps till Santa comes to Hespeler...

Mark your calendars!

Santa Claus is comin' to town on December 5th at 12pm for the annual Santa Claus parade!!!

Be sure to come to downtown Hespeler for this annual tradition. Treats and sweets for the little ones and an opportunity to visit with Santa afterwards. Not sure of location at this point - will it be the Old Town Hall or the Scout House? Does anyone know for sure?

The Hub Bicycle Shop's Cyclocross Event

2009 Hespeler Grand Prix of Cyclocross

December 13, 2009

Think the ‘Cross season is over? Think again, announcing the 2009 Hespeler Grand Prix of Cyclocross presented by the Hub Bicycle Shop, taking place on Sunday December 13th, 2009 at the Hespeler Arena in Cambridge.

Since there are no Ontario Series points are up for grabs, the emphasis will be 100% on FUN, but prizes will be a plenty for everyone who joins in (not just the race winners!).

Format will be a 2 mass race starts, no seeding or time gapped classes. Please be honest with yourself and register for the race you will have the most FUN in.

11AM race for all women, cadet men, beginner men, Master 3 men and slower M2 men.

12:30PM race for elite men, Master 1 men, Junior Men, and the faster M2 men.

Course will be a mostly flat, technical, grassy circuit with a few small bumps. Be sure to take your time through the Money Trees as you could be rewarded handily! Awards will be given to the riders who appear to be having the most FUN on the course.

Prizes for the top 3 and the last 3 in each race, as well as other intermediate race prizes! Women, Juniors and Cadets will have their own prizes also.

Come on out have some FUN and keep some of your cross fitness into the Holiday season.

New Restaurant Opening in Spring

We've just learned that the space that used to house the Grub Hub will open again in the spring, as a brand new eatery!

Mr. Fareid Ahmadi of AriaTech Computers has let us know that his brother and nephew are going to be creating an eating experience with middle eastern flair. Shwarma and donairs will be among the items on the menu. (And I hope falafel too....my personal fave....yummy and healthy stuff!)

I'll keep you posted as I learn more.

- Deb van de Water

Music and Lights in the Village 2009!

I was happy to see the core lit up this morning with our holiday street decorations, as I travelled through the downtown on my way to work in Guelph, in the dark (!!!) at 6:30 a.m.

The flower baskets have finally come down and the new winter banners will be going up soon.

Merchants are already decorating their windows in anticipation of the season, and our winter event:

"Music and Lights in the Village 2009"

A part of "Christmas in Cambridge", for which a press conference will be held today!

Next Friday evening, November 27th is the date for Music and Lights. A Christmas concert at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, followed by a tree lighting ceremony at old Town Hall, and a special appearance by Willy Melt, the official mascot of Christmas in Cambridge. Some merchants will be handing out treats for the kids as Willy Melt parades us through the downtown core.

Do not miss this fabulous event!!!

October 2009 Minutes

Hespeler Villiage BIA Board Minutes
Wednesday Oct 21/09

Board Present: Loris Manni, Ken Buller, Lynn Craig, Rick Cowsill, Trevor McWilliams,
Clifford Vanclief, Deb van de Water, Greg Robbins

Members Present: Tammy from Video 99, Sue from Monkey Around, Bernie from Hespeler Village Winemaking, Tim Hilborn,, Ken Boyle, Winky Mandryk, Jennifer Penney from Waterloo Region Small Business Centre, Alex Mitchell (City Clerk),

Absent: Linda Frazao

Alex Mitchell gave us a presentation of the process of expanding BIA boundaries – how it happens, who is notified, and how long it can take. A discussion followed on how we would like to proceed. Trevor suggested surveying those who may be affected before coming up with a proposal to expand BIA boundaries. Loris agreed and suggested we present scenarios at the next AGM. Trevor can bring maps with the proposed areas highlighted, for members to view and comment on. Alex stressed it can take 8-12 months to pass, once proposal has been submitted to him. Trevor will deliver up-to-date assessment of levies to Loris.

Meeting called to order at 6:30 pm.

Review of Minutes – minutes from September 2009 meeting passed. Ken motioned to accept, Rick seconded. All in favour. Passed.

Treasurer’s Report – all levies are in for the year. We spent 9 K on banners and baskets this year. We will be getting 8 K back (4 K for baskets/banners as part of 50/50 program; 4K for watering of baskets). The 2010 budget must go to City Council for approval in November. Our current budget is 15 K and the first instalment will not come to us until sometime in Spring 2010. The budget shows a discrepancy of $500 in the balance. Cliff made a motion to change the balance to reflect the true amount. Rick seconded.

Music & Lights in the Village – is happening Friday November 27th,2009. Lynn presented an update. Last year the BIA sponsored the program with the SNAP map of all downtown core businesses inside. Lynn made a motion to sponsor this again for 2009 (cost $200). Cliff seconded. Passed. Lynn asked how to better use Queen Street for the event. After the concert, Willy Melt the Snowman (mascot of Christmas in Cambridge) walks down Queen Street for the tree lighting, followed by citizens with glow sticks. Mill Crossing Church and Company of Neighbours will be open for refreshments. A suggestion was made to have Willy Melt continue to walk down Queen Street to the Eaton parking lot and local businesses can hand out treats as well.

Bags/Flyers – Winky presented her idea of a reusable shopping bag to be delivered to Hespeler homes, advertising Core businesses. Each bag will cost $1.50 for one side lettering. Additional side will cost $0.15 each. It will cost 18-19 K for 10,000 bags plus delivery. Winky will be looking for other quotes. She is seeking money from the BIA to support this project. There was discussion about the cost and effectiveness of this project. Winky will follow up with more information at the next meeting.

Proposed Budget Discussion – There was much discussion about how to allocate funds for the 2010 budget. Loris will circulate a detailed proposed budget to Board members via email for their viewing and comments before the budget goes to Council, and before presenting to non-Board members. Trevor will inform Loris of the due date for the budget. Cliff mentioned that the CCAP fees are going up to $1508 in 2010. Regarding the fall/summer event, it was mentioned that Silverheights Neighbourhood Association is coming to the next meeting to present on this.
Website – need to get information from Linda. She is supposed to make discs of her program with passwords to give to Cliff and Deb.

New Business -

Cliff sent an email this afternoon regarding a graffiti meeting that will be held November 5th. This is an RSVP event.

Jennifer Penney of the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre presented on what WRSBC can provide in terms of support for small business owners. Her services are free. She is located in Cambridge City Hall. Every February the Centre presents a full day of training for small businesses. The cost is $50 for BIA members. BIA’s can sponsor their members even further at $5 per. It will be held in Waterloo this year. Jennifer would like to host this event in Cambridge one year. Loris asked Jennifer to come to the AGM in January and present to the members at that time.

Meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm.

Next meeting -

· Next Board meeting – Wednesday November 18th, 2009. 6:00 pm. St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

September 2009 Minutes

BIA MEETING WEDNESDAY SEPT 16/2009

IN ATTENDANCE
Board: Rick Cowsill, Trevor McWilliams, Clifford Vanclief, Lynn Craig, Ken Buller, Greg Robbins
Other: Shannon Nunan, Tammy, Jim Mallard, Tom Hilborn, Cory VanIersel, Judy, Garielle, Sue, Joy Walker

Open Meeting started at 6:05pm

Trevor asked for Alex Mitchell’s presentation be moved to Oct Bia meeting. Suggested it be put on the agenda first

Parking
Shannon Nunaan introduced herself to all in attendance
Joy from an “observation point” has concerns with safety in regards to the changes to parking on Queen St, where parking has been removed. She has witnessed u – turns, three point turns and other violations. The delivery vehicles stopped in on coming traffic have exposed some safety concerns.
The business’s that rely on drop off type of parking, i.e. Grub Hub, Java Garden, Cleaners and Continental Hair have been affected by the new parking. They are a pick up or drop off business requiring parking.
The speed from pinch point (bump out) in front of Classical Guitar has increased heading to Guelph Ave intersection. Joy has businesses on file that can witness to this.
Tom Hilborn expressed how dangerous it is to try and cross Guelph Ave on the North side now that parking has been removed. He was hit by a car that did not stop.
Also, drivers are pulling into laneway between Grahms and the Spa to try and turn around.
Joy feels that if the pinch point (bump out) is removed it will only increase the speed in that section.
Shannon reminded everyone that Queen St E does not have the most accidents but has a High Potential for Accidents, in the top ten.
Gabrielle asked if we could put a three way stop at Tannery/Queen St, it would calm traffic.
Joy also mentioned it is hard for non-locals to park as they are not familiar with the lay out and they may carry on through if they can’t find parking. It is to confusing to try to drive around to park.
Tom Hilborn mentioned that trucks will sometimes pull up on sidewalk to do deliveries but creates another safety concern.
Rick Cowsill again explained the consultant was hired to set up a parking strategy for all the cores. They are unique cores and should be treated differently, also, the new regulations in regards to width of road needed for fire trucks has accounted for changes in parking.
Rick also clarified that 10 or so years ago bump outs were the IN thing but now they are to be removed to enhance the cores.
Joy suggested crosswalks to slow traffic.
Rick said he would take that back to Staff for review, but it would have to be presented to Council, which would have to change the entire Master Plan for Cambridge.
Perhaps we could look at the concerns raised to see what could be done to amend Master Plan for Hespeler. For the Master Plan to be successful it has to work in all three cores.
Joy also mentioned that for council to pass something this big, she was wondering why there was not a proxy vote.

Trevor suggested taking concerns to senior staff

Rick asked if the merchants would like to see the parking back to the way it was and Tim, Joy and Jim agreed that this would be what is wanted.

Shannon said she would review the solutions and get back to Rick Cowsill, Not able to amend Master Plan. As well cannot control what the delivery trucks do in the core.

Rick asked where the trucks park for delivery?
Tom - Deliveries happen early in the morning now, he has no option
Lynn and Sue – Drop off from customers is difficult in no parking zone
Gabrielle – seniors have a hard time walking across busy traffic and from farther away.

Shannon asked how the trucks parked before the parking was removed?
Why there was no problem with the delivery trucks then?

It seems they would just stop in the direction they were going

End of parking discussion

BIA meeting started at 6:47pm

BIA boundary expansion

Rick suggests waiting for Alex to present at next meeting. There is support for expansion, a lot of good things happening in Hespeler, in the next 2-3 meetings we should see more things happening in the core.

Tammy asked how to get a building in the core,
Rick explained that we would like to expand the BIA boundary to include her building and others, possibly up to Lens Mill, to allow homes to be in a commercial position.

Tammy asked what are the BIA benefits, Rick explained Carac funding, listing on website, any advertising for the core you are invited.

Second item Rick wished to talk about was the policing in the core. There is a new Staff Sergeant; Rick is on the task force with. Rick has brought up the Hespeler Core issues, after the Task force meeting in October.

Banner

Cliff has said the Forbes Park banner will come down Soon,

Music in Lights

Lynn asked if there is a way for us to keep people in the core after tree lighting ceremony
There are various ideas, how do we involve the rest of Queen St, and i.e. have an event in City parking lot, Ernie’s area, Discuss at next meeting
Lynn explained Music and Lights and Christmas in Cambridge.

Winky Presentation – Bags/Flyers

Winky (Hespeler Physio…), List downtown merchants on bag (re useable shopping bag), with BIA logo on it. Inside put advertisements, pamphlets, print cost is more if numbers are lower, rough estimate is 9000-10,000 aprox $0.50/5000, done by local company, Vanguard, on Milling St. The bags fit in well with a “Green” theme.
Put on website and/or newsletter. Winky would like to see a November delivery to homes and BIA contribute to it.
2nd item is a leaflet style flyer approx cost is $150/business based on 12 businesses. These are just templates, can be worked to different idea.
It was asked who would delivery the bags, there is a young person who can do this.

Rick sees an opportunity to market with the bag, The BIA has to be proactive, it is in our mandate, and it also may be eligible for 50/50 money.

We will try to get it on website and talk numbers at the next meeting, Winky will send out cost info to board, Winky’s email is davemandryk@hotmail.com for any color suggestions.

Cliff suggested a Town Hall meeting to explain BIA constitution, boundary, etc to new merchants.

Rick has reported The Cats Meow has put in a liquor license application. It was not accepted by City due to complaints, it is now with the Liquor Control Board, if it does go through there may be restrictions put on the license. The owners do have the right to an appeal. Rick has had a meeting with them to explain the types of business that work in the core.

Meeting adjourned at 7:35pmNext meeting October 21/2009 6:00pm at St Andrews Presbyterian Church

Welcome to the Blog!

Hi everyone!

As part of our mandate to help make downtown Hespeler Village a warm and welcoming place to be, we have started a blog to keep everyone up to date on what is happening in our lovely little downtown core.

This is THE place to come to, to get updates on what the BIA is doing. Please subscribe to the blog to get email notification of new blog posts on meeting minutes, newsletters, upcoming events and meetings, and anything DOWNTOWN.