Question 1

What is the Downtown Smiths Falls Business Association?

Accepted Answer

The Downtown Smiths Falls Business Association is a local Board of the municipality, governed by the Municipal Act and working in partnership with the Town of Smiths Falls. The association works to oversee the well being of a distinct business improvement area; in our case, Downtown Smiths Falls.

Question 2

Why does the Downtown Smiths Falls Business Association Exist?

Accepted Answer

The concept for designating special business improvement areas (BIAs) emerged in the late 1960's, as a response to the development of shopping malls that were usually located outside of city centres. Provincial legislation was created under the Municipal Act to establish a self-help program that empowered business communities to manage their own levy funds and promote their own main streets and downtown districts. Today, this model has been adopted globally with over 300 BIAs/ DBAs in Ontario alone.

Question 3

What does the Downtown Smiths Falls Business Association do?

Accepted Answer

The Downtown Smiths Falls Business Association (DSFBA) provides the funding and personnel needed to advance a vibrant and resilient business district. The DSFBA also works actively to enhance the quality of life in our local community through a commitment to maintain and promote the downtown core.

Question 4

How do I become a member of the DSFBA?

Accepted Answer

Membership in the DSFBA is based on geographic boundaries established through By-Law by the Town of Smiths Falls. All commercial properties within this specified boundary are automatically members of the DSFBA.

Question 5

What does my DSFBA membership cost?

Accepted Answer

If you are located in the DSFBA boundary, there is no fixed cost to your membership. The DSFBA is funder through a special levy determined by the DSFBA Board of Directors and approved by the Town of Smiths Falls Council. The levy is collected annually by the Town of Smiths Falls through a tax on commercial properties located within the DSFBA boundary. The amount each commercial property owner pays varies based on their individual Municipal Property Assessment.

For those businesses who are not in the DSFBA boundary but would like to become a member of the association, Associate Memberships can be purchased on a yearly basis. These memberships will include you in any DSFBA promotional initiatives as well as additional benefits. For more information about Associate Memberships, please contact the DSFBA Coordinator directly.