Editor:
The Sechelt Downtown Business Association (SDBA) is currently in the process of renewing its boundary and funding bylaw with the District of Sechelt. Originally formed in 1995, the SDBA is a Business Improvement Area and a way for businesses within an area to have a unified voice. We act as a voice on behalf of our members with various governments. We speak about parking, unsightly properties, sidewalks, street lighting, Christmas lights, benches, even trees and flowers within our public spaces.
Our board of directors is made up of volunteers, supported by a paid part-time administrator. But we are not merely a business association. We are a community of businesses who want to make Sechelt a fun and vibrant place to be. We want to help the public discover our downtown, and have them look forward to coming down here every time.
We act to promote the downtown business community, and encourage residents to treat this as a place to eat, play, and shop. We plan and host the annual Canada Day celebrations, Oktoberfest, Christmas festivities, and April business fair. We also host block parties, workshops, and seminars to help us grow our businesses and help us to help you better.
Sometimes that increases business in our stores, but sometimes it’s important for us just to get to know you. Maybe the next time you need kitchen wares, new handmade slippers, your taxes done, or a sewing machine fixed, you’ll think about us first.
If you visit our downtown, and you appreciate the work we do as an organization, please tell someone. Let them know that you are happy supporting a local business that can get behind our community activities.
Alton Toth, Vice President, SDBA
