Raising Cloverdale’s profile through welcome signage, cracking down on property crime and attracting new business are among the priorities for the Cloverdale BIA as it embarks on its next five-year-term.
The board of directors of the Cloverdale Business Improvement Association is acknowledging the support given by its members, who have endorsed the organization for a new term starting in March.
The purpose of the organization is to help town centre property owners improve and promote the local business district.
“As a long time resident and business person in Cloverdale, I am pleased to be part of a forward thinking business association that wants to make the Cloverdale town centre a safe and desirable place to conduct business, life, work and play,” president Rob Paterson said.
The board is spearheading the creation of a five-year plan, Paterson added. Priorities being considered include landscaping projects, particularly along Highway 10, and adding new ‘gateway’ signs to high-visibility locations.
Candidates include the Highway 10/Highway 15 crossroads and the corner of 176 Street and Highway 10, a logical spot for playing up the district’s heritage appeal.
The BIA is also looking at how best to create a formal heritage district in Cloverdale.
One suggestion is to restore historic street names, so signs on 176 Street might also be designated as Clover Valley Road, while neighbouring 176A Street could be co-named King Street, a nod to their pioneer monikers.
An aggressive business attraction program is another goal.
“We want to make it easier to do business,” executive director Paul Orazietti said, explaining the program could include an inventory of lease space and local contacts for inquiries, along with promotional videos showcasing the district’s assets.
Another priority is a multi-pronged approach to crime reduction involving the business community and police.
The organization is also working to be more transparent, in response to the membership.
The Cloverdale BIA was established 20 years ago to improve and promote the area south of the Cloverdale Fairgrounds to Highway 10 (between 172 Street and 180 Street).
It operates through a tax levy on property owners, and has an annual operating budget of about $214,000 – with about $50,000 of that supported through a grant from the City of Surrey and sponsorships from private businesses.
The organization co-sponsors a series of popular community events, including pre-Rodeo activities in the town centre, the Cloverdale Blueberry Festival, and the annual Santa parade – large-scale events with climbing costs.
“We’re trying to get more help with special events,” Orazietti said. “We need more people and more help.”
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