10 Year Review and Renewal

Established in 2016, the Ambleside Dundarave Business Improvement Association (ADBIA) is an independent, non-profit association that provides a strong, unified voice for local businesses. The ADBIA highlights the unique shopping, dining, and cultural experiences offered by our communities, as well as our spectacular waterfront.

Event & Marketing Highlights

• Increased social media engagement by more than 50%

• BIA Bucks program returned over $500,000 to local businesses over five years

• Resurrected the Dundarave Hoedown after a 20-year hiatus

• Regular newsletters for community and members

• Sponsored community events: Harmony Arts, PumpkinFest, West Coast Modern Week, Dundarave Festival of Lights

• Direct mail campaigns offering community coupons and discounts

• “Make a Day of It” campaign with advertising across print, buses, brochures, and BC Ferries

Beautification Highlights

• Installed edible gardens on Dundarave Boardwalk

• Lit trees along Marine, Clyde, and Bellevue with twinkle lights

• Completed eight murals and wrapped twelve hydro boxes

• Repaired sidewalks in nearly 200 locations

• Created Beautification Fund for members to enhance storefronts

• Annual Christmas décor including 30’ Millennium Park tree, window painting, garland, lights, and bows

• Partnered with Mission Possible for monthly street cleaning

• Graffiti removal services

Engagement Highlights

• Regular newsletters with news and resources

• Secured subsidies from provincial and federal governments

• Hosted annual Christmas party, AGM, and networking events

• Led “Imagine Ambleside” community engagement survey with 1,000+ responses

• Rebranded around “It Takes a Village” to strengthen community support

• Launched new user-friendly, searchable website

• Provided professional photography and videography for businesses

Advocacy Highlights

• Worked with District staff and Council on commercial rezoning to increase diversity of shops

• Delayed pay parking implementation near commercial areas (twice) and ensured minimal business impact

• Acted on behalf of members with District permits and policy issues

• Contributed Imagine Ambleside survey results to Local Area Plan and met regularly with District staff

• Secured increased parking through creative solutions and amended time limits

• Hold Director position on BIABC Board to represent Main Street businesses provincially

• Installed pedestrian counters per block to track foot traffic

Renewal Process (2026–2032)

• Member engagement via email (Nov 2024)

• Survey mailed to members (Jan 2025)

• Renewal discussion at AGM (May 2025)

• Board recommendation to Council (May 2025)

• District staff report to Council (June 2025)

• District outreach to property owners (July–Oct 2025)

• Council agenda (Dec 2025)

Renewal Plans (2026–2033)

Continue

• Maintain Dundarave Boardwalk

• Maintain tree lights (replacement in Ambleside 2026, Dundarave 2029)

• Sidewalk repairs as needed

• Advocacy at municipal, provincial, and federal levels

• Dundarave Hoedown

• Beautification fund

• Murals (Hollyburn and potentially Dundarave)

• Economic development to curate business mix

• Graffiti removal

• Litter cleanup

New Initiatives (Member Survey Input)

• Ambleside signature event (e.g., Community Day)

• Wayfinding signage from Seawalk and parks to business areas

• Increased litter cleanup

• More public seating in commercial areas

• Waterfront activation in partnership with the District

• Membership “Lunch ’n Learn” events