2026 BIA Election

The election gives eligible Downtown Grimsby BIA members the opportunity to select representatives to serve on the BIA Board of Management for the upcoming term.

Election Information

Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Location: Teddy's Sports Bar, 30 Main Street West, Grimsby

Nomination Period: November 4–18, 2026

Nomination Deadline: November 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

Voting Period: 9:00–10:30 a.m. during the Annual General Meeting

Want to join the Downtown Grimsby BIA Board?

We are looking for engaged members of the Downtown Grimsby business community who want to help shape the future of our downtown.

How to Submit Your Nomination

1. Confirm that you are eligible to seek a position on the Downtown Grimsby BIA Board. If you're unsure, email info@downtowngrimsby.com and we'll help confirm your eligibility.
2. Complete the Self-Nomination Form and obtain the required support from two eligible BIA members.
3. Include a short candidate biography with your nomination package.
4. Contact clerks@grimsby.ca or 905-945-9634 to schedule an appointment to submit your nomination package.
5. Bring your completed nomination package to your scheduled appointment for submission and review. Nomination packages must be received no later than 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18, 2026.

Download the 2026 BIA Board Nomination Package

Late or incomplete nomination packages will not be accepted.

Who Can Vote?

Voting is open to eligible members of the Downtown Grimsby Business Improvement Area who can provide documentation confirming their eligibility, such as proof of ownership, a commercial lease confirming that they pay taxes or levies, or documentation confirming authority to vote on behalf of a corporation.

BIA membership generally includes eligible commercial property owners and tenants within the designated Downtown Grimsby BIA boundary.

Each eligible BIA member is entitled to one vote, regardless of the number of properties owned or leased within the BIA.

Where the BIA member is a corporation, the corporation may designate an individual in writing to vote on its behalf.

Not sure whether you're eligible to vote? Contact info@downtowngrimsby.com in advance of the election so your eligibility can be confirmed.

What Do I Need to Vote?

Eligible voters should be prepared to provide government-issued identification to confirm their identity, as well as documentation confirming their eligibility to vote.

Depending on your relationship to the property or business, documentation may include:

• A property tax or levy document confirming ownership;
• A commercial lease confirming tenancy within the BIA and that the tenant is responsible for paying taxes or levies; or
• Documentation confirming authority to vote on behalf of a corporation.

Additional documentation may be requested where necessary to confirm eligibility.

We strongly encourage members who are unsure about their eligibility or documentation to contact the BIA before December 2.

Acceptable Identification for Voters

How Will Voting Work?

Voting will take place in person by secret ballot during the Annual General Meeting.

Voting will be available between 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Eligible members will check in, have their voting eligibility confirmed and receive a ballot.

Each eligible BIA member is entitled to one vote.

Meet the Candidates

Following the close of nominations and confirmation of candidate eligibility, candidate information will be posted here.

Candidate profiles will be presented using a consistent format so BIA members can learn more about each individual before voting.

Candidate information coming after November 18.

What Happens After the Election?

Candidates selected by the BIA membership are subsequently appointed to the Downtown Grimsby BIA Board of Management by the Town of Grimsby Council.

The Board's term aligns with the term of the appointing municipal council and continues until successor directors are appointed.

What is a BIA?

The Downtown Grimsby Business Improvement Area represents businesses and property owners within the designated BIA district.

The BIA works to strengthen and promote Downtown Grimsby through initiatives including:

• Marketing and promotion of Downtown Grimsby;
• Community events and activities;
• Streetscape improvements and beautification;
• Business advocacy and communication;
• Supporting businesses through programs, campaigns and partnerships; and
• Working with the Town of Grimsby and community partners on issues affecting the downtown.

View the OBIAA Handbook to learn more about BIAs.

What Does a Board Member Do?

• Members of the Downtown Grimsby BIA Board help provide governance and strategic direction for the organization.
• Board members are expected to:
• Provide strategic direction for BIA programs and initiatives;
• Represent the interests of the Downtown Grimsby business community;
• Review and provide oversight of the BIA's annual priorities and budget;
• Attend regularly scheduled monthly Board meetings in Downtown Grimsby;
• Support BIA initiatives through communication, participation and professional expertise;
• Attend select BIA and/or Town of Grimsby meetings when required; and
• Act in the best interests of the Downtown Grimsby BIA as a whole.

Important Dates

November 4, 2026 — Nominations open

November 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. — Nominations close

After November 18 — Candidate information published

December 2, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. — Annual General Meeting

December 2, 2026, 9:00–10:30 a.m. — BIA Election voting

Questions?

We're happy to help members understand the nomination and voting process.

Email info@downtowngrimsby.com with questions about nominations, voting eligibility or the 2026 BIA Election.