What is a BIA?
Our Business Improvement Area is an organization that allows Queen St. E (from Pim to Dennis) business people, commercial property owners, and tenants to join together with support of the City of Sault Ste. Marie, organize, finance, and carry out physical improvements and promote economic development in our district.
DTA Mission Statement
The Sault Ste. Marie Downtown Association will deliver value to the membership, be a catalyst for, and support them in creating a self-empowered downtown that thrives though the activation of its spaces, places, and people.
For $100 Gain Access to the Benefits of a DTA Partnership
“Over the last nine years I have seen first hand how our downtown has begun to revitalize. Our Association has proven essential in this positive activity. It allows our members to share ideas and work together to create wonderful events the community asks for while building, advocating, and strengthening our relationship with municipal and corporate partners, making it easier to do business in Sault Ste. Marie.” - Kristi Cistaro, Stork & Bundle
DIGITAL MAINSTREET
With the newly announced launch of Digital Main Street 4.0 the program is more accessible to participants than ever before. Staff will assist you with Digital Main Street supports. Benefits of program include: training, website development, social media development, and more.
DOWNTOWN ACITIVATION
For 2022, the DTA event scheduled 13 events on their calendar. Ranging from Downtown Street Parties, Moonlight Magic, Poutine Feast, The Sault’s Longest Garage Sale, Summer Moon Festival, The Greyhound Season Opener, and more! The Partnership Program gives you access to tables and shared tents for your organization FREE, as well as access to all sponsorship packages 10 days in advance of the general public!
FREE GRAFFITI REMOVAL
From late Spring to early Fall, the DTA runs a graffiti removal program to help eliminate unwanted tags in our Downtown core. Staff from the DTA can troubleshoot with a variety of removal products and remove the tag with our portable pressure washing system equipped with a HONDA GC160.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND GRANT CONSULTATION
Access resources from the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association such as webinars as well as consultation on relative grants or funding that align with your business model to help build and grow your enterprise.
PROMOTIONS AND PERKS
Utilizing the DTA’s social media reach, (2000+ followers on Instagram, 1000+ followers on Facebook) partner's’ advertising will be promoted on an ongoing basis as well as being prioritized for catering or pop-up opportunities at our events and festivals.
MUNICIPAL ADVOCACY
The Board and Staff of the DTA continue to be the voice of business within the Downtown Core. In the past four years the DTA has been responsible for easier city processes for: license to occupy, encroachment of beautification features such as: patio furniture & benches, A-frame and overhanging signs, outdoor patio applications, Downtown Community Improvement Plan as well as lowering the required insurances to facilitate being a business in Sault Ste. Marie.
& MORE…
All BIA communications, including information related to economic development, events, and promotion
Directory listing
Consultation on all City of SSM grant programs
Invitation to all social events, webinars, etc.
Notice/access to special offers and discounts
Advertising of promotional materials/events via our social media platforms
Free rental of the DTA board room facilities