Concession Street BIA on Hamilton Mountain refreshing its image

Martens said the rebranding will also include popular street events like Sidewalk Sounds and Streetfest along with street escarpment views, Sam Lawrence Park and Mountain Drive Park, which bookend the Mountain’s oldest commercial district and the Mountain farmers’ market (which the BIA is hoping to bring back next year).

“We want it to be a single vision so when people see it, they can identify it as Concession, as well as being something exciting and vibrant,” Martens said.

The BIA executive has shortlisted three Hamilton marketing companies for the job and will decide on the firm they will use early in the new year, Martens noted.

Martens said the BIA has budgeted $25,000 for the rebranding, which, along with the cost of maintaining an office and holding events, has pushed their annual levy from $130,000 annually to $195,000 next year.

The BIA will also be hiring a new executive director early next year and their 2024 budget should be posted on their website in the coming weeks.

Martens noted the levies are approved by the BIA members at their annual general meeting and then sent on to the city for approval.

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• Dec 31, 1969
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• Dec 31, 1969
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The city collects the levies from property owners in the business district and sends the money to the BIAs.

Martens said Hamilton city council approved their 2024 budget earlier this month, adding the municipal tax bill for the property owners in the BIA will go up about $500 to $600 a year with the increased levy.

The new levy has some Concession Street business owners wondering if it will mean higher costs for leasing their storefronts.

“I hope they don’t pass it on,” said Brenda Eszenyi, owner of Penny Pincher Costumes.

“If the landlords pass on the increase to their tenants, you’ll see more vacant storefronts on Concession Street,” said Stage Diner owner Darryl Howe.