BIA Board of Directors
2026 Election
This election is conducted in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001, s. 204, which governs Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) in Ontario.
Roles & Expectations of Board Members
Board Members are volunteers who commit approximately 8–12 hours per month. Responsibilities include:
Providing strategic direction to BIA initiatives;
Representing the interests of all BIA members;
Attending all regularly scheduled Board meetings (approximately 10 per year);
Supporting BIA-approved initiatives and events;
Participating in relevant City/Town meetings as required; and
Upholding good governance and acting in the best interests of the membership.
The BIA values a well-rounded Board with expertise across: Marketing, Beautification, Economic Development, Finance, Legal/Risk Management, Operations, and Stakeholder Relations.
Board Members receive no remuneration. Out-of-pocket expenses incurred in representing the BIA may be reimbursed upon Board approval.
Offices to be Elected
Number of Positions: 8 Directors
The Downtown Heritage Perth BIA Board of Directors consists of 5-9 Directors: 5-8 elected members and one (1) appointed by Town of Perth Council.
Once appointed by Council, Directors will serve a four (4) year term tied to the term of Municipal Council, as provided under the Municipal Act, 2001, s. 204(10).
Eligibility to Run for the Board
To stand for election as a Director, a candidate must:
Be a current BIA Member (property owner assessed the BIA levy, or a business tenant required to pay all or part of the levy); OR be a shareholder, director, employee, or nominee of a Member with that Member’s written consent;
Be at least 18 years of age;
Be compliant with all BIA Bylaws and Policies
Complete and submit a signed Nomination Consent Form before the nomination deadline
Submitting a Nomination
All nominations must be submitted to the BIA office by the close of nominations. A candidate may:
Register themselves: complete the Nomination Consent Form and obtain the signatures of at least two current BIA members as nominators.
Be nominated by others: two BIA members complete the Nomination Form on the candidate’s behalf, and the candidate signs to confirm acceptance.
A candidate who cannot be present may provide written consent confirming their willingness to stand and their eligibility.
BIA BOARD NOMINEES
Dawn Bell
(Michael’s Table)
As the owner of Michael’s Table, I’m passionate about being part of Perth’s vibrant downtown community and helping it continue to thrive. As Treasurer of the Downtown Heritage Perth BIA, I enjoy contributing to the Board’s work and supporting initiatives that strengthen our local business community. I’m also actively involved in the Marketing and Stewart Park Festival committees, where I’m proud to help bring people downtown and celebrate everything that makes Perth special. I believe a thriving downtown is built through collaboration, community spirit, and a shared commitment to supporting local businesses.
Contact: michaelstablerestaurant[at]gmail.com
Lisa Crawford
(The Dusty Rose Boutique)
Hi, my name is Lisa Crawford, and I am one of the co-owners of The Dusty Rose Boutique. I was born and raised in Perth, and my family previously owned a business downtown, Crawford Electric. As both a Perth resident and a business owner, I know how truly special our town is and how much it has to offer, not only to tourists but also to our local residents. These reasons, along with my background and education in tourism and travel, event planning, and media and communications, make me an ideal candidate to be part of the board.
Contact: lisaannecrawford01[at]gmail.com
Sheldon Giff
(The Rideau Candy Shoppe)
I've been involved in BIA's for over 15 years. I've written policy and procedure for this BIA as well as updated the Bylaws that we currenly use today.
I want to advocate for how BIA's operate and push the provincial government to update the current governing municipal act to allow for changes that benefit how BIA's are managed.
I want to push the conversation and start the planning for the gore street revitalization and how our downtown will look and feel afterwards.
Contact: sheldongiff[at]gmail.com
Krista Mackler
(Kelly’s Flower & Gift Boutique)
My name is Krista Mackler, owner and operator of Kelly's Flowers & Gift Boutique as well as property owner of the Thomas Wright building, located at 63 Gore St. E., in downtown Perth. The experience that I would bring to the Board of Directors of the Downtown Heritage Perth BIA would be my prior 3 terms serving on the board (12 years total), my background working with businesses collaboratively on projects and my vested interest in marketing and beautification efforts in the downtown. With this role, I hope to contribute positively to the downtown community and see it prosper and thrive.
Contact: krista[at]kellysflowers.ca
Shawn Vernier
(representing LIDA)
I have served six years with the Stewart Park Festival and the past year on the Downtown Heritage Perth BIA Board, in addition to various other volunteer committees and associations. My year on the BIA Board has seen through the Strategic Plannining initiative and these very Election Procedure documents. I believe a BIA is strongest when its members are informed, engaged and confident in the process. I’ll be working to align the BIA’s plans with the needs of our members and the long-term vitality of our downtown, fostering a community-first, respectful, and inclusive environment.
Contact: perthspfchair[at]gmail.com
Matthew Walsh
(Rosewood Studio School of Fine Woodworking)
I am the owner of Rosewood Studio, a school of fine woodworking that has been in business for 24 years and based in Perth since 2010. Through my work, I welcome students from around the world, helping them develop practical skills and create things they can be proud of.
Before this, I served nearly 14 years in the Canadian Forces, retiring as a Sergeant. From 2018 to 2021, I served as a logistician with Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM), leading multidisciplinary teams in Canada and overseas. This experience taught me how to lead in changing environments, solve problems, and bring people together to get things done.
Locally, I volunteered with Perth’s Business Retention and Expansion project. I also volunteer as Director of Course Delivery on the board of Plane Wellness, a nonprofit dedicated to improving mental wellness through woodworking.
I would bring leadership, logistics, operations, and relationship-building experience to the BIA Board, along with the perspective of a local business owner. I want to help strengthen the relationship between businesses, the BIA, and the Town of Perth through open communication, practical collaboration, and a shared focus on helping local businesses succeed. I believe my experience and approachable personality would help build trust and turn conversations into meaningful action.
Contact: matt[at]rosewoodstudio.com