Setting The Context

The following considerations shape the environment in which this strategic plan was created.

  • Increased competition among small towns in the post-pandemic environment has intensified the need for clear destination positioning, stronger branding, and coordinated efforts to attract visitors and spending.

  • Major infrastructure investments and urban expansion — including regional transportation developments and growth extending west from nearby urban centres — are expected to influence travel patterns, visitor flow, and economic opportunities for communities like Perth.

  • Rapid changes in consumer behaviour, including increased reliance on mobile devices, e-commerce, and social media, are reshaping how people discover, evaluate, and engage with downtown businesses.

  • Anticipated growth within Perth, including new residential developments, will influence the size, composition, and needs of the local market — requiring a clearer understanding of who we are attracting and serving.

  • Ongoing pressure on municipal budgets may impact the timing and scope of public investments in infrastructure and services, reinforcing the importance of strategic alignment and collaboration with the Town of Perth.

  • Upcoming infrastructure projects and construction activities may create short-term disruptions to business operations and visitor experience, requiring proactive communication and mitigation efforts.

Strategic Pillars and Goals

CHAMPION

Downtown Perth businesses have a clear, confident voice in the future of our community. Through constructive partnership and informed advocacy, the BIA ensures business realities and opportunities are reflected in the decisions that shape our downtown.

Advocacy is a core responsibility of the BIA. By representing members with clarity, credibility, and collaboration, we have a stronger voice in the decisions that will shape our downtown

Strengthen Collaborative Partnerships with Key Partners to contribute coordinated advocacy that supports downtown businesses.

Develop Business Member Input Mechanisms to accurately represent the perspectives of members in community initiatives.

Facilitate Business Representation with Town to ensure accurate two-way communication on municipal initiatives.

ATTRACT

Downtown Perth is the heart of the community and a must-visit destination in the region. The BIA strategically showcases our heritage, businesses, and experiences in ways that attract attention, build loyalty, and stimulate sustained economic activity.

Strategic marketing isn’t more promotion - it’s smarter promotion. By planning annually and aligning our strengths with municipal priorities, the BIA invests resources in initiatives that produce meaningful, measurable impact.

Develop a Comprehensive Marketing Plan to broaden promotional reach and deepen local engagement.

Pilot Approaches to Improve Resident Access to expand the downtown customer base for year-round stability.

Improve Visitor Readiness to ensure destination consistency and experience quality.

Enhance Downtown as a Place to do Business to increase business retention and decrease vacancy periods.

BEAUTIFY

Downtown Perth is cohesive, welcoming, and reflective of its heritage — with thoughtfully maintained and seasonally enhanced public spaces that strengthen identity and invite people to gather and explore.

The physical environment shapes perception and experience. By planning streetscapes, art, and cultural initiatives intentionally, collaborating with the Town of Perth, and ensuring consistency across BIA boundaries, the Board safeguards downtown’s visual integrity and reinforces a strong sense of place.

Develop Annual Beautification Plan to ensure a clear direction for beautification across the BIA.

Introduce Beautification Features and Initiatives to make downtown more vibrant, photo-worthy and memorable.

Activate Public Spaces with Placemaking Initiatives to encourage people to gather, linger, and experience the downtown.

EMPOWER

Downtown Perth business owners are informed, connected, and equipped to succeed. The BIA fosters strong communication, meaningful collaboration, and ongoing development opportunities that strengthen both individual businesses and the downtown as a whole.

A thriving downtown depends on thriving business owners. The BIA strengthens the downtown business community by enhancing communication, leveraging technology, and providing resources and professional development opportunities.

Develop and Implement Communications Strategy to keep business members informed and engaged in downtown interests.

Create a Business Development Program to strengthen relationships, collaboration and development of businesses.

ELEVATE

The Downtown Heritage Perth BIA Board of Directors demonstrates strong, accountable leadership through clear governance practices, transparent decision-making, and responsible financial stewardship — ensuring the organization operates effectively, efficiently, and in alignment with its mandate.

Strong governance builds trust. When roles are clear, decisions are transparent, and accountability is upheld, the BIA earns confidence from its members, partners, and the Town of Perth — enabling better decisions, stronger partnerships, and long-term organizational stability.

Strengthen Board Effectiveness to ensure clear roles, decision-making, and annual planning.

Strengthen Financial Processes to ensure improved budgeting, procurement and member engagement to ensure transparent procurement and reporting.

Conduct an Annual Report to Town Council and Business Members to hold ourselves accountable for the direction provided to the BIA.