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Before 1998 ...
... this part of town, the harbour precinct, was part of the Downtown BIA and was taxed annually over $12,500. Many of
the merchants and property owners felt we were not getting our money's worth, so they refused to pay. City Hall and Downtown
BIA redrew the BIA boundaries, leaving everybody on the Island Highway to the south of the former Home Hardware (now Bargain
Shop) out of the BIA. We paid no taxes and had no representation on council. The area was an eyesore.
In 1998 ...
... a group of interested merchants and property owners got together to form the Pier Street Association: first president
was Blair McLean. We decided to be a volunteer group, depending on fundraising events and donations from those with business
interests in this part of town.
With great enthusiasm we raised money (for murals first, then for flower barrels) and started the clean up in our area.
Jurgen Kettler was president from 2001 to 2007 and was instrumental in locating the Farmer's Market here in 2003. He also
worked closely with city council and the press to give Pier Street a very high profile in town.
The Pier Street Association is still front & centre in local news, activities and volunteer work.
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| The first Pier Street logo 1998 - 2001 |
A list of accomplisments in the first 10 years
- about 25 Murals along the street
- about 50 Flower Barrels installed and maintained twice a year
- Driftwood Pilings to create a maritime character
- Pier Street Farmers Market (May to September)
- Pier Street Christmas Fairs in the Maritime Heritage Centre
- support for Rotary to convert the sewage tanks into the MHC
- Historic Mile
- purchase of additional LED lighting (pole ornaments)
- member of City's Beautification Committee
- support of July 1st celebrations
- support of Haig Brown festival
- part of the Christmas light-up initiative and Santa's arrivals
Special achievements
2007
Pier Street Association was one of the nominees for the Chamber Awards of Excellence, for the success
and impact of the "Historic Mile"
2008
Pier Street Association got a special mention by the Communities in Bloom judges, when
the City got 5 Blooms: "The Pier Street Association is an example of good partnership at all levels and the product of this
has been an impressive location on the waterfront attracting many visitors and providing recreational facilities for the townspeople....
Congratulations to all members"
2009
CANADIAN GEOGRAPHIC ‘SUMMER
TRAVEL 2009 lists our farmers market at the top of their ‘TOP TEN’ list
for all of Canada.
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