The Yorkton Business Improvement District (YBID) will spend more than $300,000 in 2013 in its efforts to enhance downtown and the West Broadway corridor.
At its annual meeting November 14, YBID members voted to pass the 2013 budget that includes $176,000 in ongoing expenditures and $76,000 for new projects. The remaining $55,000 is allocated to administration ($38,000), marketing ($9,500), sponsorships ($2,250) and memberships ($350).
Revenue for 2013 comes from member businesses ($107,000), City of Yorkton grants ($100,000) and reserves ($100,000).
New projects for 2013 include locating equipment and methods for removing graffiti; providing grants to businesses to upgrade building lighting; adding street addresses to businesses, installing "Welcome to YBID" gates to the business district and continuing the 2012 crosswalk art project.
The YBID will continue to support the following ongoing projects and programs: City of Yorkton Street Lights (including skateboard park and Myrtle Avenue upgrade); Flower Pot Program; Rest Island Program; Benches and Trashcans; Film Festival Barbecue; Meet Members Night; Santa Claus Parade Movie; Family Day Movie; Clean Street Team and; Old Mill.
In addition to passing the 2013 budget, members accepted the 2012 Unaudited Financial Statement and elected a new board of directors:
Ken Chyz (current chair) - Yorkton News Review
Marina Walls - Yorkton Hearing Services
Gale Pelletier - Painted Hand Casino
Ken Kohlert - Fuzztone Music
Corey Fransishyn - Corey Holdings
Andrew Rae - Zerox Canada
Bruce Thurston - Yorkton Coop
Corvyn Neufeld - Cornerstone Credit Union
Terry Pollock - Gifts of Gold
There are still two positions open on the board. Interested parties should call Phil DeVos, executive director, 783 9243. Prospective members must be associated with a company in the business improvement district.
The new YBID board will hold its first meeting on December 4 during which a new chair will be elected.
