Downtown Kingston BIA elects executive management team

Earlier this week, the Downtown Kingston Business Improvement Area (BIA) held their first board meeting of 2023. At the meeting on Wednesday, Jan 18, 2023, their Board of Management elected seven members to the executive, including new Chair, Christine Ray-Bratt, and new Vice-Chair, Gord Dolton. Nick Waterfield will return for another term as Board Treasurer, while outgoing Chair, Ed Smith will remain on the executive as Past Chair.

According to the Ontario Municipal Act, the Board’s term runs concurrent with City Council, with each Director elected for a four-year term. The BIA’s Board of Directors is composed of volunteers from the business community who share an interest in guiding and assisting the BIA going forward.

“I am very encouraged and excited to be working with an amazing group of business professionals as we work together to continue to cultivate and enhance downtown Kingston’s position as the region’s leading culinary, entertainment, shopping and services destination while attracting more people to experience and contribute to our vibrant downtown community,” said BIA Executive Director, Marijo Cuerrier 

The BIA provided the following details on the Chair, Vice-Chair, and Treasurer:

A native Kingstonian, Christine owns and operates independent businesses in downtown Kingston, first opening Chris James in 2010 and more recently Curate.Social. This will represent Christine’s third term on the BIA’s board. 

As General Manager of the Confederation Place Hotel, Gord Dalton has many years of experience in Kingston’s tourism and hospitality sector. Gord has been involved in BIA committees and events, volunteering in multiple capacities for 25 years.

Nick Waterfield, General Manager of Chez Piggy and Pan Chancho Bakery, has been a fixture on the BIA’s board long-serving as a member of the Board and Executive.

The Downtown Kingston BIA’s Board of Management Executive:

• Christine Ray-Bratt – Owner, Chris James/Curate.Social 
• Ed Smith – Owner, Windmills Café Ltd/WCL Kingston Holdings Inc. 
• Gord Dalton – General Manager, Confederation Place Hotel 
• NIck Waterfield – General Manager, Chez Piggy/Pan Chancho 
• Melissa Eapen-Bell – Director of Business Development, Improbable Escapes 
• Stephanie Quick – General Manager, Delta Hotels by Marriott Kingston Waterfront 
• Steve Wallace – Owner, Luce Hair Studio 

For more information about the BIA’s Board of Management, visit their website.