What is the DBIA?
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is a non-profit organization that champions the continuing commercial development of the Peterborough downtown. We partner with businesses and advocate on their behalf. We are a group of entrepreneurs and visionaries who live and work in the downtown core and represent the members of this community.
Our goals are bold and ambitious, and we get things done. We dedicate our time to understanding the complexities of local issues and we build strong partnerships for the mutual benefit of local enterprises and the Peterborough community. We are your passionate and informed voice for diverse social issues that impact our core.
Our Team

Terry Guiel
Terry was hired as the executive director of the DBIA in 2013. As a former City Councillor he comes with a wealth of knowledge in how a city operates. With a background as a legal assistant and a professional event organizer and entertainer, Terry brings a unique and diverse skill set to his role. Terry has served on over 40 boards and committees over the years and was elected to the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA ) board of directors in 2020. He is a three-time Community Betterment Award recipient and has led Peterborough’s BIA to multiple OBIAA Awards.
Dawn Pond
Dawn manages the DBIA’s Downtown Vibrancy Projects that aim to rejuvenate under-utilized spaces in our downtown through community participation and partnerships with local organizations, such as GreenUP. Dawn has a Masters in Pollination Biology from the University of Manitoba and a B.Sc. degree in Plant and Soil Science from the University of Aberdeen. She has several years of experience managing research projects, speaker series, art workshops, and Depave Paradise projects. She puts her experience with botany and art to use through the Downtown Vibrancy Project. Her passion lies in creating environmentally resilient and beautiful green spaces in challenging urban environments.
Hillary Flood
Hillary grew up just outside the downtown of Peterborough and has dedicated her career to enhancing the livability and vibrancy of her hometown. Working primarily in the non-profit sector Hillary has managed a number of high-profile projects including Peterborough Pulse, 100in1Day, Bike-Friendly Business, and Win this Space. Hillary brings to the team a love for all things Peterborough and a unique community-based lens to the role of Communications and Marketing Manager.Board of Directors

Michael Gallant

Tegan Moss

Sacha Lai-Svirk

Brad Collyer

Jean Grant

Michael Cherney

Kemi Akapo

Susan Tung

Brianna Salmon

Tracie Bertrand

Scott Murison

Laura Montague

Judy Byrne
