The DBIA
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.
We respectfully acknowledge that downtown Peterborough is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations.
We respectfully acknowledge that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity, and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
As the DBIA, we are committed to fostering respectful relationships and supporting reconciliation efforts that uphold the rights and dignity of Indigenous peoples. We strive to ensure that our initiatives, partnerships, and community spaces reflect inclusivity, celebrate cultural diversity, and contribute to a shared vision of connection and mutual respect.
In the spirit of reconciliation, we pledge to learn, listen, and act in ways that support the aspirations of Indigenous communities while working together to build a vibrant and thriving downtown for everyone.
We are all treaty people.
Message from Sacha Lai-Svirk, Chairperson
The DBIA Commits to Leading Positive Change in the City
Hello Peterborough!
I’m Sacha Lai-Svirk, Chair of the DBIA and a longtime business owner on George Street. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that our downtown is truly something special – it’s a place full of character, community, and incredible people working hard to make this city thrive.
At the DBIA, we’re all about lifting up our local businesses, creating a welcoming space for everyone, and making sure downtown Peterborough is a place people want to be. Whether it’s championing small businesses, supporting local culture, or building connections with in the community, we’re here to keep the heart of our city beating strong.
I’d also like to recognize the talented DBIA Team and Board of Directors who are bringing fresh ideas and endless passion to our downtown. We’re all excited to work together and keep moving forward to make downtown Peterborough the best it can be.
Looking forward to what’s next.
Sacha Lai-Svirk,
DBIA Board Chair and Partner at Outpost379
Our Team
Nour Mazloum
Nour stepped into the role as the Executive Director of Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) in June, 2024. Prior to her role at Peterborough DBIA she led the development, writing and production of business collaterals, media strategies and public relations for Kingston Economic Development. She brings a wealth of experience, having also served as a Director at the Economic Developers Council of Ontario’s (EDCO) Board of Directors and as the Co-Chair of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Nour's contributions have been recognized with EDCO’s 2021 President Award and the 2022 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Influencer of the Year Award. She was recently honoured as Ontario's Champion of Diversity. Nour holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Philosophy and Political Studies from Queen’s University and currently working towards her MBA at the Royal Military College of Canada.
Amanda Bedford
Amanda is a passionate visual storyteller and marketing specialist who has been working with the DBIA since 2021 on a number of projects and events, and since has led many innovative campaigns and events that showcase the vibrancy and diversity of our local community. With a focus on both digital and in-person engagement, and driven by community impact, she is committed to supporting the DBIA's mission and increasing downtown Peterborough's visibility, contributing to a more connected and resilient downtown. With a degree in Advertising from Humber College and Graphic Design & Visual Communications from Fleming College, Amanda brings a versatile set of skills. She previously ran her own practice, empowering local businesses and nonprofits through tailored visuals and uplifting digital narratives. Amanda is an active participant on multiple committees focused on downtown events and culture - such as First Friday Peterborough.
Connor English
Connor is a lifelong Peterborough resident deeply committed to the city’s continued growth and revitalization. Growing up in Peterborough, Connor developed a strong connection to the community and a passion for supporting local businesses, having experienced firsthand the unique charm of the downtown core. Before joining the DBIA, Connor was a small business owner where he gained valuable insights into the needs and aspirations of local entrepreneurs. This background has made him a dedicated advocate for small business success, bringing a personal understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing downtown business owners. His experience on both sides of the table fuels their drive to ensure that the downtown remains an inclusive, thriving hub of commerce and culture.
Ellie Girard
Ellie brings a fresh perspective and enthusiastic energy to the role of Events and Administrative Assistant. With a strong passion for organization, collaboration, and creative problem-solving, she helps support the successful execution of DBIA-led events and day-to-day operations. Eager to learn and contribute, Ellie approaches each project with a positive attitude and a keen eye for detail. Outside of work, she enjoys dancing competitively and is always ready to embrace new challenges.Board of Directors
Michael Cherney
Sacha Lai-Svirk
Brad Collyer
Neil Hannam
Shelby Leanard-Watt
Shannon Mak
Matt Couture
Deanna Guttman
Paul Hurley
Alexandra Pyle
Madeleine Hurrell
Joe Rees
Nigel Lister
Tiffany Arcari
Downtown Boundaries
Peterborough is an amazing community to live and work in. A vibrant downtown is surrounded by a central area next to the beautiful Otonabee River on the Trent Severn waterway. The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area is roughly located within the following boundaries: West to Bethune Street, East to the Otonabee River, North to Murray Street, and South to Dalhousie Street.
