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

Executive Director Ext. 202

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.

Hillary Flood

Vibrancy Manager Ext. 203

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 Vibrancy Manager.

Shivaan Burke

Programs and Engagement Coordinator

Shivaan comes to the DBIA with a background in environmental science and eight years of experience working in community engagement across the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Moving to Peterborough in 2008 to live downtown and attend Trent University, Shivaan loves the restaurant scene, access to farmers markets and community events that make our downtown shine. As the Program & Engagement Coordinator at the DBIA Shivaan looks forward to building meaningful connections with businesses and patrons of the downtown to enhance opportunities and experiences for everyone.

Amanda McBain

Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Amanda is a visual storyteller and marketing specialist who has been working with the DBIA since 2021 in support of a number of projects and events. Having studied creative advertising and graphic design, Amanda’s background includes working locally with community organizations as well as small businesses to help them elevate their brands, and brings a diverse set of skills and creative approach to the organization. She is an ongoing member of multiple committees relating to downtown events and culture, such as First Friday Peterborough.

Board of Directors

Michael Cherney

Cherney Properties

Sacha Lai-Svirk

DBIA Chair & Marketing Committee Co-Chair

Laura Montague

DBIA Vice-Chair & DAC Co-Chair

Brad Collyer

Treasurer

Neil Hannam

HR Chair & DAC Co-Chair

Paul Hurley

Vibrancy Chair

Madeleine Hurrell

Marketing Committee Co-Chair

Joe Rees

Engagement Committee Co-Chair

Nigel Lister

Engagement Committee Co-Chair

Alex Bierk

City Councillor

Mark Million

Board Member

Tiffany Arcari

Board Member

Jason Wilkins

Board Member

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