CAMBRIDGE, Ont. — The City of Cambridge has opened nominations for the 2026-2030 Boards of Management overseeing the city’s three Business Improvement Areas, giving eligible members of the local business community an opportunity to help shape priorities for some of Cambridge’s key commercial districts.
The elections will select board members for the Downtown Cambridge, Hespeler Village and Preston Towne Centre Business Improvement Areas, commonly known as BIAs. Nominations will remain open until Friday, September 4, at 4:30 p.m., ahead of separate elections scheduled during each organization’s Annual General Meeting in September.
Cambridge Seeks Business Leaders for Three BIA Boards
BIA boards provide leadership and strategic direction for their respective commercial districts. Their work includes supporting local businesses and helping guide initiatives aimed at maintaining active and attractive destinations for residents, visitors and entrepreneurs.
Eligible business owners, property owners, tenants and nominees within the three districts are being encouraged to consider seeking a board position.
“Cambridge’s BIAs play an important role in supporting local businesses, strengthening our commercial districts and helping create dynamic destinations for residents and visitors,” said City Manager Rob Axiak. “Serving on a BIA Board is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to your business community, share your expertise and help shape local priorities. I encourage eligible members to consider putting their names forward.”
BIA Boards Connect Businesses With Local Priorities
Business Improvement Areas are designed to bring businesses and property stakeholders within defined commercial districts together to support their local areas.
For Cambridge, the upcoming elections will determine who helps provide direction to the three BIAs during the same four-year period as the municipal council term.
Board participation gives members of the business community a direct opportunity to contribute their knowledge of local commercial conditions and participate in decisions affecting their districts.
The boards can also play an important role in coordinating priorities among businesses and helping commercial areas remain competitive and welcoming as consumer habits and local economic conditions evolve.
Who Is Eligible to Run in Cambridge BIA Elections?
Under the eligibility requirements, candidates seeking election to a BIA board must have a qualifying connection to the district they hope to represent.
Candidates may be an assessed owner of rateable property within the BIA or a tenant who is responsible for paying all or part of the property taxes associated with a property in the district.
A person may also seek a position as the nominee of an eligible property owner or tenant. Members of Cambridge City Council are also eligible to serve.
BIAs are required to conduct a general election every four years, with board terms aligned with the term of City Council. The 2026 elections will therefore establish the Boards of Management for the 2026-2030 period.
Three September Election Meetings Scheduled
Each of Cambridge’s three BIAs will conduct its election separately during its Annual General Meeting.
The Hespeler Village BIA will hold its election on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
The Downtown Cambridge BIA election is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, at 6 p.m., followed by the Preston Towne Centre BIA election on Wednesday, September 23, at 6 p.m.
The staggered schedule allows members of each commercial district to participate in the election process specific to their BIA.
Nomination Deadline Set for September 4
Prospective candidates have until 4:30 p.m. on September 4 to submit their nominations. Those considering a position are being advised to review the eligibility requirements and election information before applying.
The election process comes as municipalities across Ontario continue to focus on strengthening downtowns and neighbourhood commercial areas amid changing retail patterns, development pressures and evolving consumer expectations.
For Cambridge’s three BIAs, the incoming boards will have an opportunity to help establish local priorities for the next four years while representing the interests of businesses and property stakeholders in their respective districts.
Nomination forms, detailed eligibility requirements and additional information about the BIA Board elections are available through the City of Cambridge’s BIA election information page.