DAC’s Memorandum of Understanding

Between the Members of the Business Improvement Organizations in Atlantic Canada To be referred to in future as the Downtowns Atlantic Canada Hereafter known as the DAC. December 3, 2009

This Memorandum of Understanding is hereby made and entered into by and between, the Downtown Business Improvement Organizations of Atlantic Canada. The new organization is to be known as the Downtowns Atlantic Canada (DAC).

It is further understood that DAC is open to Business Improvement Areas, Business Improvement Districts and Downtowns who represent an urban core whose majority of funding is obtained through an urban business improvement area levy and who have indicated to date their interest in participating in this organization.

Purpose:

The Business Improvement Areas of Atlantic Canada are forming the Downtowns Atlantic Canada (herein after called the “DAC”) to work together to improve our position as unique, diverse, vibrant and economically healthy urban cores.

Mission:

Our mission is to be recognized as the collective voice of the Downtown Business Improvement Areas of Atlantic Canada.

To increase partnerships with our Provincial and Municipal governments as well as with the Federal Government to achieve our goals of growth and investment in our urban cores.To be an efficient organization that provides assistance, process and information to its members.To bring the challenges of urban economic development to the attention of decision makers able to facilitate actions which will result in prosperous and vibrant business improvement areas.

Statement:

The Downtowns of Atlantic Canada join together and sign this Memorandum of Understanding which will outline the benefits that downtowns contribute to our individual communities and to the provinces of Atlantic Canada.

DAC is committed to work toward prosperity for our downtowns, which is the purest form of economic development, as our concept is a self-help approach to revitalizing our defined business improvement areas.By supporting DAC, all non residential property owners within the BIA provide the impetus for revitalization by investing in improvements to infrastructure, input on public policy, promoting development, and supporting economic and socio-cultural changes.The business community wants to ensure that by working together, we create prosperous, competitive and safe downtowns that encourage people to live, work, shop, visit and gather.Downtowns are the ‘heart and soul’ of our communities and are significant generators of wealth and employment.Downtowns have a focus on cultural activity, heritage preservation, tourism promotion, festivals and events, shopping, dining, safety, beautification and civic pride as well as of range of other activities.Downtowns support and encourage sustainable community development policies, initiatives and actions.

Understanding:

It is understood and agreed by all members of Downtowns Atlantic Canada that:

Collaboratively we work for the benefit of all members of Downtowns Atlantic CanadaThat modification within the scope of this MOU shall be made with the consent of the majority of all current members of Downtowns Atlantic Canada.That membership requires yearly dues (proportionate to levy revenue). This will be determined by a majority vote at the first Annual General Meeting of Downtowns Atlantic Canada.

Benefits:

There are a number of benefits to the development of the DAC that include but are not limited to the following:

Include opportunities to increase funding partnerships and policy development with all levels of government and a stronger voice for downtown revitalizationThe benefits obtained through this cooperative effort will be provided through promotion of an urban strategy which identifies such challenges as brought about by an aging population, environmental impacts relating to growth, business retention, urban sprawl, residential and urban planning, economic development, tourism and heritage and culture.Additional benefits would include partnerships to address challenges around social issues such as housing, homelessness, urban poverty, addiction and crime.