About

The Trenton Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) was established on 8 November 1976, designated under a municipal by-law and legislated by the province of Ontario. It is an association encompassing more than 140 businesses located in the heart of Trenton, Ontario. As a non-profit organization represented by a Board of Directors, staff and volunteers, it aims to create an environment that benefits all who visit, work and live in downtown Trenton. It is also designed to be a self-help mechanism that provides the tools and resources necessary to promote and beautify the area, and is the voice of the business community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a DBIA?
A Downtown Business Improvement Area is a provincially legislated association of business people who have joined together to promote, beautify and improve the physical area known as the downtown.

Who manages the DBIA?
The organization is managed by the Downtown Trenton Board of Management – a board elected by the membership and appointed by the City of Quinte West to oversee the DBIA’s activities.

Who funds the organization?
DBIA’s are self-funded – all activities undertaken by the DBIA are funded through a special levy applied to the members of the DBIA.

How do I become a member?
There is only one Downtown Business Improvement Association in Quinte West, Ontario, and that is the Trenton Downtown Business Improvement Association (Trenton DBIA). The Board of Management of the Trenton DBIA consists of up to eight (8) volunteers who are business owners or representatives within the Trenton DBIA boundaries, along with a Quinte West City Council representative. These positions hold a four-year term that runs concurrently with city council terms. These volunteers collectively represent over 150 stores and businesses.

From time to time, mid-term vacancies may occur. The Trenton DBIA will advertise any such vacancies. If you wish to apply, please visit the Trenton DBIA office.

Eligibility for Appointment to the Board of Management of the Trenton DBIA:

  1. Every person who owns commercial or industrial property within an area where a business improvement area (Trenton DBIA) is established, as indicated on the latest revised assessment roll of the City of Quinte West, is responsible for paying the DBIA levy, is subject to receiving notices, and is therefore eligible to be appointed to the Board of Directors.
  2. Within the Trenton DBIA, every person who operates a business, either owning the business premises or holding them under a lease requiring the payment of property taxes, is subject to receiving notice and therefore is eligible to be appointed to the Board of Directors.
  3. Every person operating a business in leased space under a gross lease is a member of the Trenton DBIA, regardless of whether the landlord has exercised the right to make the business owner responsible for the DBIA levy.
  4. Incorporated members shall be represented only by a named person designated in the corporation’s official designation letter for that purpose, filed with the City of Quinte West.

Where do I park?
There are approximately 425 parking spaces in downtown Trenton through a combination of on street spaces, surface lots and parking garages, so there are plenty of spots to choose from. Click here for more information

Where are the washrooms?
Public washrooms can be found at City Hall (7 Creswell Drive) during operating hours and the Trent Port Marina (15 Creswell Drive) during the summer months. Public washrooms are also available at the Trent Port Marina fueling station at Compass Court (Fraser Park Drive) during the summer season, along with where you choose to eat establishments.

You run a number of events in the city – are you looking for volunteers or vendors?
Absolutely! Please contact our office for more information.

The Trenton Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is designated under a municipal by-law and legislated by the province of Ontario. It is an association encompassing more than 140 businesses located in the heart of Trenton, Ontario. As a non-profit organization represented by a Board of Directors, staff and volunteers, it aims to create an environment that benefits all who visit, work and live in downtown Trenton. It is also designed to be a self-help mechanism that provides the tools and resources necessary to promote and beautify the area, and is the voice of the business community.

Mission Statement

The Trenton DBIA is committed to improving and promoting the downtown core through investment and advocacy to further its position as Quinte West’s shopping, business and entertainment destination.

Vision Statement

To be the best downtown destination in Ontario.