About
Waterdown
Village
Waterdown Village rests atop the scenic Niagara Escarpment. It is a thriving and growing business community with a long history of commercial trade, where heritage landmarks neighbour with newer builds; where the charm of yesteryear meets youthful modern energy and where personal attention is a defining trademark. Whether you are looking to shop, eat, relax, play, relax, get healthy and stay well, or require varied services – You Can Have It All in Waterdown Village.
Located at the top of the escarpment, at the head of Lake Ontario, people have been born on, lived and died on this land for at least 15,000 years. Today, Waterdown and Flamborough are still home to many indigenous people from across Turtle Island.
This land is the territory of the Chonnonton, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and most recently the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and is subject to many treaties including the Dish With One Spoon Wampum, Treaty of Niagara (1764), Silver Convenant Chain of Friendship, and Treaty No. 3 (1792).
We are grateful to have the opportunity to live and work in this community, on this territory.
About Waterdown Village
The Waterdown Village Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a geographic commercial district running along the Dundas and Hamilton Street corridors (between Mill St. and just west of Perelli Streets, east/west and Barton St. and Parkside Dr., south/north) with more than 250 shops, restaurants, salons, spas and service providers, each dedicated to offering a unique visitor experience.
Meet Our Team
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
Amanda Groves
Chair, Waterdown BIA Board of Management &
Lawyer, Groves Law
Amanda was elected to the Waterdown BIA Board of Management in 2018. Prior to joining the board, Amanda was a frequent participant in BIA networking and planning events. Amanda acted as Chair the BIA’s Marketing Committee from 2019 – 2022 providing leadership for several large marketing initiatives including a brand refresh project, artists’ submissions for new banners and a BIA website overhaul. Amanda moved to the Vice Chair position in 2022 and was appointed Chair of the board in 2023. The BIA appreciates Amanda’s pragmatic, professional and progressive approach to tackling BIA issues.
Shari Stolpmann
Treasurer, Waterdown BIA Board of Management
Partner, BLL LLP Professional Chartered Accountants
Shari Reaume
Vice Chair, Waterdown BIA Board of Management
Branch Manager, Turkstra Lumber Company
A 25-year resident of the Flamborough area, Shari has been a part of the family-owned Turkstra Lumber organization for nearly 7 years. She was pleased to come ‘home’ to Waterdown Turkstra as Branch Manager in 2021. Shari brings strong construction, administration, teaching and team building experience to the Board, along with the perspective of medium-sized enterprises. Shari is excited for the opportunity to support the growth and development of the local economy and to serve her community. Shari joined the executive committee as Vice Chair in early 2023.
Christina Birmingham
Secretary, Waterdown BIA Board of Management & Chair, Marketing Committee
Principal Consultant, Birmingham Consulting
Christina came to the BIA Board in 2022 with an aim to help keep the needs of the many B2B service-based businesses at the forefront of BIA planning. Christina’s diverse background includes HR consulting, finance, administration and customer service, as well as 10+ years’ experience in operations/office management at Birmingham Consulting, a local cyber & technology service provider. Christina supports many philanthropic organizations from Rotary & Ribfest to the Terry Fox Run, Flamborough Women’s Resource Centre & Chili Fest. She is past President of Flamborough Chamber of Commerce and assumed the Secretary and Marketing Committee Chair roles for the BIA in 2023.
Krista Allan
Director, Waterdown BIA Board of Management
Store Manager, The Wine Shops
Krista’s background includes 35+ years’ experience working various real estate and customer service roles in both small businesses and large corporations. Krista joined The Wine Shop as a sales rep in 2017, quickly moving up to manage one store, then two and since 2019 she has been responsible for three locations. She moved from Oakville to Waterdown because she loves the small town vibe and big city amenities. Krista is a proud booster of the Niagara wine region and is excited to play a role in supporting the growth and success of the local Waterdown business community.
Jenn Calvano
Director, Waterdown BIA Board of Management
Sales Representative, Rockhaven Realty Inc.
Jenn was raised in Waterdown and followed the family footsteps into the real estate business. This busy mom of two loves helping others make Waterdown their hometown. Joining the BIA board of management was a natural move for Jenn who is excited to bring her local experience to the table, working with fellow entrepreneurs to support community building to ensure Waterdown is a place where all families can live, work and thrive.
Sheila Locke
Director, Waterdown BIA Board of Management & Chair, Farmers’ Market Committee
Sales Representative, SMART Re/Max Realty
Sheila is a long-time resident of Waterdown and has helped make the dream of living here a reality for many local homebuyers as a real estate specialist practicing in the Flamborough area for several years. Sheila has always promoted the uniqueness of Waterdown Village to prospective buyers and is excited to contribute to building an even stronger community as an active member of the BIA. Sheila joined the BIA in 2020 and helps guide SMART decisions. Since 2022, Sheila has been Chair of the Committee that guides the seasonal Waterdown Farmers’ Market hosted by the BIA.
Cat McCrimmon
Director, Waterdown Board of Management
Owner, Rustic Daisy’s
Cat is a second-generation entrepreneur, having grown up under the mentorship of her retail shop proprietor mom. Cat has rural roots, loves the outdoors and opened Rustic Daisy’s in 2019 after organizing several outdoor artisan and holiday markets. Shop visitors are often greeted by Cat’s two four-legged mascots, the resident pups. Cat is an ambassador for all things local and a passionate force behind the Shop Local movement in Waterdown. She looks forward to growing support for the local business community as a contributing member of the BIA board of management.
Buket Necip
Director, Waterdown BIA Board of Management
Owner, Free2Be Wellness
In April 2022, following a 20-year career in the world of finance and fintech, Buket decided to flex her entrepreneurial muscle and passion for wellness and opened a unique, holistic training and wellness studio in the heart of Waterdown Village. Eager to immerse herself in the local business community and keep her strategic planning skills well-conditioned, Buket joined the BIA Board of Management shortly after opening Free2Be Wellness. Buket has previously held board governance roles with YMCA-YWCA of Guelph, Brant United Way, and Kids Help Phone.
Councillor Ted McMeekin
Director, Waterdown BIA Board of Management
Ward 15 Councillor, Flamborough
Born and raised in Hamilton, Ted has lived a life of service. He served two terms as Mayor of the Town of Flamborough before completing five terms as Flamoborough MPP which included service in four Ontario Cabinet portfolios. Ted is a lifetime community volunteer and a former small business owner/operator – he understands the needs of small business and how to affect change at both the municipal and provincial level. Ted was elected to City Council in 2022 and is the Council-appointed representative on Waterdown’s BIA Board of Management.
STAFF
Susan Pennie
Executive Director
Susan joined the Waterdown BIA in the fall of 2016 following a 20-plus year career as a marketing and communications consultant supporting clients large and small in the food service, packaged goods and not-for-profit sectors. Prior to being a Consultant, Susan worked in advertising, human resources and public relations. She has resided in Waterdown Village for nearly 30 years and is grateful for the opportunity to work with local entrepreneurs who share a desire to see our Village grow and thrive.
Adam Neumann
Social Media Coordinator
Farmers’ Market Manager
Adam came to the Waterdown BIA in the fall of 2019 with a diverse background in hospitality, entertainment and sound technology. Adam spends his 9 to 5 promoting business news on BIA social media platforms and works closely with local farm vendors and small batch producers to deliver a great Waterdown Farmers’ Market experience. When not at the BIA, you may catch Adam on stage with a guitar in hand sharing his love of music with appreciative audiences across Hamilton.