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.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE BIA?
Our mandate is to enhance and beautify the BIA district and nurture business opportunities through marketing and co-promotions, streetscaping, seasonal events and decorations as well as community and capacity-building initiatives. We support and help sustain a vibrant, lively community that people want to be a part of and where businesses can thrive.
HOW ARE WATERDOWN VILLAGE ACTIVITIES FUNDED?
Waterdown Village programs and activities are funded by local property owners (and their tenants) through a portion of their commercial tax levies.
HOW DOES A BUSINESS BECOME A MEMBER OF THE BIA?
Bricks and mortar businesses within the Waterdown Village BIA footprint are automatically members of the BIA. If your business is located within BIA boundaries and you do not see it listed in our business directory, contact us at info@waterdownvillage.ca.
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Meet Our Team

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT

Portrait of Gord Manzer smiling against a rough hewn stone background.

Gord Manzer

Chair, Waterdown BIA Board of Management
Owner, Manzer Insurance Services Inc (The Cooperators)

Gord was nominated to fill a director vacancy on the BIA Board of Management in 2017 and was re-elected to the board in 2018, at which time he was appointed Vice Chair. The BIA is fortunate to draw on Gord’s solid background in risk management and financial planning. Gord has deep roots in the Waterdown community and is raising his young family here. He brings a fresh perspective to planning business programs and family-oriented events. He assumed the position of Chair of the Board in 2022.
Portrait of Shari Stolpmann smiling against a grey background.

Shari Stolpmann

Treasurer, Waterdown BIA Board of Management
Partner, BLL LLP Professional Chartered Accountants

Shari joined the Waterdown BIA Board of Management as a Director in 2018 and was elected to the position of Treasurer shortly afterward. Shari brings more than 30 years’ of accounting and financial management experience to the BIA to provide strong financial leadership and oversight. As treasurer, Shari plays a key role in budget preparation and monthly financial reporting and works with City-appointed auditors to prepare the BIA’s financial statements.
Portrait of Amanda Groves smiling against a tan background.

Amanda Groves

Vice Chair, Waterdown BIA Board of Management & Chair, Marketing Committee
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 stepped up to Chair the BIA’s Marketing Committee and has provided leadership for several large marketing initiatives including a brand refresh project, artists’ submissions for new banners and a BIA website overhaul. She is currently Vice Chair of the Board. The BIA appreciates Amanda’s pragmatic, professional and progressive approach to tackling BIA issues.

Portrait of Christina Birmingham smiling against a grey background.

Christina Birmingham

Director, Waterdown BIA Board of Management
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 a multitude of philanthropic organizations from Rotary & Ribfest to the Terry Fox Run, Flamborough Women’s Resource Centre & Chili Fest. She was also a member of the Flamborough Chamber Board of Directors for 6 years. 

Portrait of Sheila Locke smiling against a white background.

Sheila Locke

Director, Waterdown BIA Board of Management
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.

Portrait of Buket Necip leaning against a brick wall smiling with her arms crossed.

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. 

Portrait of Drew Paget smiling against a dark background.

Drew Paget

Director, Waterdown BIA Board of Management
Co-owner, Mill Street & 5 – The American

As co-owner of one of Waterdown Village’s most storied and landmark pubs, Drew has hosted thousands of local guests, business customers and out-of-town visitors. His participation on the BIA board (since 2018) has allowed him the opportunity to give back and support the community he is grateful to call home. Drew is a big supporter of, and advisor on, Village beautification efforts and community promotions.

Portrait of Shari Reaume standing in front of a building.

Shari Reaume

Director, 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.
Portrait of Judi Partridge smiling against a white background.

Councillor Judi Partridge

Director, Waterdown BIA Board of Management
Ward 15 Councillor, Flamborough

Judi is a true community champion, a strong supporter of all things Flamborough and the BIA’s go-to liaison with the City of Hamilton. Judi was first elected to City Council in 2010 at which time she was appointed to the BIA Board of Management as our local representative of Council. She has served the Waterdown BIA in that capacity for more than 11 years now. Prior to entering the political arena, Judi held several senior management positions and is well-attuned to the challenges facing entrepreneurs.

STAFF

Portrait of Susan Pennie smiling with green hedges in the background.

Susan Pennie

Executive Director

susan@waterdownvillage.ca

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.

Portrait of Adam Neumann smiling with trees in the background.

Adam Neumann

Social Media Coordinator
Farmers’ Market Manager

adam@waterdownvillage.ca
farmersmarket@waterdownvillage.ca

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.