Seaforth Business Improvement Area

The Seaforth Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a non-profit organization established in 1981 for the purpose of revitalizing and maintaining Seaforth's dynamic downtown, and to promote the area as a business and shopping destination.

The Seaforth BIA aims to accomplish this through:

• Marketing
• Business Recruitment
• Streetscape Improvement and other amenities
• Seasonal Decorations
• Special Events

The BIA meets monthly at the Huron East Municipal Office or virtually. Meeting dates, agendas and minutes are available on the Council Calendar.

On this page:

1. History of Seaforth and the downtown
2. About the Seaforth BIA
3. Seaforth BIA boundary
4. Shop to Win
5. Special events
6. Stay connected
7. Seaforth BIA strategic plan

History of Seaforth and the downtown

Seaforth is a quintessential small Ontario town, dating from the early railway era in Victorian times. Anticipating the arrival of the Buffalo, Brantford and Goderich Railroad between 1850 and 1853, brothers Christopher and George Sparling purchased much of the land that would become Seaforth. In 1856, George laid out a subdivision, while Christopher sold most of his property in Tuckersmith Township to a group of investors led by James Patton of Barrie, Ontario. Patton is said to have procured a railway station and named it Seaforth. Situated on the Huron Road (Hwy 8) and the railway, the town was a shipping point for wheat.

It wasn't long after that that Seaforth had a post office, several hotels, a doctor, a blacksmith, a wagon-maker and several firms engaged in the building trades and the buying and selling of grain. Seaforth was a noted grain-buying centre. At one time, firms were handling a million dollars worth of wheat each year, more than any point in Ontario, Toronto being no exception. The town was incorporated in 1875.

In September of 1876, at two o'clock in the morning, a fire broke out in Mrs. Griffith's candy and grocery store raging through Main Street, destroying 12 acres of the business section. However, the town rebounded quickly and Main Street was rebuilt with bricks and mortar, known as 'Commercial Blocks', which are still present today more than a century later. The most impressive was the one built by Alexander Cardno, more commonly referred to as 'The Cardno Block', located at the centre of the west side of Main Street. This structure contained the town's first clock tower and served as a hub for social activities held in the Cardno Music and Concert Hall, located on the second floor, and flanked by tall windows overlooking the bustling main street. The clock still continues to keep perfect time and remains a constant reminder of the district's illustrious past.

For more history about our historic downtown, be sure to enjoy a self-guided tour of Seaforth. This tour and others in Huron East, are available on the Community History page.

About the Seaforth BIA

The Downtown Seaforth Business Membership, is a non-profit organization established in 1981 through the Ontario Municipal Act, and Municipal By-Law and subsequent amendments. The organization is a Committee of Council. 

The geographical area, in most part, is located in historic downtown Seaforth, a heritage conservation district designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act and governed by a Board of Directors elected from the town business community, its property owners, one member from the community at large and an appointed council representative.

The responsibilities of its board members, including the term of office are outlined in By-law 14 of 1981 and subsequent amendments. The association is funded by a levy placed on the property taxes of each owner within the business improvement area, and a fee payed by associate members, who have businesses outside the designated boundaries. The budget is circulated to the general membership at an annual meeting after which it is presented to the Huron East Council for approval.
 
The Seaforth Downtown is unique in the fact that it is one of the oldest heritage conservation districts in Ontario. Many of the facades that currently line the main street are wonderful examples of mid to late 19th century architecture, governed by heritage guidelines developed in 1984 by renowned heritage architect and planner, Chris Borgal and Nick Hill and administered through the Huron East Municipal Heritage Committee.

Seaforth BIA boundary

Below is a map of the Seaforth BIA District. In addition to these properties and businesses, the BIA has several associate members. For a list of members, see 2025 Seaforth BIA Membership.

Shop to win

Shop to Win is an exciting Shop Local promotion that the Seaforth BIA runs annually. Throughout the year, residents and visitors are encouraged to collect five receipts from BIA businesses, put them in an envelope with their contact information and place the envelope to the white mailbox at the BIA Centre at 40 Main Street South.

Three winners are drawn on the last Friday of each month at Noon starting in June. You could win BIA gift certificates valued at $100 (first prize), $75 (second prize) and $50 (third prize). A grand prize draw is held in December. BIA gift certificates may be used at any member business. See 2025 Seaforth BIA Membership.

Special events

The Seaforth BIA is proud to host the following events each year:

• Annual Seaforth Easter Egg Hunt
• Seaforth Summerfest
• Downtown Seaforth Ladies Night

These events would not take place without dedicated community volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering for these special events, please contact the BIA. The BIA welcomes students looking for volunteer hours.

Stay connected

Special BIA events, Shop to Win information and winners and member sales and events are frequently shared on the Shop Seaforth social media channels. Visit us on Facebook and Instagram!