My Letter to your Business Improvement Area

I wrote letters to the BIAs of Inglewood, Bridgeland and International Avenue in February of 2025. Each has gotten back to me explaining that they have opted to not directly engage with any of the candidates in this election cycle. If there is to be a connection it will be in the form of a group meeting. I respect this decision, but wanted you as a resident of Ward 9 to be aware of the correspondence I’ve had with them.

—————————————————————-

Directors of the Board, 

My name is Harrison Clark, I am a small business owner in Inglewood, where I have run my business for the past 7 years. I have served on the Board of Directors for the BIA of Inglewood. 

I am writing to you today because I am running for City Councillor, as an independent, in Ward 9, where your Business Investment Area operates. Ward 9 encompasses a large collection of Calgary’s oldest communities. It is also made up of a number of small business centres including 9th Avenue South East (Inglewood), 1st Avenue North East (Bridgeland) and International Avenue, shared by Forestlawn and Southview. 

While not represented by BIAs, there are small businesses through-out every one of Ward 9’s neighbourhoods - including Ogden, Renfrew, Dover and Applewood. 

Being a small business owner, I am all too well aware of how it felt to run a business through the pandemic, the work that was required to get back to business on the other side of it. I know first hand the strains that property tax increases and City assessments bring to our budgets and our relationships with landlords. No one has ever suggested it was easy to run your own business, but it can feel particularly difficult these days. 

Small businesses bring spirit to our communities. They are the unique places and experiences that we can point to and say “that’s my neighbourhood!” Or that we take our visitors to, to give them a sense of where we live. Small businesses represent the hopes and dreams of our neighbours. They are an expression of our passions and an invitation to connect with one another.

I firmly believe in the strength and influence that our small business networks bring to our neighbourhoods and I intend to be a strong advocate in my pursuit of the position of City Councillor for Ward 9. And if I am so lucky, as representative for Ward 9 on Council. 

Advocacy is best rooted in open communication and understanding. I would love the opportunity to speak with and hear from your Executive Director, and the board to find out more about the unique needs of your BIA.

I have enclosed some pieces of my literature for you to review. The three pillars of my campaign are affordability, safety and a fair share of investment for Ward 9. I believe all three of these may have direct relevance to your small business community. I would love the opportunity to connect with you at your convenience.

Sincerely,

Harrison M. Clark