Fleetwood Business Improvement Association

Our Mandate:

Create a strong and unique brand for the Fleetwood Business District
Develop a beautification and façade improvement program
Address safety and security concerns
Initiate and promote community events
Implement commercial tenant retention and recruitment programs

We are actively involved in community planning initiatives, and will continue to work closely with local community groups and all levels of government to ensure that community interests are well represented. This includes advocating for needed public amenities and physical improvements, and providing input on municipal policies and regulations and proposed development applications in and around the Fleetwood business district.

As the Fleetwood BIA becomes more established, we will continue to add additional funding through government grants, private sponsorships, in-kind contributions of goods or services, donations and fund-raising activities. These efforts will significantly increase our operating budget, at no additional cost to members.

The BIA is as strong as its members, and as effective as the level of participation of the membership. Board members provide time and effort with countless volunteer hours for the benefits of the members; we hope and encourage all members to participate in events, projects and ongoing programs designed to improve your businesses and properties. Board members and BIA members have donated furniture, manpower, office space, webdesign and publishing services for the mutual goals of all members of the BIA.

ABOUT BIAs

A Business Improvement Association (BIA) is a non-profit organization that represents all businesses and property owners within a specific area. Government legislation permits and guides the steps necessary for a neighborhood to become a BIA. Locally, its creation, operation, business plan and budget must be approved at the municipal level.

BIAs engage, on behalf of all businesses and property owners within the specific area, in matters such as promotion, festivals, crime prevention, security, cleanliness, transportation, parking and advocacy. BIAs succeeded where voluntary business organizations often fail because the financial contribution of all properties and businesses is obligatory.

BIAs IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

The BIA movement in B.C. began in Gastown in the 1970’s when the property owners, businesses and developers working hard to revitalize the area joined together in the effort. The result of the effort was what we now see as Gastown, a tourist and family-friendly vibrant community. It was not until 1988 when the provincial government finally passed the appropriate legislation to approve Business Improvement Associations. Since that time, over 50 BIA’s have started in BC. Provincially, the BIAs are represented by the Business Improvements Areas of British Columbia (BIABC).

BIAs are not unique to British Columbia. While predominately in North America, some have begun in Europe and elsewhere. The concept is simple, and supported by goverment; unite stakeholders within an area and provide support and authority to improve the community. Iit is quite effective when dedicated members and stakeholders of the area work together for the common goal of business improvement.

Board of Directors

Sandeep Gill

President

Sandeep S. Gill is a Personal Injury Lawyer and the founder of Keystone Law Group. He has practiced for over 12 years in the Fraser Valley. Since day one, he has only helped those injured in motor vehicle accidents caused by the carelessness of others and has never fought to protect the interests of the insurance companies. Born and raised in North Delta, Sandeep S. Gill is a loving husband and father of two beautiful children. He calls the Fleetwood Community of Surrey his home and strives to improve the safety and growth of the vibrant and diverse Fleetwood Community. Sandeep is an active member of the Law Society of British Columbia and the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia.

Bryan McIntosh

Vice President

Bryan is a Certified Financial Planner and the Branch Manager for Prospera Credit Union in Fleetwood. With over 15 years’ experience in banking and investing, he spends his days working with a group financial experts specializing in providing tailored advice on Real Estate Lending, Wealth Management, Personal Insurance and Day to Day banking. Bryan prides himself on making a meaningful difference in people’s financial well-being while improving the community he works in.

Jon Lopes

Member at Large

Jon is a Fleetwood commercial property owner and co-Founder of Lineage Properties Inc. Since 2006, he has worked with their family group of companies, Fleetwood Development Corporation and El Dorado Centre Ltd. As a commercial landlord, property manager and developer, he is an advocate for small businesses, with his goal to connect with everyone on a more personal level. He is always happy to provide business advice, lease insight and tenant support. Jon is dedicated to the success of quality commercial businesses and residential real estate, designed and managed with a purpose, a respect for the past, and excitement for the future. He strives to make a positive impact and is focused on helping businesses and communities thrive. His family’s tie to Fleetwood dates back to 1942, when Olof Person Smith relocated their family to West Fleetwood, a property which is still family owned and managed.

Matthew Brandon

Member at Large

Matt has had a family law practice in Fleetwood for about 12 years. He's been active Board Member of the Evans Lake Camp in Squamish, but last year he realized that since he was spending all of his time at his office, he should become more familiar with the people and businesses in the surrounding community. Matt is looking forward to creating some fun events in Fleetwood and Surrey over the next few years with the BIA.

Clifford Thai

Secretary

Dr. Clifford Thai obtained his Bachelors of Science in Chemistry at Simon Fraser University, where he was also part of the SFU Men’s Rugby Team. It was after his chiropractor helped him with a series of injuries from rugby, that he decided to become a chiropractor himself, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2004 from Palmer College of Chiropractic-West in San Jose. Since 2012, he has been proudly serving the community of Fleetwood as their family chiropractor. He has also served his profession, particularly as a Director for the BC Chiropractic Association from 2009 to 2016, where his portfolios included ICBC Liaison (2010-2015) and Secretary-Treasurer (2010-2016). Later in 2016, he was appointed as Director for the Canadian Chiropractic Association.

Harp Khela

Member at Large

Harp Khela is Century21’s Top Commercial Real Estate Broker worldwide. Specializing in the disposition and acquisition of large land parcels for local and international investors, Harp represents high-calibre buyers and sellers from all over the world who are interested in deploying capital to produce transformative investments in the Fraser Valley. As a catalyst to economic prosperity, Harp serves as a Board Member of the Fleetwood Business Improvement Association (FBIA) and as the Chair of the Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association (DSBIA)’s Executive Board where he is instrumental in transitioning the Fraser Valley to become BC’s largest economic hub.

The Staff

Dean Barbour

Executive Director

Born and raised in Maple Ridge, Dean began his career with diverse experiences—from working at Riverview Hospital to joining Club Med in Cancun. After training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in California, he transitioned into marketing and business development, eventually leading and rebranding a successful marketing firm. In 1998, Dean launched the Indigenous Business Network, Canada’s first online platform for Indigenous entrepreneurs. Returning to Canada in 2001, he went on to train and mentor small business owners through organizations like Small Business BC and Futurpreneur, and led Westcoast Community Enterprise’s self-employment training. As Executive Director of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Chamber of Commerce, Dean spearheaded award-winning initiatives in tourism and economic development. He later joined Langara College as a lead business facilitator and in 2017, became Executive Director of the Fleetwood BIA, where he successfully negotiated a multi-year renewal. With deep experience across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, Dean specializes in working with small businesses, government, and Boards of Directors, with a strong focus on governance, finance, and strategic development.

Robyn-Mae Deang

Business Engagement and Marketing Coordinator

Robyn-Mae Deang has been the Marketing and Business Engagement Coordinator at the Fleetwood BIA since 2017, when she began her work with us as a co-op student. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in English from Simon Fraser University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia. Robyn-Mae is also working as a teacher in the Burnaby School District, teaching secondary and working as a teacher-librarian at the elementary level. Having grown up in Guildford/Fleetwood area, she hopes to see Fleetwood businesses continue to thrive as part of a long-established, resilient and tight-knit community, amidst many rapid changes happening in the town centre. She brings her love for writing, event management and enthusiasm for team collaboration to the BIA.