There has been SO much curiosity and speculation about one of the Burlington Downtown Business Association’s (BDBA) multi-year pilot projects … we’re excited to officially share the story behind the colourful “baubles” that have been brightening our downtown for almost a year now! Here’s the story …

In early 2025, the BDBA launched its 10‑year Beautification & Placemaking Plan (as part of our NEW strategic plan!). It’s a commitment to keeping our downtown vibrant, innovative, accessible, and unmistakably ours. One of the most common questions we hear is: “Where exactly are the BIA boundaries?”

So we set to brainstorming some more durable visual cues. We’d had banners in the past, but the upkeep was costly, and everyone does banners. We wanted to do better and to be different! We created the baubles as a creative, highly visible way to answer that question and reinforce our downtown identity. We worked with trusted partners, and the pilot project began! Pilot projects like this are essential.

They allow us to test ideas that look great on paper and make sure they actually function in the real world … in all seasons, all weather, and all the unpredictable conditions of a busy downtown. After nearly a full year of standing strong through sun, snow, wind, and everything in between, we’re confident in the concept and excited to move from pilot phase to what comes next.

Wondering what the baubles represent? So glad you asked! As part of our strategic plan (2025-2028), we tasked ourselves with designing and creating a vibrant, economically sustainable, and evergreen artistic experience throughout our downtown. Through thoughtful design and locally sourced artistic development, the project aims to:

• Enhance community well‑being
• Encourage social interaction
• Reflect local culture
• Create safe, inviting, and aesthetically engaging public spaces

Why did we choose something so colouful? GREAT question! Each of the six bobbles follows the colours of the BDBA logo (this is important for branding continuity).

The different colours and sizes ALSO visually represent the diversity of our community, while their circular form symbolizes continuity, connection, and completeness. Some other rationale for our choice of circles is that they often represent:

• Unity, wholeness, stability
• Balance, harmony, logic
• Inclusivity and community
• Perfection
• Cycles of life
• Cultural symbols such as wedding rings (eternity), wheels (forward motion), mandalas (spiritual connection), and Olympic rings (unity across borders)

Our organization’s role is to help transform public areas of the downtown into safe, inviting, and aesthetically pleasing environments that inspire pride and connection among residents, visitors and small business owners. The baubles work to outline the BIA boundaries, creatively signalling when you are in our downtown small business community.

Approved by the City of Burlington and our Board of Directors in 2025, this strategic plan project marks the first step in our long-term beautification and placemaking strategy. A quick reminder: BDBA initiatives are funded through the commercial levy paid by downtown businesses. No residential tax dollars support BDBA programming or beautification projects. All BDBA programming, placemaking and beautification projects are supported exclusively by a small business levy, no funds are provided by the general, citywide residential tax base

We are THRILLED that year two of our ten-year beautification and placemaking initiatives are creating a buzz!

We’re excited to continue shaping a downtown that reflects the creativity, diversity, and spirit of the people who love it most. If you’re curious about this project or any of our ongoing beautification initiatives, we’d love to hear from you.