Plains Road is evolving, growing and changing!

The Aldershot Village BIA Business Improvement Area (ABIA) identifies Aldershot as a distinct community for shopping, dining and for doing business. In addition the BIA has contributed to a variety of initiatives including the completion of a full interchange at Waterdown Road and revitalization and development along the Plains Road corridor. The Aldershot Village BIA, established in December 2004, has partnered with other Aldershot groups – the Aldershot Community Honour Roll, Plains Road Village Vision Group, Partnering Aldershot, and others to build support for approximately 250 retailers and service professionals. Fostering community engagement can strengthen and build community interest, spirit, pride and networks well beyond the boundaries of a BIA. Our Board consists of hardworking business owners who volunteer their time to make our business community a better place!

Executive Board

Sonia PagliusoChair
Stillwater Float Centre

Sonia and her husband began their journey working dead-end jobs, always looking for something more meaningful. They took a chance by opening a food booth at a local flea market, which quickly became a success. Inspired to aim higher, they sold their home in Toronto and purchased a Mr. Sub franchise in Aldershot, Burlington. They immediately fell in love with the community, building strong relationships and a loyal customer base.
After many successful years, they sold the sub shop in 2025 to focus on new opportunities. In 2018, they had also founded Stillwater Float Center, a wellness space in Burlington dedicated to helping the community relax and recharge. Stillwater continues to thrive today, serving the community they are proud to call home.
When she’s not working at Stillwater, Sonia enjoys skydiving, hiking, and spending time with her family.

Miriam MulkewichTreasurer
Fit for Life Physiotherapy

Miriam Mulkewich grew up in Aldershot , continues to have a family connection here and has established a business in Aldershot. She has been offering physiotherapy services in the Aldershot community for 18 years. She is the co-owner of Fit for Life Physiotherapy, which has been serving the community since 2009. Fit for Life Physiotherapy offers one on one physiotherapy services to all ages and to clients with musculoskeletal injuries as well as concussion management, stroke recovery, osteoporosis management and pelvic health. The clinic also offers Pilates and Yoga classes.

Allen TeskaVice Chair
Financial Planning Services CFP, CIM, FCSI

Allen focuses on working with clients to create long term, personalized investment plans that make your goals achievable while reducing financial anxiety.

He is a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Investment Manager in the Aldershot Community with Financial Planning Services, also having a large portion of his 20 year career working in various senior roles in Canada’s financial services industry. His passions combine; his investment management expertise and his deep seated desire to help people in his personal and business community. He is passionate about the role and importance of financial literacy / knowledge and accountability guiding clients future success.

When he is not working, he enjoys time with his wife Lara, Children; Charlie and Gabriel, Miniature Poodle Elvis; hanging around Burlington’s various; rinks, splash pads, conservation areas & parks.

Heidi RogersSecretary
Director of Aldershot Foot Clinic & Mobile Services

Heidi was born and raised in Burlington, and she currently resides in Aldershot. She has been a practicing foot care nurse for over 20 years. Her experience ranges from diabetic health educator, health program development and providing foot care training within class and clinic settings. Heidi and her team continue to provide foot care at long term care facilities as well as local community and at her clinic.

Board Members

Councillor Kelvin Galbraith
City of Burlington

Kelvin was sworn in to Burlington City Council and Halton Regional Council in December 2018. He currently serves as Ward/Regional Councillor of Ward 1, comprised of the Aldershot, Tyandaga and Maple Communities.

Kelvin was born and raised in the Aldershot community and currently lives and works within the boundaries of the Aldershot mobility hub. Kelvin’s roots are deep in Ward 1, having attended Fairfield and Maplehurst Public Schools. Following his graduation from Aldershot High School in 1992, he furthered his education by graduating from Brock University with an Honours Bachelors of Business Administration. Applying his business training, hard work and a passion for serving people, Kelvin has successfully owned and managed several businesses in Aldershot including a property holding company and The Fitness Firm Inc. for the past 20 years. In addition to his work, he has volunteered and served as Chairman of the Aldershot Village Business Improvement Association for the past 11 years and was a founding member. Currently, 24 of Kelvin’s immediate and extended family, including his six children, reside in Ward 1. When Kelvin is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family. He assists in coaching several of his children’s hockey teams and is a committed player on several teams throughout the year. The family cottage is his favourite getaway, providing his family with a playground of activities and quality time together.

Jimmy BediShoppers Drug Mart - Associate Owner
Jimmy Bedi is the Associate Owner of Shoppers Drug Mart on Plains Road in Aldershot. He took ownership of the store in 2022 and is excited to be working in a thriving and growing community.
Passionate about serving the community, Jimmy has been working in community pharmacy for the past 14 years and became a licensed pharmacist in 2013. He has continued to provide face-to-face care for patients to impact their lives in a positive way. He focuses on helping people understand their medications so they can better manage their health through increased knowledge and confidence.
Jaqcui CroninThe Platter Company - Owner
I was born a foodie! My love and passion for this industry and learning about different cultures is undeniable. I’ve travelled all over the world and lived in the UK as well as Luxembourg. When I was in Luxembourg I worked for the Canadian Consulate to assist ex-pats find their feet in their new surroundings. I also was the President of the Canadian Club event planning for those missing home (me included).
My family and I moved back to Canada in 2004 and hung our hat in Burlington! Originally from Toronto, I fell in love with my new home and surroundings. So, it only made sense to take what I knew and hang my shingle The Platter Company – Gourmet Market and start a new business here in Aldershot, my home.
The pandemic showed me what true community spirit is all about. The people of Aldershot came out to support my business and now, it’s my turn. Being apart of the BIA is my way of giving back, learning, listening and making Aldershot a destination.
David NixonNixons Martial Arts - Sensei & Owner
Sensei David Nixon is the owner and head instructor at Nixon’s Martial Arts. He has been an active participant and student in Karate and the Martial Arts since 1985 and currently holds a 5th degree Black Belt. Starting at the age of 13 David has trained in Canada, England and the United States. Furthermore, he is a former member of the WKC Canadian National Karate Team where he has represented Canada at many international competitions held around the world. Nationally he is a bronze, silver and gold medal champion and internationally he has earned both bronze and silver medals for Canada.

David has been teaching Karate classes to adults and kids since 1997. In addition, he also offers non-contact Kickboxing for fitness classes daily. He is passionate about what he does and he can speak firsthand to the benefits training in Karate can bring to all of its participants.

In August 2019 David opened his new dojo here in Aldershot. Despite getting off to a rocky start due to Covid, Aldershot has proven to be a great home and he is looking forward to giving back to this community that has been so supportive ever since he opened his doors.

When he is not teaching or competing, David is an avid movie buff, hiker as well as a certified scuba diving Divemaster.

Melanie BiancoMelanie Bianco – Dental Pro, Community Hero, Mouthguard Aficionado
With over 30 years in the dental field—and more than 25 of those spent brightening smiles right here in Burlington—Melanie has truly done it all. She began her journey as a Dental Assistant, worked her way up to Hygienist, leveled up again as a Restorative Hygienist, and then in 2019, turned her dream into reality by opening her own clinic in the heart of Aldershot.

Melanie is passionate about all things dental (yes, she really loves teeth) and fiercely dedicated to her community. Every year, she hosts a free service day to give back, and she makes custom mouthguards at cost for anyone who plays contact sports—because chipped teeth are never in style.

Beyond the chair, Melanie leads a dynamic network of over 1,000 hygienists who share her passion for excellence (and probably a few good flossing jokes). She also serves on a committee that organizes educational retreats for independent hygienists—because even professionals need to recharge (and compare scaler preferences).

Now, as a proud board member of the ABIA, Melanie is excited to help shape the future of Aldershot—making it a better place for residents, businesses, and of course… teeth.

Tara LesterTara Lester - The Olive Oil Dispensary
Growing up surrounded by small businesses, I developed a deep appreciation for local entrepreneurship. After completing my education, I spent several years working with independent businesses, gaining hands-on experience in customer service, marketing, and community engagement.

When The Olive Oil Dispensary came up for sale, I saw an opportunity to combine everything I had learned with everything I love. Taking the leap, I became the proud owner of The Olive Oil Dispensary—a gourmet shop specializing in premium extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars. I’m passionate about educating customers on the health benefits and culinary versatility of these ingredients, and I enjoy creating memorable experiences through tastings, seasonal pairings, and community events.

Joining the B.I.A. board feels like a natural extension of my commitment to the Aldershot community. I’m excited to collaborate with fellow business owners, champion local initiatives, and help our neighbourhood continue to thrive.

Staff

Andrea DoddExecutive Director

Andrea enjoys leading the BIA and working to communicate with our business community, partners and membership online and in person, ensuring they have all the opportunities offered to them and promoting Plains Road as a place to shop, dine and do business .
Contact Andrea at andrea@aldershotbia.com

Krista BrescacinMembership Engagement
Krista has spent much of the last 20 years in Aldershot; She knows firsthand the many ways Aldershot is unique, from the distinctive enterprises & small businesses comprising the local community to its parks and waterfront. Krista is excited about spreading awareness of our BIA events, online marketing services and local businesses while keeping our membership engaged with all we have to offer.
Contact Krista at membership@aldershotbia.com

Mailing Address

Aldershot Village BIA
195 Plains Road E, Unit 1
Burlington, ON L7T 2C4