Your lakeside escape close to the city, Welcome to Porters Lake!
Supporting the local business community in Porters Lake and beyond to sustain, improve and promote economic prosperity.
In a world where you can shop anywhere, Support Local!
Fostering growth and enhancing the community.
As the voice for businesses in the area, the Porters Lake Business Association (PLBA) represents over 60 businesses in Porters Lake and Area.
We aim to create a positive environment for business growth by creating a proactive plan to make sure that existing and new businesses can grow and flourish in the area.
Become a Member
Do you want to be part of our growing community of amazing business leaders?
Find out how you and your business can benefit from our network!
Meet the Team
-
![]()
Alicia Loo
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Alicia is passionate about helping others, whether it’s helping businesses achieve their goals or whether it is as a financial advisor helping families map our their personal finance strategies!Fun fact: Alicia is from Mauritius and is fluent in French and English but can also speak 2-3 more languages!
Why I love Porters Lake: The lakes and how peaceful the area is! It’s far enough from the city stress but close enough for convenience!
-
![]()
Andrea Hamm - CBDC Blue Water
BOARD MEMBER
Andrea loves helping entrepreneurs bring their dreams to reality!Why did you decide to join the board? For the opportunity to learn new things AND I’m a serial volunteer.
Fun fact: I love hiking with my dogs.
Why I love Porters Lake: I love the access to the city, but I love the small town feel even more.
-
![]()
Catharine McMaster - Small Town Marketing Solutions
CHAIRPERSON
Catharine believes that there’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone turn an idea into a sustainable income that supports their family.“I love being the behind-the-scenes cheerleader for my clients, helping them thrive in the digital space through social media marketing and website design.”
Why did you decide to join the board? I grew up on the Eastern Shore, I’m raising my kids here and I built my business in this very community. Joining the board felt like a natural way to give back and help foster a thriving, supportive, and engaging community for businesses and families alike.
Fun fact: I’m a child of deaf adults (CODA). Sign language was my first language, and growing up in the deaf community shaped so much of who I am - especially my appreciation for connection, communication, and inclusivity.
Why I love Porters Lake: I love Porters Lake for its hometown feel, its close-knit community, and the way people always come together when someone needs support. That sense of connection is a big part of why I’m proud to call this place home.
-
![]()
Gerard Dugas - Dark Tower Realty
BOARD MEMBER
Driven by his love for our business district, Gerard focuses greatly on growing the Porters Lake area and sees great potential in the future developments that will help service our one-stop shop convenient Porters Lake district.Why did you decide to join the board? I joined the Business Association as a founding member to help support and house small businesses owners.
Fun fact: As the past president of the Eastern Recycling Association and as an Enviro Depot owner and builder since 1996. We were awarded The Depot of the Year award for 2025 by Divert NS!
Why I love Porters Lake: Love the Eastern Shore and Porters Lake for its hometown friendly atmosphere, the lakes and closeness to beaches.
-
![]()
Jason Dick - Aspire Realty Crew
BOARD MEMBER
As a realtor, Jason loves contributing to the community by helping people navigate the difficult housing situation we are facing, not only on the Eastern Shore but the entire province.“The best part though is I answer only to my clients and get to work every day in their best interests.”
Why did you decide to join the board? 2 years ago I started a business breakfast on the Eastern Shore for local businesses looking to help each other thrive and grow. Joining the board allows me to have another avenue to help local businesses grow and thrive.
Fun fact: I’m a big kid at heart, never grew out of loving Disneyworld and Disney. I tend to visit there yearly.
Why I love Porters Lake: Porters Lake is an incredibly supportive community. You know your neighbours, support them and still stop to chat in the grocery store or at the pub. While other communities have gotten so big that they’ve forgotten that kind of thing, Porters Lake still has that.
-
![]()
Jasmine Jena - Jessy's Pizza Porters Lake
BOARD MEMBER
As restaurant business owner, Jasmine is truly motivated to create meaningful experiences for people. She’s passionate about the fast-paced, team-driven environment and the direct impact they have on customers every day and making them feel genuinely welcomed.Why did you decide to join the board? Being involved with the board allows me to contribute ideas, support other local entrepreneurs and better understand the challenges and opportunities that come with running a community-based business.
Fun fact: I traded boardrooms, zoom calls and spreadsheets for a local business and I’ve never been happier.
Why I love Porters Lake: Porters Lake perfectly balances natural beauty with a strong sense of connection. Working here feels peaceful, inspiring and full of opportunity at the same time.
