A BIA Has a Two-Fold Mandate

1. To improve, beautify and maintain public lands and buildings within the BIA, beyond what is provided by the municipality at-large.

2. To promote the area as a business and shopping area – including eateries, shops and services – beyond what businesses can do individually. BIAs benefit local economies through various initiatives:

Marketing

Cost-effective exposure for businesses/area including co-op ads, directory brochures, social media and other digital marketing, media features.

Events

Showcasing the area, nurturing social connections and attracting patrons through season events, street festivals, outdoor movie nights and more.

Street Enhancements and Safety

Making the area safer and brighter through street lighting, banners, planters, street furniture, social employment clean
teams, and various safety initiatives (i.e. safety guides, workshops, street ambassadors).

Community and Business Engagement

Establishing valuable partnerships, cross-promotions and networking events to connect businesses and other
community members. BIAs partner with municipal departments, community centres, neighbourhood houses, CPCs, schools and much more.

Business Recruitment

Working with property owners and realtors to recruit and retain tenants, and encourage an optimum business mix.

Advocacy

Supporting businesses by advocating to address local issues (i.e. parking, transportation, permit processes, commercial property taxes, etc.); serving conduit of information and liaising with stakeholders about relevant business matters.

Funding

The City collects a levy from commercial property owners (usually derived from business tenants) in the BIA boundary, for the BIA operating budget. All commercial property owners and business tenants within the boundary are members of the BIA, and can provide input and vote on the budget. Budgets vary in different business areas – ranging from approximately $125,000 to $1 million+. Each commercial property owner’s contribution to the BIA is a nominal fraction of their total tax contribution.

Accountability and Inclusivity

The BIA levy is also nominal in relation to the many benefits. This is possible because businesses collectively contribute to an organization that represents the entire business area and is accountable to each business – maximizing resources and working together to make things better.

Businesses have a say in what the BIA does. A BIA is led by a volunteer Board of local business and commercial property owners. A BIA consults with members throughout the year: there are monthly meetings to plan and develop initiatives, and an annual general meeting to approve a draft budget and elect Board members. Participation and input is welcome.

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