What is a Business Improvement Area?
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of businesses and commercial property owners within a specified commercial area who join together to promote the economic development of the district through various marketing, beautification, safety and advocacy initiatives.
The Community Charter provides the authority for a municipality to create a business improvement area by bylaw, and establishes the rules for the establishment and operation of such an area.
BIAs are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, comprised of area business tenants and commercial property owners, and are funded mostly through a member-based property tax levy. The levy is collected from Business (Class 6) and Light Industry (Class 5) properties within the area.
For property owners and businesses, a business improvement area is a way to improve business success by organizing and financing support programs not otherwise available. These programs and services include:
- Marketing
- Promotional Events
- Revitalization
- Advocacy on behalf of the business community
More information regarding the establishment of a Business Improvement Area can be found on the Province's website.
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