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The following text was taken from a brochure prepared ty Toronto Economic Development. Copies of the brochure are available on request.
Business Improvement Area - BIA
Strengthening local neighbourhoods
Toronto Economic Development
What is a BIA?
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of local business people and property owners who work in partnership with the City to enhance their business area. This is accomplished through street and sidewalk beautification, marketing and promotional campaigns, street festivals, and implementation of crime prevention strategies. BIAs also act as a unified voice on behalf of its membership.
Toronto’s 45 BIAs represent 14,000 small businesses. The property they include is valued at over $4 billion which generates an annual tax base of $295 million. BIAs are catalysts for change and civic improvement and also significant contributors to the City’s economy and quality of life.
What are the Benefits of a BIA?
BIAs help create thriving, competitive and safe business areas that attract shoppers, diners, tourists and new businesses. They establish strong and distinct neighbourhood identities that help “main streets” compete in an age of shopping malls and big-box retailers.
The City has developed an aggressive program to assist BIAs improve and promote their areas. This includes financial assistance for street and sidewalk improvements, tree lighting, banners, festivals, strategic business planning, as well as improvements to commercial building facades in designated areas.
Toronto BIAs are members of an umbrella organization called the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA). Through its newsletters and website (www.toronto-bia.com), TABIA promotes upcoming BIA festivals and events, informs members about topical issues, and advances the goals and objectives of all BIAs.
How does a BIA work?
A BIA is run by a volunteer Board of Management elected from its members. The Board is nominated at an Annual General Meeting and, once approved by City Council, serves a three-year term concurrent with Council members. The Board works on behalf of its BIA and meets regularly to develop budgets, set priorities, implement capital improvements, plan festivals, and promote its business area.
How is a BIA funded?
Once the budget is approved by the BIA members and ratified by City Council, funds are raised through a levy on all commercial and industrial properties within the BIA’s boundaries. Calculation of this levy is based on the proportionate value of each property’s commercial and/or industrial assessment. Once the levy is collected by the City, the funds are returned to the BIA to manage.
How to start a BIA
The decision to start a BIA can only be made by the local business people and property owners. Starting a new BIA involves a three-step process:
STEP1 Establish a Steering Committee
Local businesses and commercial/industrial property owners must lead the BIA formation initiative. A steering committee of local stakeholders is required to define the geographic area of the BIA and ensure inclusiveness by consulting with all local business tenants and property owners. The City will provide assistance with the public consultation process.
STEP 2 Determine community interest
Prior to a formal public meeting the steering committee will be responsible for holding informal session(s) with area stakeholders to confirm the area boundaries, clarify issues and confirm the level if interest in proceeding to step three.
STEP 3 Hold a public meeting
The steering committee, in association with the City, is required to hold a formal public meeting to determine if there is sufficient interest in submitting a formal request to the City to form a new BIA. If the meeting determines that sufficient area businesses and property owners (as determined by City staff) support the formation of a BIA, a formal request is sent to the City outlining the steps that were taken to inform the members and the rationale for the proposed BIA boundary.
The City then mails an official “Notice of Intention to Designate” a new BIA to all commercial and industrial property owners within the proposed boundary. Final approval of the BIA is subject to the regulations of the Ontario Municipal Act.
PROGRAMS TO ASSIST BIAS
The City offers BIAs a Tool Kit consisting of the following programs:
STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
In partnership with a BIA, the City provides 50/50 matched capital funding for streetscape improvements such as decorativ3e pedestrian lighting, kiosks, banners and murals, BIA theme signage, landscaping, fountains, and street furniture.
Contact: 416-392-0623 for more information.
COMMUNITY FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS PROGRAMS
Grants are available to assist BIAs and business associations in planning, marketing and running a successful festival or special event, benefiting the business area.
Contact: 416-392-1006 for more information.
BANNER AND MURAL PROGRAM
Business associations, including community groups that include strong business participation, can receive one-time funding for street banners or wall mural projects that help promote a local theme and facilitate commercial neighbourhood identity.
Contact: 416-392-6837 for more information.
COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
The City offers grants to eligible commercial property owners for improvements to commercial building facades. This could include replacing or repairing windows, doors, lighting, awnings, brickwork, signage, or making building entrances wheelchair accessible. To be eligible, businesses must be located in a designated Employment Revitalization area.
Contact: 416-392-1005 for more information.
COMMERCIAL RESEARCH GRANTS PROGRAM
Matched funding is available to BIAs that wish to undertake research studies to formulate strategic business and marketing plans that will enhance the economic viability of the business district.
Contact: 416-392-1134 for more information.
For further information on the City’s BIA Program please call:
416-392-1291
or fax:
416-392-1380
or e-mail us at:
srobinso@toronto.ca
www.toronto.ca/business