Frequently Asked Questions
By creating a strong and distinct image for a neighbourhood shopping area and marketing it effectively, BIAs can better compete in an age of shopping malls and big-box retailing. More recently, BIAs have been established in industrial and employment areas.
BIAs can be catalysts for civic improvement and significant contributors to the City’s economy and the quality of life of our neighbourhoods.
In order to help local commercial areas create thriving, competitive and safe business areas, the City of Toronto, through the Economic Development & Culture Division, offers a number of assistance programs to BIAs.
One of the more successful BIA Office programs is the Capital Cost-share Program, which provides matching funding to our BIA partners for streetscape beautification projects. These projects help create a more attractive and marketable image for the area and improve the atmosphere in our neighbourhoods.
Financial assistance is also available to BIAs to implement mural projects; commercial façade improvements and streetscape master plans.
Toronto BIAs are also members of an umbrella organization called the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas. TABIA encourages and facilitates the exchange of information, experiences, and ideas among BIAs; advocates on behalf of BIAs to influence government policy; helps obtain funding for programs and services for BIAs; and offers discount and savings programs for its members, such as preferred Merchant Visa and MasterCard rates.
Local businesses, working collectively as a BIA, become catalysts for civic improvements, ultimately enhancing the business climate and quality of life of the neighbourhood. As a legal organization mandated by provincial legislation, BIAs are able to develop a budget for improvements and, through the city, collect a levy from businesses in the area to raise the necessary funds.
BIAs improve their local economies through activities such as:
- Street and sidewalk maintenance and capital improvements
- Promotion of the BIA as a business, employment, tourist or shopping area (business directories, festivals, advertising)
- Hosting neighbourhood festivals and events
Safety, security and crime prevention initiatives - Graffiti and poster removal services respecting building facades visible from the street
- Strategic plans for business recruitment, market studies and capital improvements
- Advocate on behalf of their membership as a unified voice
Once the BIA members approve the budget and City Council ratifies it, funds are raised through a levy on all commercial and industrial properties within the BIA’s boundary. Calculation of this levy is based on the proportionate value of each property’s commercial and/or industrial assessment. Once the City collects the levy, it returns the funds to the BIA to manage.
The City also funds a portion of capital projects undertaken by BIAs for streetscaping under the BIA Capital Cost-Sharing Program, an incentive program offered to the City’s BIAs that leverages investments from BIAs to improve, beautify, enhance and brand Toronto’s unique neighbourhoods.
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 four-year term concurrent with the term of Council. 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.
Still have questions?
If you have any other questions or need further information, don’t hesitate to contact us.