About Us
What is a BIA?
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of commercial property owners and business tenants within a defined area who work in partnership with the City to create a thriving, competitive, safe business environment that attracts shoppers, diners, tourists and new businesses.
By working collectively as a BIA, local property and business owners have the organizational and funding capacity to be catalysts for civic improvement, enhancing the quality of life in their local neighbourhood and the city. Toronto has over 80 BIAs that are a dynamic and influential part of the city’s economic and cultural fabric.
How Does a BIA Work?
Once approved by the City Council, a volunteer Board of Management is elected from its members at an annual general meeting operates the BIA. The Board works on behalf of its BIA, meeting regularly to set priorities, develop budgets, implement capital improvements and undertake advertising and promotional initiatives.
The BIA’s funding is raised through a levy on all commercial properties within its boundary. Calculation of this levy is based on the proportionate value of each property’s commercial and/or industrial assessment. The City collects the levy and forwards the funds to the BIA Board to manage.
Proposed Boundary Map
Helpful Links:
BIA Financial Incentives: https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-operation-growth/business-improvement-areas/bia-financial-incentives/
Start or expand a BIA: https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-operation-growth/business-improvement-areas/start-or-expand-a-bia/