What are BIAs?

A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of business people within a specified district who join together, with official approval of the City, in a self-help program aimed at stimulating local business.

They use their own money in an ongoing effort to draw more prospective customers to their area by improving the attractiveness of the area and promoting it as a good place to shop, visit and do business.

Once a BIA is approved by City Council, every business within its boundaries automatically becomes a member. There are no exceptions, under the principle that all who benefit should be required to bear their fair share of the cost of the program.
While a BIA arises from the retail and professional activities of a main street, it has a profound effect on the surrounding area. It serves as an economic and social anchor, helping to stabilize and revitalize the local community.

What is TABIA?

The Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) is an organization recognized by all levels of government and its members, whose main goal is collecting and exchanging information vital to the BIAs and addressing their concerns and issues.

The objectives of TABIA are to:

• promote strong, effective and successful BIAs in Toronto;
• promote and protect the interests and conserve the rights of all Toronto BIAs;
• and incidental businesses;
• encourage joint initiatives and collaboration by groups of BIAs on issues and mutually beneficial projects, including strategic plans, studies, position papers, market research and information gathering;
• ensure uniformity in usage, custom and trade conditions for all Toronto BIAs;
• encourage and facilitate the exchange of information, experiences and ideas among BIAs through such means as newsletters, Internet, seminars, workshops and conferences for the benefit of BIAs in general and their individual members;
• assist BIAs in pooling resources, both financial and intellectual, to achieve the maximum benefit feasible and to protect the business interests of its members;
• act as a lobby group to influence policies affecting BIAs and to obtain support,
  funds and services for BIAs from all levels of government, institutions, agencies and any other organizations;
• seek to promote the interest of BIAs in government and private sector tourism policies and in the implementation of the same;
• maintain and improve the standards of BIAs and enhance the qualifications of individual members; and
• solicit government and corporate funds, fundraise and seek assistance to undertake initiatives and enter into partnerships in order to deliver set objectives.

City Support to BIAs:

The City of Toronto Business Improvement Area (BIA) Office works in partnership with BIAs to enhance their business areas. The BIA office currently works with 43 BIAs representing over 14,000 small businesses. The properties they include are valued at over $4 billion which generates an annual tax base of $285 million. By creating a strong and distinct image for a neighbourhood shopping area and marketing it effectively, main streets can better compete in an age of shopping malls and big-box retailing. BIAs can be a catalyst for civic improvement and significant contributors to
the City?s economy and the quality of life of many City neighbourhoods. Through the efforts of several City departments, a wide range of services and support are provided to BIAs. The BIA Office works with existing BIAs, stakeholder groups seeking to establish BIAs and TABIA. The Toronto BIA staff are the first point of contact, offering assistance in:

• starting and expanding a BIA;
• developing a budget;
• improving neighbourhood safety;
• strategic planning;
• special event planning; and
• providing annual general meetings
  assistance.
  

The BIA Office also delivers such programs as:

• Commercial Research Grants;
• Community Festival and Special Events
  Grants;
• Commercial Fa?ade Improvement
  Grants;
• Banner and Mural Grants; and
• Capital Streetscape Improvement Grants.

BIAs also receive support through the Works and Emergency Services Department and the Urban Forestry Section of the Parks and Recreation Division which provide capital project support. The Finance Department Budget Services and Revenue Services Divisions prepare BIA budget reports and services related to BIA billing and levy remittances respectively. The Clerk?s Office of the Corporate Services
Department plays an important role by issuing the intention to designate a BIA
notice and the summary poll recommending whether a BIA should be established or
expanded. The Legal Division staff provides ongoing opinions and interpretation of BIA
legislation and drafts by-laws.

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