Starting A BIA

The Glebe has recently formed a BIA, and Bells Corners may also be interested in starting one. There can be many benefits to having a BIA in your area, provided that local businesses support the idea. Joint marketing, special events in the area, street banners or signage, and promoting the area as shopping destination are key benefits. If you’re not in an area that already has a BIA, how do you start one? The procedures for establishing a business improvement area are laid out in the Municipal Act. You’ll need to define the geographic boundaries of the area. You’ll also need to prepare a proposal to be filed with the City explaining the need for the BIA. After receiving a proposal, the City will send out notices to business owners within the boundaries of the proposed BIA. A BIA comes into being when the City passes a bylaw declaring it. If one-third of local businesses object to the bylaw however, it will not go forward. For more specifics about the steps to take, you may want to review the handbook prepared by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.