A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a group of businesses, within a defined geographic area, that work together on local improvements and promote local economic development. Established by municipal bylaw under the Municipal Government Act of Alberta and the BIA Regulation, BIAs are funded by an annual tax which is collected from the area’s businesses by the City and transferred to the BIA board of directors.
This year marks 40 years since the first BIAs in Calgary were created. BIAs have a big role in the success of many local businesses in Calgary’s busiest and most loved neighbourhoods. A BIA’s role includes promoting the area, beautifying property, advocating for policies, and much more.
The first BIA in Calgary was 17 Ave Retail and Entertainment District which was founded on September 18, 1984. The same year, Marda Loop BIA was founded on December 17, 1984. Today there are 15 BIAs throughout the city to discover, representing more than 6,400 businesses.
BIA Purpose:
• Improving, beautifying, and maintaining property in the business improvement area.
• Developing, improving, and maintaining public parking.
• Promoting the business improvement area as a business or shopping area.
BIA Roles:
• BIAs enhance vibrancy and have helped create some of Calgary’s best known and most loved neighbourhoods.
• BIAs provide input and advocate for policies and planning that support local economic development and vitality.
• BIAs invest in promotion, special events, maintenance, and streetscape improvements within these areas.
• BIAs work collaboratively with the City in delivery of municipal services, operational issues, and strategic planning to support these areas.
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