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Business Improvement Area
DCHP-2 (Nov 2013)
Spelling variants:business improvement area, BIA
n. — Economy
a municipal area receiving support through additional taxation for social and economical development.
Type: 1. Origin — The first known Business Improvement Area (BIA) was initiated in the Toronto community of Bloor Street West in 1969 to counter the area's declining commercial and aesthetic appeal (see BIA-BC reference). The implementation of a BIA results in a mandatory levy to support the area's community improvement program. This special levy is paid by members of a BIA alongside their property taxes (see Ontario-MAH reference). The geographical "area" being served ranges from entire towns to industrial parks, consequently varying in size, aim and budget. According to the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, BIAs are a Canadian concept (see Ontario-MAH reference, see the 2014 quotation) that is now used in other nations, such as the US and Australia, under different names.
The term is most frequent in Canada (see Chart 1) and most common in Ontario (see Chart 2).
The term is most frequent in Canada (see Chart 1) and most common in Ontario (see Chart 2).
Quotations
1972
It is not right to give such merchants an advantage over their competitors elsewhere in the city who, as taxpayers, are helping subsidize these malls and who, in business improvement areas such as Bloor West Village, are paying to spruce up their streets.
1977
Downtown employees, occupying prime parking spots needed by shoppers, have prompted the Business Improvement Association (BIA) to suggest the town implement a parking permit plan.
1985
Martin said the city is trying to encourage a Business Improvement Area for the Strip that, among other things, would push businesses to spruce up their premises.
1990
One of Windsor's oldest residential and commercial districts is now the city's newest business improvement area (BIA).
2000
Bergstrand suggested leaving parking meter posts in place to allow the town's Business Improvement Area to install planters.
2014
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a "made-in-Ontario" innovation that allows local business people and commercial property owners and tenants to join together and, with the support of the municipality, to organize, finance, and carry out physical improvements and promote economic development in their district.
References
- BIA-BC • "What is a BIA"
- Ontario-MAH • "Introduction to Business Improvement Areas"
Images
Chart 1: Internet Domain Search, 9 Oct. 2013
