An Ontario Municipal Act for BIAs
An Act in Three Parts

The special levy is used for the betterment of the community and provide specific benefit to:

• Business Operators – improved atmosphere and ambience, whether they are retail, service, professional or property owner.

• Employees and Employment – a supportive community to play, live and work in as well as an employment centre.

• Property Owners – potential to increase property values and occupancy as well as attracting a tenant that adds to the business mosaic of the area.

• Community – a more vibrant community, a more prosperous local economy, and a potential to increase residential property values, as many realtors advertise and value properties for sale within walking distance of the downtown/main street/BIA.

• Municipality and Province – benefit from the partnership as BIAs continue to prove they are strong local economic engines, as it encourages entrepreneurship, innovation, and free enterprise.

• Housing – many of our main streets have existing rental accommodations and second floor apartments.

The Ontario BIA Association has been advocating for changes to the Municipal Act for many years and determined, after a comprehensive review, that changes to the Municipal Act over the years have challenged BIAs and their Municipalities to work effectively.

Once you have had a chance to review the attached document, we welcome any comments, feedback or suggestions and your support in developing a stand-alone Act clarifying and enabling BIAs to invest in communities.