Photo: South Granville BIA

A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an area designated by City Council within which businesses and property owners can implement programs to increase the area’s profile and vitality. A non-profit association of property owners and business tenants is the vehicle by which these programs can be initiated. Through the BIA, area property owners and tenants can develop and implement a strategic plan to improve the area’s physical environment and promote its business.

Additional information about Vancouver’s BIAs can be found at the City of Vancouver’s website.

Business Improvement Area (BIA) organizations are not-for-profit associations that promote the shared interests of commercial property owners and businesses located within specified geographic areas. Established by municipal bylaw, BIAs are funded through a special tax levy that is collected by the municipality, and passed on entirely to the BIA organizations.

The BIA funds support programs such as marketing & promotion, street enhancement, safety & security, events & festivals, and business development. Each BIA organization is independently managed by a Board of Directors, with autonomy for decision-making and priority-setting.

The City of Vancouver has a formal program to support merchants and property owners who wish to establish a Business Improvement Area. Presently, there are currently 20 BIAs within the City of Vancouver, representing over 15,000 businesses. Many of the businesses that are represented by BIAs are small and locally-owned.

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