TABIA is pleased to bring our members the online version of the BIA Operating Handbook.

Individual sections of the published Handbook are available for download in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format.

A section index and related links are listed below each section title for your convenience.

Please note: Some of the forms and documents contained in the Handbook are time sensitive and will be updated from time to time.

Section A - What are BIAs and a BIA Key Map

Section B - Board of Management Overview

• Main Functions and Responsibilities
• BIA General Membership Information Requests
• The BIA Membership

Section C - Detailed City of Toronto Operating Guidelines

• Legislative requirements and best practices for Toronto’s BIAs
• To be used in conjunction with the City of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 19, and the Municipal Act, Sections 204 – 215D. See Appendices.

Section D - Hiring Office Staff / Retaining Consulting Services

• Where to Search
• Samples: Classified Ads
• Sample: Job Description
• Interview Questions
• Retaining Consulting Services: Request for Proposal –  Critical Components
• Samples: Requests for Proposals
• Sample: Consultant Contract

Section E - Creating a Business Plan and Budget

    Contains samples of:

• BIA Business Plan Table of Contents
• Annual General Meeting (AGM) Notice
• Annual Budget
• BIA Budget Forms
• Budget Approval Schedule
• BIA Budget Declaration Form
• Financial Statements

Section F - Running Effective Meetings

• Robert’s Rules of Order- Light Version
• Minute Taking Guidelines
• Annual General Meeting (AGM) Requirements
• Sample: Meeting Agenda and Meeting Minutes

Section G - Creating your BIA Constitution

• Sample: BIA By-law or Constitution
• Sample: Acknowledgement of Conflict of Interest Form

Section H - Interacting with Government and the Community*

Also see 2005 Toronto Council Office Listing

• Key City BIA Contacts
• City Councillors
• Police Divisions
• Community Links
• Locating Property Owner Members

  * This section is currently being revised.

Section I - Funding Sources and Writing Funding Proposals

• City of Toronto BIA Support Programs
• Other Funding Information
• Grant Proposal Writing Strategy
• Fundraising Applications
• Sample: Budget Sheet
• “To Do” Checklist
• Application Self-Evaluation Form

Section J - Event Planning, Promotion and Communication

• Special Events Checklist
• Key City and Agencies Checklist
• Promotional Ideas
• Sponsorships
• Advertising (Print, Television, Radio)
• Cross Promotions
• Newsletters
• Student Help

Section K - Recruiting and Motivating Volunteers

• Volunteer Checklist
• Recruiting and Motivating Volunteers
• Developing Volunteer Job Descriptions
• Recruitment and Interview Tips

Section L - Streetscaping and Capital Projects

• BIA Capital Cost-Sharing Program Guidelines

Section M - Relevant BIA City of Toronto By-Laws

• Noise
• Street Vending and Sign By-laws
• By-laws regarding right-of-way activities such as banners and festivals, postering and A-Frames

Section N - Other Economic Development Services & Key Contacts

• List of Additional Services Offered by Economic Development
• Key Economic Development Contacts

Section O - TABIA Discount and Affinity Programs

• Visit the Membership Benefits section for the most up-to-date list.

Appendices

Section R - Section Municipal Act, Sections 204-215, Business Improvement Areas

Section S - City of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 19 (BIAs)

Link: http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/municode/1184_019.pdf

Section T - Provincial Government Handbook, Spring 2001

Link: http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/nts_1_4543_1.html

Section U - Contact List: Toronto BIAs**

** This is section avaiable to TABIA members only Request a copy

Section V - Acknowledgements