For 55 years, Business Improvement Areas (BIA) have been at the heart of our city’s evolution. BIAs shape vibrant main streets, strengthen local economies, and bring neighbourhood identities to life. What began as a bold, community-driven idea has grown into a defining feature of our city’s character: a city of neighbourhoods, each with its own story, energy, and sense of place.

Over the past five decades, BIAs have helped small businesses thrive, championed local culture, and created public spaces where people feel connected and welcome. Their work has supported economic prosperity, fostered innovation, and built the foundation for inclusive, resilient communities.

As we look to the future, BIAs remain essential partners in our city’s growth and success. They are catalysts for economic development and key contributors to community wellbeing by animating our streets, supporting entrepreneurs, and ensuring our neighbourhoods continue to be dynamic places to live, work, and explore.

The Boards of BIAs are all volunteers. They are the business owners and property owners in a community who want to elevate their community, making it special for residents, visitors and their employees. Their volunteerism is integral to the success of the BIA model.

Here’s to 55 years of leadership, collaboration, and neighbourhood pride, and to the BIAs who continue to shape a stronger, more prosperous, and more connected city for generations to come.