Because You Asked: What is the Whitby BIA?

Because You Asked is a new feature on my social media channels and in my monthly newsletter! I use this space to provide helpful context and information about issues the community is asking about.

Today we’re talking about the Downtown Whitby BIA. I noticed from conversations in the community and on social media, that many people aren’t clear on what a BIA is.

BIA stands for “Business Improvement Area.”

A BIA is a local board that allows business owners, commercial property owners, and tenants to work together with support from the municipality to organize, finance, and carry out improvements in their district, and promote economic development.

BIAs are typically established by a municipality using the business improvement area provisions in the Municipal Act, 2001, and governed by a board of management.The Downtown Whitby BIA is a designated zone in Downtown Whitby. Businesses within the BIA’s boundaries contribute to the BIA through a mandatory municipal tax. Member contributions are used to make Downtown Whitby a destination of choice through events, beautification efforts, business support, and more. Two full-time staff members, a volunteer Board of Management, and two voluntary committees operate the BIA.

The Downtown Whitby BIA’s mandate is “Feet on the street and dollars in the door.”The Downtown Whitby BIA hosts a variety of signature events throughout the year, including the Summer Art Series, Christmas Market, and Breakfast with Santa.

Visit https://whitbybia.org/ to learn more or follow the BIA on Facebook.