DCHP-2

Business Improvement Association BIA, Business Improvement Area Association DCHP-2 (October 2016)

• n. — predominantly Ontario & British Columbia, economy

  a group of property owners that collaboratively enhances an area's commercial, social and aesthetic appeal.

  Type: 5. Frequency — Coined a decade after the first Business Improvement Area was established in Canada, this term refers to the group of non-profit property and business owners that represent their corresponding business district (see the 2012 quotation). This group of elected members works together to enhance the commercial and aesthetic appeal of their area. Examples of their concerns include street maintenance, special events or community safety initiatives. Besides managing the mandatory BIA levies, they undertake private and public fundraising to contribute to the well-being of the community. The term is Canadian (see Chart 1), but is limited almost entirely to Ontario and British Columbia (Chart 2).

  See also: Business Improvement Area