Business Improvement Areas

Business and economy

Business Improvement Areas

Groups of businesses in an area that work together on local improvements.

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Calgary’s Business Improvement Areas!

This September marks 40 years since the first BIAs in Calgary were created. BIAs have a big role in the success of many local businesses in Calgary’s busiest and most loved neighbourhoods. A BIA's role includes promoting the area, beautifying property, advocating for policies and much more.

The first BIA in Calgary was 17 Ave. Retail & Entertainment District which was founded on September 18, 1984. The same year, Marda Loop BIA was founded on December. 17, 1984. Today there are 15 BIAs throughout the city to discover representing more than 6,400 businesses.

Calgarians can join in the 40th anniversary celebration by supporting a local business in a BIA. There are many ways to do that including leaving positive online reviews, subscribing to business mailing lists, following their social media, sharing favorite businesses with others, and shopping at stores in-person and online.

By supporting local, you contribute directly to Calgary’s economic resilience and enhance local livelihoods. 

Business resources:

  • BIAs in Calgary

    Contact information for Calgary’s BIAs.

  • BIA dashboard

    Calgary has 15 Business Improvement Areas (BIAs). Explore them through our interactive map and dashboard.

  • BIA toolkit

    Information on running a BIA including roles and responsibilities, business planning and reports.

  • BIA budgets

    Annual BIA budget information.

  • BIA tax

    BIA tax information, including rate calculator, billing and payment.

  • BIA assessments

    How your BIA business is assessed and accessing the information online.

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About BIAs

A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a group of businesses, within a defined geographic area, that work together on local improvements and promote local economic development. Established by municipal bylaw under the Municipal Government Act of Alberta and the BIA Regulation, BIAs are funded by an annual tax which is collected from the area’s businesses by The City and transferred to the BIA board of directors. 

BIA purpose

  • Improving, beautifying, and maintaining property in the business improvement area
  • Developing, improving and maintaining public parking
  • Promoting the business improvement area as a business or shopping area.

BIA roles

  • BIAs enhance vibrancy and have helped create some of Calgary's best known and most loved neighborhoods.
  • BIAs provide input and advocate for policies and planning that support local economic development and vitality.
  • BIAs invest in promotion, special events, maintenance, and streetscape improvements within these areas.
  • BIAs work collaboratively with The City in delivery of municipal services, operational issues, and strategic planning to support these areas.

Active BIA Change in Boundaries (Expansion) Requests

Proposed Victoria Park BIA Change in Boundaries

The City of Calgary has received a request from the Victoria Park BIA to change (expand) its boundaries: 

Changing BIA boundaries is a decision made by City Council.  As outlined in the Business Improvement Area Regulation, before City Council decides on the request to change a BIA’s boundaries, business owners within the BIA’s current and proposed boundaries must be given the opportunity to make representations to Council. The opportunity to do this is scheduled for:

City Council Meeting
Date and time: October 8, 2024; meeting commencing at 9:30 a.m.
Location: Council Chamber, Calgary Municipal Building, 800 Macleod Tr. S.E
Website: Participate in public hearings of Council and committee (calgary.ca)

For more information about the Victoria Park BIA or the request to change their boundaries, please contact:

Victoria Park BIA                                                                                                             
David Low, Executive Director
Contact: David.low@victoriapark.org | 403-650-5068
Web: www.victoriapark.org

Victoria Park BIA
Avery Cooper, Marketing & Communications Coordinator 
Contact: avery@victoriapark.org | 403-650-4757
Web: www.victoriapark.org     

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