The City of Toronto organizes and hosts public meetings then conducts a poll to determine if there is sufficient interest in establishing a new Business Improvement Area (BIA) or expanding the boundaries of an existing BIA. The areas listed below are under consideration.
The Cedarbrae Markham Lawrence (CML) BIA Steering Committee was officially formed in February 2023 after several months of hard work by business and community leaders in the CML community as a direct result of the hardships businesses incurred due to the pandemic.
The steering committee believes investing in community initiatives such as establishing a BIA creates a safe environment where people and businesses can thrive. The formation of a BIA in the neighbourhood of CML in Scarborough will bring visibility to the local businesses and create a strong relationship between the people and the businesses in the community. The steering committee believes the formation of a BIA in CML neighbourhood will:
A public consultation meeting was held on February 20, 2024, where City of Toronto staff presented an overview of the BIA program and answered questions from potential members. The public meeting was attended by a total of 19 commercial property owners and business tenants. A secret ballot was held to determine if sufficient support to proceed to a formal poll. Of the 19 ballots cast, 16 were in favour of proceeding to the formal poll and three were not in favour.
This result meets the minimum requirements of 50 per cent plus one in order to proceed to a formal poll as set out by Chapter 19 of the City of Toronto Municipal Code. A staff report for a formal poll request is the agenda for the Economic Community Development Committee meeting on April 30, 2024.
For any questions about the Cedarbrae Markham Lawrence BIA Proposal, contact sandi.koitsis-zigomanis@toronto.ca or call 416-392-7183.
The Upper Avenue BIA Steering Committee was officially formed in November 2023 in order to build upon longstanding interest in creating a BIA in the area.
The steering committee believes investing in community initiatives such as establishing a BIA will lead to the development of a pleasant, safe, walkable, inclusive neighbourhood. The steering committee believes the formation of a BIA in Upper Avenue neighbourhood will:
A public consultation meeting was held on May 21, 2024, where City of Toronto staff presented an overview of the BIA program and answered questions from potential members.
For any questions about the Upper Avenue BIA Proposal, contact karen.keskull@toronto.ca or call 416-338-5860.
The Geary BIA Steering Committee was officially formed in November 2023 in order to build upon longstanding interest in creating a BIA in the area.
The steering committee believes investing in community initiatives such as establishing a BIA will lead to the development of a pleasant, safe, walkable, inclusive neighbourhood. The steering committee believes the formation of a BIA in the Geary neighbourhood will create opportunities for:
Tuesday, July 30, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The City of Toronto BIA Office received a request from the Steering Committee to conduct a public meeting to discuss the potential to form a new BIA generally along Geary Avenue, between Ossington Avenue and the western boundary of Geary Avenue.
Commercial property owners and business tenants will conduct a vote whether to proceed to the formal polling stage of approval. Proof of Commercial/Industrial Property and or Business ownership is required.
No person or corporation may have more than one vote, regardless of the number of properties or businesses they own, co-own or lease.
For any questions about the Geary BIA Proposal, contact ron.nash@toronto.ca or call 416-392-7354.