The BIA

Who

Downtown Rideau is the trade name of the Rideau Street Business Improvement Area (BIA) - a 23-block area representing approximately 500 businesses and organizations east of the Rideau Canal and south of the Market. All properties within the BIA boundary are automatically members of the BIA and collectively contribute to over $21 million in taxes to the City's property tax base.

What

The BIA is permitted under Section 204 of the Ontario Municipal Act and municipal bylaw, which allows the city to designate an area as a BIA and create a Board of Management. The BIA has the authority to undertake initiatives on municipally owned land within the BIA - beyond those provided by the City. Its mandate is to promote a defined boundary as a distinct business district.

Why

The BIA spearheads a number of initiatives that promote Downtown Rideau to the advantage of all the properties located within its boundary. Through the BIA, members become more involved and informed about plans and developments that affect them. These include issues such as property development, policies, policing, parking, bylaws, postering, traffic, and street maintenance. The BIA provides an advocacy role to its members by allowing the area to speak with a united voice on issues of common concern and interest, thereby increasing their influence at City Hall on policies that affect them.

How

The BIA also offers its members assistance through information and cooperation on marketing, consumer base and promotional partnerships. A quarterly newsletter informs members of events and happenings of interest in the area and is a vehicle through which businesses can submit articles describing initiatives they have undertaken.