Business Improvement Areas
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 BIA Change in Boundaries
The City of Calgary has received requests from the Beltline BIA, Bridgeland BIA and Inglewood BIA to change (expand) their 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: September 9, 2025; 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 BIAs or the requests to change their boundaries, please contact:
Beltline BIA
Bridgeland BIA
Inglewood BIA
Kristen Shima
Executive Director
Email: info@calgary-inglewood.com
Website: Ramsay-Inglewood BIA Expansion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Business Improvement Area (BIA)?
BIAs are established under the Municipal Government Act of Alberta, and operate according to the BIA Regulation.
The process to establish a BIA is community-led by local businesses within a specific geographic area (the boundaries) to establish a tax that will be used by the BIA to “improve, beautify, and maintain property in the BIA; develop, improve, and maintain public parking; and promote the BIA as a business or shopping area”. Each BIA is established as a legal entity through a City bylaw and operates as a non-profit organization. BIAs are governed by a Council-appointed Board of Directors that is comprised of individuals nominated by one or more business taxpayers in the zone.
How many BIAs are there in Calgary?
There are currently 15 BIAs in Calgary:
- 17th Ave Retail & Entertainment District BIA
- 4th Street South West BIA
- Beltline BIA
- Bridgeland BIA
- Calgary Downtown Association BIA
- Chinatown BIA
- Crescent Heights Village BIA
- Greenview Industrial BIA
- Inglewood BIA
- International Avenue BRZ
- Kensington BRZ
- Mainstreet Bowness BIA
- Marda Loop BIA
- Montgomery on the Bow BIA
- Victoria Park BIA
How does a BIA change its boundaries and what does this mean for businesses that fall within the new boundaries?
The BIA Regulation sets out the requirements for a BIA to request a change to its boundaries. As a first step, the BIA Board of Directors makes a formal request to The City of Calgary for a change in boundaries, including a map showing the specific changes. The BIA is expected to do engagement with businesses that are in the proposed new boundaries. The City will also inform all current and would-be businesses taxpayers of the request and how and when they can make representations to Council concerning the request. City Administration prepares a report for Council’s review and consideration, including a bylaw amendment that would change the BIA boundaries in accordance with the request.
If the request is to expand a BIA’s boundaries, and Council approves the request, then businesses within the new boundaries will become members of the BIA and are required to pay the BIA tax starting the following calendar year.
How are BIA operations funded?
Each BIA works with its business members (all businesses within its boundaries) to set priorities that are reflected in an annual budget put forward by the BIA Board to City Council for approval. The approved budget determines the amount of the annual BIA tax that The City collects from all businesses within a BIA’s boundaries. The BIA tax is transferred in full to the BIA to fund operations. During the year, BIAs may also apply for, and be awarded, additional grant funds to support programs and activities. Each year, BIAs are also required to provide their audited financial statements to Council that demonstrate how funds were spent.
How is the BIA tax calculated?
Each BIA works with its business members (all businesses within its boundaries) to set priorities that are reflected in an annual budget put forward by the BIA Board to City Council for approval. The approved budget determines the amount of the annual BIA tax that The City collects from all businesses within a BIA’s boundaries. The BIA tax is transferred in full to the BIA to fund operations. During the year, BIAs may also apply for, and be awarded, additional grant funds to support programs and activities. Each year, BIAs are also required to provide their audited financial statements to Council that demonstrate how funds were spent.
How is the BIA tax calculated?
The City assesses business premises each year for BIA taxation purposes. A business assessment reflects the typical net annual rental value of the business premises based on the July 1 valuation date and provides the basis for the businesses’ BIA tax bill for the following year. BIA tax is based on the calendar year of January 1 to December 31.
BIA tax rate calculation:
BIA tax rate = BIA’s annual approved budget ÷ Total business assessment within the BIA
BIA tax bill calculation:
BIA tax bill = Assessed value of the business premises x BIA tax rate
For more information please visit: BIA tax: rate and bill calculation (calgary.ca)
When will these BIA change in boundaries request be presented to Council, and how can I participate?
Business owners within the current and proposed expanded boundaries of the Beltline BIA, Bridgeland BIA, and Inglewood BIA are eligible to make representations to City Council regarding this request.
The opportunity to do this is scheduled for:
- Date: September 9, 2025; meeting commencing at 9:30 a.m.
- Location: Council Chamber, Calgary Municipal Building, 800 Macleod Tr. S.E.
For information on how to submit written comments or participate in the City Council meeting in person or remotely, please visit Calgary.ca/agendaminutes and click, “Learn how to participate in Council”.
Where can I get more information?
Information about the BIA or the request to change the boundaries:
| Beltline BIA |
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Katie Thies, Executive Director Email: Katie@bloxbia.ca Web: www.bloxbia.ca |
| Bridgeland BIA |
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Jacqui Sanderson, Executive Director Email: ed@bridgelandcalgary.com |
| Inglewood BIA |
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Kristen Shima, Executive Director Email: info@calgary-inglewood.com |
Information about the process or for more general information about BIAs:
Information about BIA tax and business assessments:
The City of Calgary, Assessment
Information about how to participate/present to Council:
The City of Calgary, City Clerk’s Office
Web: Calgary.ca/agendaminutes and click, “Learn how to participate in Council”.