Toolkit for running a BIA in Calgary

Business Improvement Areas

Information on running Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), including roles and responsibilities, business planning and reports.

Establishing a BIA

Activities and timelines
BIA Support Model

Support for a BIA
Deciding on boundaries

What to consider?
Changes to a BIA

How to make changes to an existing BIA
Annual BIA reports

Reports and requests approved by Council
BIA taxes

Businesses located in a BIA will receive a BIA tax bill
BIA governance

Levels of authority and considerations for BIA governance
BIA policies

Insurance and information policies for BIAs
Strategic planning for BIAs

Establish direction and help make informed business decisions
Business planning for BIAs

A business plan is typically created after a strategic plan
Financial management

Financial planning and budgeting for BIAs
BIA AGMs

Yearly annual general meetings to address legal and procedural requirements
Maintenance of BIAs

The City maintains and repairs key streetscape elements in select BIAs
BIA Board Governance training

For BIA board members and staff to carry out roles and duties while meeting legislative and regulatory requirements

We do regular research with businesses to better understand the outlook and viewpoint of the business community. If you are a business owner, leader or manager, join our online business research panel, Business Perspectives.

Join the Business Perspectives Panel

Caution Updated: March 10, 2026, 4:00 PM

New! Reinforcement work to the Bearspaw South Feeder Main is underway. City-wide water restrictions are in effect and indoor water conservation is needed. Learn more.

Toolkit for running a BIA in Calgary

Establishing a BIA

BIA Support Model

Deciding on boundaries

Changes to a BIA

Annual BIA reports

BIA taxes

BIA governance

BIA policies

Strategic planning for BIAs

Business planning for BIAs

Financial management

BIA AGMs

Maintenance of BIAs

BIA Board Governance training