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BIA Week 2018

 In case you missed it, earlier this month the City of Toronto celebrated BIA Week from January 29th to February 2nd. This special celebration was held in honor of the city’s 82 BIA’s, with Toronto being the first city to initiate its own in 1970. Now more than 40 years later, this innovative business model has been replicated in urban areas all around the world. But what is a BIA and why are they so important in our community? Well luckily, we’re here to tell you all about it!

 

What is a BIA?

BIA stands for Business Improvement Area. Each district within the city has a BIA; an association of business individuals and property owners who join forces to share a common purpose – to improve the community’s economic and cultural dynamic. They are all about stimulating local business and promoting development within their district to reflect the needs and demands of its members.

 

 
Our Community
From Lawrence Ave East to Kennedy Commons at Highway 401, the Kennedy Road BIA represents over 300 diverse businesses. Here you’ll find everything from auto, beauty, electronics, entertainment, furniture, clothing, food, and a large range of services. For over 25 years, this shopping district continues to evolve to match the changing needs of its community and reflect what its members and residents value.
For some, the Kennedy Road BIA may appear as a small hub in comparison to others, but we know that with its variety of businesses and services, it is the go-to shopping spot in the GTA where community and diversity are intertwined.

 

Why is a BIA Important?
Now if you’re wondering why a BIA is important it goes beyond a management board operating the ins and outs of its specified district – it provides employment opportunities for over 400,000 people! Plus, a BIA also helps generate funding for commercial property owners for building façade improvement, streetscape improvement, and outside mural & street art programs. So next time you see your nearest shopping district making an upgrade – thank your municipality for its support!

 

BIA Week 2018
On January 31st, the City Hall towers were lit up in blue and white in honour of BIA Week.

On February 1st, the Kennedy Road BIA joined 57 of the 83 City of Toronto BIA’s at BIA Week at City Hall. Largely organized by the Toronto Association of BIA’s (TABIA), the event was met with support from Mayor John Tory who provided a warm welcome to all BIA representatives in attendance. Not only did this event help generate awareness of the importance of BIA’s within our community, but it also triggered some online social discussion on Twitter with trending hashtag #BIAWeek.

 

This truly was a great opportunity for all the city’s BIA’s to come together, display their work, stimulate positive discussion and showcase what makes each BIA so different. Thanks to the ongoing efforts of TABIA and the City of Toronto, BIA Week was a huge success and we look forward to seeing what this year has in store!  We can assure you that the Kennedy Road BIA is more than honoured to be a recognized staple of our wonderful community.

How To Get Involved
Feedback, comments, questions and concerns are always welcome at the Kennedy Road BIA and can be directed to info@kennedyroadbia.com. To keep up with special events happening in the community follow the BIA on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or visit www.kennedybia.com! We’re  constantly updating you with the latest news, trends, and store features to make sure you’re always in the know.