What is the purpose of a BIA?
The main purposes of a BIA are to revitalize and maintain a dynamic local neighbourhood and to promote the area as a business or shopping destination. While a major goal of revitalization and retention is to encourage both local residents and others to spend their shopping dollars within the local commercial district, all businesses and residents in the area may benefit as well.
Revitalization and maintenance create a cleaner, safer and more congenial atmosphere that benefits all local businesses. It also benefits professional service firms, whose clientele can enjoy the local atmosphere as part of their trip to the doctor, dentist, lawyer or accountant. The same is true for entertainment and dining establishments which benefit from the increase in local traffic and the improved atmosphere that results from the presence of a BIA.
Further activity is needed beyond just beautification and promotion, although both are important elements of any comprehensive improvement effort. A concerted effort is also required on the part of the BIA leadership to develop a network of relationships and partnerships among local community groups (schools, churches, citizen groups etc.) and institutions (Chamber of Commerce, committees of council etc.). The key to the success of any BIA lies in establishing and maintaining this network. It is only through the combined effort of all local community groups that a BIA can truly be successful.
Revitalization and maintenance often includes defining an identity for the local community. This identity is then used as a means to further promote the local community as an interesting and unique business area. In some cases, leaders of the BIA (the board of management) become a line of communication between the community and the local municipal council.
The BIA forum can be used as a vehicle for conveying community concerns to council and, for prompting council to pursue policies and activities that will promote and strengthen the community and its unique identity.
The BIA has a two fold mandate:
• to oversee the improvement, beautification and maintenance of municipally owned land, buildings and structures in the area beyond that provided by the municipality generally, and
• to promote the area as a business and shopping district.
In carrying out these responsibilities, BIAs have become involved in numerous activities, which often include:
• Marketing: Understanding who area customers are, and creating effective promotions to retain and expand the customer base.
• Business Recruitment: Working with property owners to help ensure that available space is occupied, and that an optimum business and service mix is achieved and maintained.
• Streetscape Improvement and Other Amenities: Providing for more customer-friendly lighting, signage, street furniture, planters, banners and sidewalk treatment.
• Seasonal Decorations: Creating a unique and pleasant environment for customers and staff of all businesses, retail and non-retail, through the use of decorations that are appropriate to the season and holiday.
Who we are
Downtown Midland is a not-for-profit organization established for the main purpose of revitalizing the central business district of the Town of Midland. We are designated as a Business Improvement Area (BIA) through the Ontario Municipal Act and a town of Midland bylaw originally enacted in 1977.
Downtown Midland is governed by volunteer Board of Directors consisting of ten members. The association is funded by a levy placed on the property taxes of each owner within the designated boundaries. The budget is presented to the town council for approval.
Over the years Downtown Midland has undergone some changes consisting of; new sidewalks, large square planters, planters on the flag poles, continuous new flags, new Christmas Lighting Project that is continuing, a mural program that stands at 34 finely detailed murals, and much more….
Widespread and continuing support from the local businesses and the surrounding community is essential to the success of the downtown. Downtown Midland welcomes volunteer, business and community participation in all areas of the association.
