FAQs

Q. How much is membership?

A. Currently $100 per year, with the year end being March 31.

Q. How do I become a member?

A. Contact Ron Casey at our Downtown Summerside office phone 436-7546

Q. What is a BIA?
A. A Business Improvement Area (Details)

Q. Why is a BIA important to the community?
A. Active and effective BIAs benefit not only the business community, but the surrounding neighbourhood and the City as well.

Q. How does a BIA operate?
A. Each BIA is administered by a volunteer Board of Management, made up of members of that BIA who are elected by their fellow BIA members and approved by City Council. The City Councillor(s) of the Ward(s) in which the BIA is located also serves ex officio as a member of the Board. Each year the Board proposes a program of activities and a budget to cover estimated expenses, which is voted on by all the BIA members present at their Annual General Meeting.

Q. Where else are BIAs now located?
A. There are more than 230 BIAs in the Province of Ontario. There are approximately 300 BIAs in 9 provinces (all but Prince Edward Island) plus the territories of Canada.
The concept has also spread to several other countries, including: the United States, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica and South Africa. Elsewhere they are known by such other names as Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Business Improvement Zones (BIZs), Special Improvement Districts, et al.

Q. WHY SHOULD I BECOME A BIA MEMBER?
A.

	The Downtown BIA is the voice of business in downtown Summerside. Participation in its deliberations provides you with access to the decision makers in municipal government.
	Membership offers you access to a number of municipal government loan programs that can be used to renovate your building (subject to being qualified to do so).
	Participation in BIA activities offers networking opportunities with other downtown businesspeople.

For more information, call the BIA at (902) 436-7546