Meaford will not see a return of the Business Improvement Area (BIA) after council voted unanimously, 7-0, in favour of a staff recommendation to take no further action toward a potential reinstatement of the BIA.
A staff report presented to council during their December 1 meeting noted that there was little interest from downtown businesses and property owners in bringing back the BIA, which is funded by a levy paid by owners of properties located within the BIA area.
“Despite efforts to engage the community, there has been insufficient interest and support demonstrated to date. This lack of response raises concerns about the viability and sustainability of reinstating the BIA under the current conditions. After careful review and analysis, staff recommend that Council opt not to move forward with the proposed timeline for the reinstatement of the BIA at this time,” staff told council in their report.
BIAs are established by a municipal council under the authority of sections 204 to 215 of Ontario’s Municipal Act.
A BIA is an association of commercial property owners and business operators who work together, with the support of the Municipality, to promote and enhance their business district. BIAs can take on initiatives such as streetscape beautification, special events, marketing campaigns, and programs to attract visitors and investment.
Meaford’s BIA was dissolved in November 2022 after having operated since 1978.
At the time it was dissolved, Meaford’s BIA consisted of 67 members who paid an annual levy ranging between $357 and $595 per property. The total amount raised annually through the special area rate was roughly $26,373.
During a public meeting held on November 10, it was clear that downtown property owners, who would have had to pay the BIA levy if it were reinstated, had no interest in seeing a revival of the BIA.
“A downtown property owner who had engaged with approximately 20 other downtown business and property owners, reflected a broader consensus among that group opposing the reinstatement of the BIA at this time. Their position emphasized that existing organizations, such as the Meaford Chamber of Commerce, already provide opportunities for business engagement and promotion, and that efforts should focus on supporting and enhancing those channels rather than re-establishing a formal BIA structure,” staff noted in their report to council. “As a result of the public engagement undertaken and lacking support from interested parties to participate in a BIA, staff recommend that no further action be taken by staff respecting the reinstatement of the BIA.”
