WHAT IS A BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA (BIA)?

Business Improvement Area (BIA) organizations are not-for-profit assocations that promote the shared interests of commercial property owners and businesses located within specified geographic areas.  Established by municipal bylaw, BIA's are funded through a special tax levy that is collected by the municipality and passed on entirely to the individual BIA.  These funds support programs such as marketing & promotion, street enhancement, safety & security, events & festivals and business development.  Each BIA organization is independently managed by a Board of Directors, with autonomy for decision-making and priority-setting.

The Gastown Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a small but vibrant commercial area tucked into the heart of downtown Vancouver.  Officially incorporated as the City of Vancouver in 1886, Gastown is Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood.  The area is an expression of both the city's cultural heritage and of the social fabric that is Vancouver.  The history of this area is enriched with an array of modern businesses.  These businesses include cutting edge galleries and restaurants, local fashion designers and new media companies. The Gastown BIA covers the commercial/retail district running north-south along Cordova Street and Water Street and east-west between Richards Street and Columbia Street. There are 100 commercial buildings and approximately 550 businesses. As Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood, Gastown is known for its well preserved historic buildings.  Almost every building in the BIA has heritage designation.  In 2009, Gastown as designated a National Historic Site.