The two primary activities of the BIA involve promoting the area as THE place to work, live and play in Hamilton and advocating on behalf of its member businesses.

We also sponsor other events downtown in order to help other organizations bring vitality downtown.

The BIA is the voice of the downtown business community at City Hall. Over the past number of years, we have fought on behalf of our members for a number of issues including the placement of more parking meters, a moratorium on fees for outdoor patios (saving our members thousands of dollars!!) and for fairer taxation on downtown businesses. On this last point, we are continuing to seek ways to see an end to the unfair tax burden shouldered by our members. 


WHO PAYS FOR THE BIA’s ACTIVITIES?

The BIA is entirely self-funded. Each year, the BIA holds an Annual General Meeting at which time a budget established by the organization’s Board of Management is presented to the membership for consideration and approval. Once approved, the budget amount is paid by allocating portions of it to all BIA members in the form of a BIA levy, which is based on the assessment of the property.

WHY SHOULD I BECOME A BIA MEMBER?


The Downtown BIA is the voice of business in downtown Hamilton. 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 business people.