Town of Tecumseh Business Improvement Area (BIA)

What is a Business Improvement Area or BIA?

A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a “made-in-Ontario” innovation that allows local business people and commercial property owners and tenants to join together and, with the support of the municipality, to organize, finance, and carry out physical improvements and promote economic development in their district.

Traditionally, a BIA is a body established by a municipality using the specific business improvement area provisions in the Municipal Act, 2001. It is governed by a board of management. BIAs are local entities, and the legislation states they are local boards. The Town of Tecumseh's BIA represents all of the property and business owners within a designated geographical boundary, with the exception of industrial properties and privately owned clubs.

Map of the TOTBIA boundary

The TOTBIA is governed by it's Constitution.

Functions of the TOTBIA

• To oversee the improvement, beautification and maintenance of municipally-owned land, buildings and structures in the area beyond that provided at the expense of the municipality generally;
• To promote the area as a business or shopping area;
• To undertake strategic planning necessary to address business improvement area issues;
• To advocate on behalf of the Members of the business improvement area;

Basic responsibilities of the TOTBIA Board of Management

• Plan and administer activities for the promotion of TOTBIA as an attractive business and shopping area and for the maintenance of the appearance of the business core;
• Engage in strategic planning necessary to address TOTBIA issues;
• Advocate on behalf of the interests of TOTBIA;
• Manage the money that is collected by the Corporation from the required BIA levy for these activities;
• Attempt to ensure that each Member receives fair representation from the Board.

Board of Management – Overview

Administration and strategic management of a Business Improvement Area is generally the responsibility of the board of management. In particular, the board of management is typically responsible for overseeing the planning, budgeting, implementing and evaluating of BIA projects. The term of the directors of a board of management is the same as the term of the council that appointed them, but continues until their successors are appointed. Directors are eligible for re-appointment.

TOTBIA Board of Management:

• The Board consists of seven (7) Directors; selected by a vote of the Members at an Annual General Meeting, in an election year, and then are appointed as Directors by Town Council;
• In addition, Town Council shall appoint two (2) Council Liaisons. The Council Liaisons are required to attend meetings and take part in sub-committee meetings but do not have a vote;
• Directors shall each have one vote. A quorum for conducting any meeting of the Board shall consist of a majority plus one;
• The Board shall assume office the first day following the appointment by Town Council;
• The Board shall have the following Officers: Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer. At the first meeting of the Board, the Board shall, amongst themselves, elect the Officers;
• The Board meets once a month.

To learn more about the Tecumseh BIA and access their minutes and agendas, visit their website