About The BIA – Who We Are

BIA Mission

The mission of the 4th Street BIA is to represent the business interests of its members and to create, promote and maintain a unique, attractive, vibrant and prosperous business area that is appreciated and supported by the local market residents and by visitors from throughout the city and beyond.

What is a BIA?

The Province of Alberta passed legislation in 1983, which permits municipal governments to establish Business Improvement Areas or a “BIA”. A BIA is created as a mechanism by which business people in an area can administer funds to improve the area and jointly promote their businesses.

A BIA is formed through an application to the City Clerk’s office. A petition signed by at least ten persons listed on the current business assessment role for the area is submitted defining the boundary of the area. The city notifies all potential members of the proposed BIA. Then, City Council may proceed to establish a by-law which lays out the boundaries and purpose of the BIA.

The 4th Street BIA

The 4th Street BIA began in 1990, our boundaries stretch from 12th Avenue to Elbow Drive and include over 300 businesses.

The BIA is an excellent vehicle to promote the identity of our business district through advertising and special events. The BIA is also a united voice to communicate our point of view directly to various departments of the City of Calgary including City Council at large and other levels of government (provincial and federal). Our BIA also plays a role in the appearance of 4th Street through year round beautification and maintenance.

The BIA is governed by a Board of Directors composed of up to eight to ten local business people. They are responsible for the BIA’s yearly program and receive financing from a special BIA tax levy added to all business tax assessments within the boundary. Our annual general meeting is typically held the first week of November where we present an annual report and plan for the following year.