A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a “made-in-Ontario” innovation that allows local business people, commercial property owners, and tenants to work together, with municipal support, to organize, finance, and carry out physical improvements and promote economic development in their district.
Under the Municipal Act, the basic functions of a BIA are 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; and
Promote the area as a business or shopping district
The association is funded through a levy on the property taxes of owners within the designated boundaries. The budget is presented annually to the general membership for discussion and approved by Council.
Membership Information, Meeting Schedules, Agendas, and Minutes
Information about Board membership, meeting schedules, agendas, minutes, vacancies, and application opportunities is maintained on a separate webpage and updated regularly.
Select the button below to access the latest information for the Downtown Collingwood BIA Board of Management.
Collaborate with town to develop work plan for Downtown Master Plan and resources needed in the short and long term
Provide input on Zoning By-law update, parking accommodation study and town led projects – Arts Centre, MURF, Terminals Point
Work with Simcoe County and town on mental health and homelessness issues
Expand BIA programming to include broader BIA district and evening activations, in collaboration with Tourism Strategy Implementation
Undertake BIA boundary expansion review
Evaluate test gardens and other opportunities to amplify garden areas
Developed BIA Strategic Plan
Collaborated with the Town on the development of the Downtown Master Plan
Promotion Committee Activated Downtown through events and initiatives, including: 50 plus events from March to December, including the Farmers’ Market, Local Live Lunch, Fashion Week (which raised more than $12,000 for the G&M Hospital Foundation), Christmas Launch, Santa Claus Parade and Christmas Markets and return of Art on the Street, featuring 20 chairs and 45 banners celebrating the creative art.
Maintenance & Beautification Committee Built on work undertaken by the municipality to ensure we have engaging decor, blossoming gardens and a litter-free and accessible Downtown, including the installation of the Gateway Public Art, five Test Gardens, art-wrapped utility boxes and beautification and activation of 84 Hurontario Street. Continued the expansion of the Veteran Banner program to more than 140 installations, resulting in another $1700 donation to our local Legion’s Poppy Fund.
Improvement Committee Advocated for a safe, secure and welcoming environment, free of graffiti, with more than 40 tags removed this past year from public and private locations. Encouraged private property owners to address areas of maintenance concerns and continued to work with the Town and Simcoe County to address social issues that impact the downtown environment.
Alignment with the Town’s Programs and Services
Development & Growth: 1.3 Economic Development
Arts, Culture & Heritage: 5.3 Community & Public Events
Arts, Culture & Heritage: 5.2 Community Arts & Culture
Alignment with the 2024-2028 Community Based Strategic Plan Pillars and Goals
Pillar 1: Sustainability Manage financial resources to ensure the mandate of BIA is fulfilled, and manage reserves to ensure long-term strategies can be fulfilled.
Pillar 2: Connected The BIA connects more than 600 independent businesses and property owners for the common goal of working together to make the district a better place to do business
Pillar 3: Vibrant The BIA presents activations, events and festivals and seasonally decorates the public realm to foster a vibrant commercial area that is welcoming to the community and visitors
Pillar 4: Responsible Through collaboration with the Town as outlined in the MOU we ensure Downtown is safe, accessible, well maintained and clean.
Legislation and Regulations that apply to this Board
Municipal Act Rules or Guidance from other sources: Ontario BIA Framework and Policies
Master Plans that apply to this Board
Town of Collingwood Official Plan (2024)
BIA Strategic Plan (2025)
Parks, Recreation & Culture Master Plan
Waterfront Master Plan
Economic Development Master Plan
Downtown Gardens Master Plan
Laneway Study
Downtown Heritage Conservation District Plan
Tourism Master Plan
Downtown Visioning Master Plan
Downtown Collingwood Revitalization Road Map
Shipyards Public Realm Plan
Zoning By-Law
Active Transportation Framework
Parking Strategy - Downtown Collingwood
Arts and Culture Centre Feasibility Study
Multi- Use Recreational Feasibility Assessment
10 Year Capital Plan
Business Improvement Area Establishing Bylaw
MOU between the Town and BIA
Operational Plan Projects that are Relevant for this Board
Downtown Master Plan – Work Plan Development
Tourism Master Plan Implementation Plan and MAT Roll out
