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What is a BIA?

BIA 101

A Business Improvement Area (“BIA”) is not a government body, but rather a gathering of local citizens and business owners who have a shared vision of community improvement. A BIA allows these individuals to have the benefit of collective voices, collective action and collective will to improve the communities around them.

What are the benefits of the MarkeTo District BIA?

For citizens and individuals of the community:

Events and recreational activities to attend, a cleaner and safer environment for themselves and their families, a positive sense of local progress and improvement, a clearer and stronger voice with all levels of government.

For business and organizations:

Coordinated branding and promotion efforts, more financial self-reliance on improvement of the area, shared costs and resources to reduce strain on individual members and activities, a stronger voice for government support, a more physically an aesthetically attractive commercial area, increased attraction of visitors to the community.

Vision Statement

To be a people-focused source of community improvement and enhancement that looks to provide a safe, healthy and happy environment for commercial, retail and residential growth.

Mission Statement

To promote a greener and cleaner neighborhood for the businesses, communities, organizations and individuals that operate in and around the MarkeTo District through engagement and outreach to both locals and visitors.

Goals of the MarkeTo District Business Improvement Area

  1. Maintain a clean and safe environment on Dufferin through consistent upkeep as well as beautification and improvements
  2. Maintain and improve impartial ties with officials and representatives from all levels of government (Municipal, Province, Federal)
  3. Be a collective voice for the businesses and residents of the district to address concerns and improve stakeholder outcomes
  4. Promote the brand and businesses of the BIA through events and initiatives to increase visitor traffic to the district
  5. Expand the BIA to include new members, new areas and new stakeholders for collective growth and prosperity, and increase engagement and coordination with other BIAs in proximity to the district

Specific Goals, Initiatives and Focus for Current MarkeTo District BIA Board

  1. More events and engagement with the local community, including multiple annual movie nights, networking events, food drives and clean up events
  2. Growth and promotion of MarkeTo District brand through implementation of website, social media presence and following, increased membership and increased engagement with community stakeholders
  3. Implementation of BIA Streetscape plan for significant beautification and renovation of the district