Business Improvement Areas [BIAs] were first launched in Ontario in the 1970's to draw local businesses together to improve their business area. The privilege that makes this method works is the ability to levy "taxes" from the commercial properties in a designated business area. The levy is used for beautification, training, advertising and other methods of promotion based on a budget created by
and managed by the BIA board & members. Further detials about creating a BIA can be found on the proviniclal association site, www.obiaa.com. The Jackson's Point Village Association [JPVA] BIA covers the core of the village from Metro Rd to the Lake and includes The Briars Resort and Red Barn lands. Many other businesses from Dalton Road and Lake Drive E have also joined the membership as Associate Members. Associate Members fee is the same as the minimum paid by levied commercial properties. Associate Members have the same privileges as full members, except without voting powers. Please contact the BIA chair, Kathy Taylor-Jackson at Kat's Gallery, for further information about membership. The JPVA BIA is an official board of the Town of Georgina and works closely with the Town's Economic & Tourism Development Officer and staff. Initial joint projects for this this time period have included: training at the nation BIA conference (with help from South Lake CFDC), and the coordination of a provincial community pairing study run by OMAFRA. Separately, the board has hired an urban designer to assist in re-branding and to develop basic design resolutions for the area. In the fall of 2012 and the winter of 2013, a Community Improvement Plan will take place as a joint effort between the Town, BIA and OMAFRA. This plan will create a template for future development of the village's business area, and will provide opportunities for other funding. The BIA board is elected by its members, who include the commercial property owners and businesses. The board exists through the life of the Town Council (Winter 2011 to Fall 2014). BIA meetings are open to the public. Details of our meetings are available through the Town web site, www.georgina.ca.
