Elmvale BIA

The Elmvale BIA is an association of business and property owners who work together to support growth and development in the Elmvale area. Established in 2012, the BIA works with their members, Springwater Council and other stakeholders to ensure downtown Elmvale continues to be a dynamic area of great shopping, dining, professional services, cultural opportunities and architectural interest.

A volunteer Board of Management governs the BIA with membership approved by Council. Council also appoints a representative from Council to serve on the board and act as a liaison between the BIA and the municipality.

Meetings and minutes

Find details about the next open meeting and minutes on the Elmvale BIA website.

What is a BIA?

A Business Improvement Area (BIA) 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. Typical BIA activities include:

• Beautification
  • BIAs often provide enhancements in a business area to create a more pleasant atmosphere (e.g. lighting, signage, street furniture, planters, banners, and seasonal decorations)
• Revitalization and maintenance
  • BIAs help to revitalize, improve and maintain physical infrastructure as well as help make an area cleaner and safer
• Marketing and promotion
  • BIAs encourage both local residents and others to shop and use services within the local commercial district
• Special events
  • BIAs organize and work with community partners to hold special events to promote and showcase their businesses (e.g. Springwater-Elmvale Farmers' Market, Sci-Fi Festival)
• Business recruitment and retention
  • BIAs work with commercial or industrial property owners to help ensure that available space is occupied
• Communication
  • BIAs can act as a voice for the business community and often establish important relationships with other community voices, such as Township Council, municipal departments, local community groups and institutions

Learn more about BIAs in the BIA Handbook.