Growing Little Italy Together: What the BIA Expansion Means for You

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We’re glad you asked! A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a defined business district where local businesses work together to support, promote, and strengthen the area. Under Ontario’s Municipal Act, 2001, BIAs are established as local boards of council and are funded through an annual levy collected by the City. BIAs invest in things like area marketing, events, streetscape improvements, and advocacy that help create vibrant, successful business districts. You can learn more about how BIAs operate here: OCOBIA The Value of Ottawa's Business Improvement Areas.

The levy is how the BIA funds the programs, services, and improvements that benefit businesses in the district.

It’s collected once a year by the City of Ottawa as part of the property tax process and is based on the BIA’s approved budget and property assessments. For a more detailed breakdown of how the levy is calculated and how the BIA budget is set, please see the Member Information Booklet.

Who are BIA members?

Anyone who owns a commercial property or operates a business within the Preston Street BIA boundaries is automatically a BIA member.

Membership is funded through the BIA levy, which appears on your property tax bill—or may be included in your rent if you’re a tenant. The levy is collected by the City of Ottawa and reinvested back into the BIA to support marketing, streetscape improvements, events, and programs that benefit the entire district.

As a member, you’re part of a collective effort to promote, strengthen, and shape the future of Ottawa’s Little Italy. Members receive updates, access to shared resources, and have a meaningful voice in how our main street continues to grow and evolve.

How is the BIA levy collected and who sets it?

The BIA levy is collected by the City of Ottawa through the property tax system. The levy amount is based on the BIA’s approved annual budget and each property’s assessed value, and the City is responsible for calculating and collecting it.

The Little Italy BIA is supported by a small staff team that manages day-to-day operations, coordinates projects and events, and leads marketing and communications efforts.

General Inquiries, Member Engagement and Support

info@prestonstreet.com
343-298-1178

Marketing, Communications, and Events

social@prestonstreet.com
613-408-0368