Old Town Toronto Business Improvement Area’s full time staff work with a volunteer board comprised of local business representatives and commercial property landlords.
What is a Business Improvement Area?
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is made up of commercial and industrial property owners and their non-residential tenants who join together under a volunteer Board of Management (BIA Board) to carry out improvements and promote economic development within their designated area. There are over 80 BIAs in the City of Toronto. They work in partnership with the City to enhance and promote business areas as safe, vibrant places to do business, unique destinations for tourists and focal points for neighbourhood activity. To learn more about how a BIA operates, please click here.
What is a Board Member VS a Board Member In Training?
Our volunteer board members, many of whom have generously dedicated their time for years, meet formally in person with BIA staff at least four times a year, as well as on an ad hoc basis when needed (in person, by phone, or via email.) Board members contribute their valuable knowledge of the area, industry, and other skills to help guide the projects, programs, and goals of our not-for-profit organization.
Standard in person board meetings include updates and presentations from BIA staff and provide opportunities for the board to offer guidance and recommendations. Board members vote to make key decisions. Meetings typically take place at our office, located at 258 Adelaide Street East, Suite 400, during weekday afternoons and last approximately two hours.
Board members in training make the commitment to attend and participate in board and related meetings for one year. While their knowledge and input in all discussion is highly valued, they do not retain voting power in a board meeting. At the end of the year, in consultation with the BIA board, board members in training decide if they wish to run for a full board member position (if space is available.) With the aid of BIA staff, those who are voted in as board members will file paperwork with the City of Toronto for final approval.
Intersted?
If you are interested in volunteering, represent a business or commercial property located within our boundaries and want to learn more about the full process, please email Executive Director Al Smith at alsmith@oldtowntoronto.ca. Be sure to include the following 4 items:
- Subject Line: “Board Member In Training Candidate”
- First and Last Name
- Name of the business you work at/operate and/or your commercial property address if you are a landlord.
- One brief paragraph explaining why you want to volunteer and what skills you hope to offer the BIA board and staff.