Understanding the Role of a Business Improvement Area (BIA)
Building a strong, vibrant community requires many partners working together: from businesses and property owners to the City and community organizations. Each plays a different role in shaping how our commercial districts function and evolve.
To support a shared understanding, we wanted to take a moment to explain what a Business Improvement Area does, how the Barrhaven BIA supports local businesses, and where responsibilities lie when it comes to things like development, leasing, and parking.
What the Barrhaven Business Improvement Area Does
The Barrhaven BIA exists to support, advocate for, and strengthen our local business district. We are a non-profit organization funded by a levy paid by commercial property owners within the BIA boundary, and we are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of local business and property owners.
Our work focuses on four core areas:
- Advocacy & Representation
We act as a collective voice for local businesses by:
- Advocating to the City on issues like transportation, infrastructure, safety, zoning, and long-term planning
- Participating in consultations related to development, parking strategy, and public realm improvements
- Elevating local business concerns to decision-makers so they are heard early in the process
- Economic Development & Business Support
We work to strengthen the local economy by:
- Supporting existing businesses through promotion, data, and connections
- Attracting investment by helping position Barrhaven as a strong commercial destination
- Providing tools, resources, and programming that help businesses adapt and grow
- Marketing & Placemaking
We promote Barrhaven as a place to shop, dine, work, and gather by:
- Running marketing campaigns and events that drive foot traffic
- Supporting streetscape improvements, public art, and community-building initiatives
- Showcasing the people and businesses that make Barrhaven vibrant
- Community Building & Partnerships
We collaborate closely with:
- Local schools, community organizations, and non-profits
- Barrhaven Councillors’ offices, City departments, our MPP and MP offices and Ottawa Police Service
- Property owners, developers, and institutional partners
Our role is often to connect dots, align interests, and help move conversations forward, especially on long-term issues.
What a BIA Does Not Control
While we are deeply involved in advocacy and collaboration, there are important things that BIAs do not have authority over.
Landlord–Tenant Relationships
BIAs do not:
- Own commercial properties
- Select tenants
- Negotiate or sign leases
- Set rental rates or lease terms
These decisions are made independently by private property owners and landlords. While we may provide market data and highlight gaps in the district, these decisions rest with property owners.
Parking Design, Supply, or Enforcement
BIAs do not:
- Design parking lots or roadways
- Determine how much parking is required
- Control parking rules, enforcement, or municipal parking policy
Parking planning is typically the responsibility of the City and private property owners, often guided by zoning bylaws, transportation plans, and long-term growth strategies. Our role is to advocate for practical, business-supportive solutions, not to dictate outcomes.
Development Approvals & Planning Decisions
BIAs do not approve:
- Development applications
- Site plans
- Zoning changes
We participate in consultations, provide feedback, and advocate for outcomes that support local businesses and community needs, but final authority lies with municipal planning and elected officials.
Why This Distinction Matters
Building a thriving, functional commercial district involves many players, each with different roles and responsibilities.
The Barrhaven BIA is here to:
- Advocate constructively
- Bring issues forward early
- Support businesses through change
- Help shape long-term solutions
We care deeply about what our community wants and needs, and much of our work happens behind the scenes.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
We welcome questions, feedback, and constructive dialogue. If you’re unsure how to raise an issue effectively, we’re always happy to help point you in the right direction.
A strong Barrhaven is built through collaboration, clarity, and shared responsibility, and we’re proud to play our part.
