A Vision for a More Vibrant and United West Calgary Business Community…

For over 30 years, I’ve worked alongside residents, businesses, and community associations across West Calgary. One thing has become abundantly clear: our local businesses are the heartbeat of our neighbourhoods—and they deserve stronger representation, more promotion, and a unified voice.

That’s why I’m proposing the creation of a West Calgary Business Improvement Area (BIA).

A BIA is a proven tool used in cities across Alberta and Canada to support small businesses, strengthen local economies, and enhance the character and livability of neighbourhoods.

What Is a BIA?

The Province of Alberta passed legislation in 1983 allowing municipalities to establish Business Improvement Areas. A BIA is created when local businesses come together to improve and promote their area as a destination of choice for residents and visitors alike.

Once approved by City Council through a formal process, a BIA is governed by a local board of business owners and operators. It is empowered to:

Create a unique identity for the area through branding, marketing, and beautification.
Organize community events, festivals, and promotions that draw foot traffic.
Improve safety, cleanliness, and accessibility.
Advocate on behalf of businesses to City Council, administration, and other levels of government

Why a West Calgary BIA?

From Aspen Landing and West Springs to Signal Hill and Discovery Ridge, West Calgary is home to thriving commercial areas—but too often they operate in silos. A BIA can change that by helping to:

✅ Promote shopping local and increase customer loyalty.
✅ Beautify streetscapes and public spaces.
✅ Coordinate seasonal events, festivals and promotions.
✅ Provide a unified voice to address common concerns (e.g. parking, permits, safety).
✅ Support economic recovery and growth.

How Does It Work?

To form a BIA, a petition signed by at least 10 businesses on the local assessment roll must be submitted to the City Clerk. The proposed boundary area will then be circulated to affected businesses for feedback. If there is sufficient support and no significant objections, City Council can pass a bylaw to formally create the BIA.

What Are the Pros and Cons?

Pros:

Amplifies marketing and tourism efforts.
Builds stronger ties between businesses and the community.
Creates shared investment in local improvements.

Opens the door to grant opportunities and partnerships.

Considerations:

All member businesses pay an annual BIA levy based on business assessment.
Requires volunteer leadership and ongoing engagement.
Must balance the needs of diverse business types and sizes.

Your Feedback Is Essential

This idea is in the exploratory stage—and your input matters.

Would you support the creation of a West Calgary BIA? What kinds of initiatives would you like to see? Are there concerns we should address early on?

👉 Please share your thoughts by emailing me at info@joannebirce.ca.

Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant West Calgary—one that works for the businesses, residents, and visitors who make this such a great place to live, shop, and explore