What is a BIA?
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of business and property owners who work together to support growth and development on their main street. All BIA's ultimately have the same goal – to increase traffic and sales in their local business district through the co-operation of each and every BIA member business and property owner.
Watch this short video to learn more about how BIA's work and their history.
The Weston Village BIA
The Weston Village BIA, established in 1979, is one of the oldest BIA's in Toronto. Situated in the north-west end of Toronto minutes from both the 401 & 400 highways, it is next to the Humber River with its extensive bike trail and walking paths. The business area reflects the cultural diversity of the surrounding community and consists of an eclectic mix of over 200 stores, services and professional offices.
The goals of the Weston Village BIA include the revitalization and preservation of the Village through regular maintenance, facade improvement, streetscape, public art programs, special events and promotions, and municipal partnership.
The Weston Village BIA is managed by a Board of Directors that is comprised of business owners and property owners as well as the local Councillor. The Board of Directors is an elected body and is elected every 4 years and elections coincide with the City of Toronto elections. Here are our 2019-2022 elected board of management along with our staff:
Masum Hossain
Chair
George Kalamaris
Vice Chair/Events Chair
Paren Makim
Treasurer
Peter Kalamaris
Secretary/Streetscape Co-Chair
Suri Weinberg- Linsky
Omar Warsame
Frances Nunziata
Audrey Swartz
Victoria Timmins
Streetscape Co-Chair
Director
Councillor
Ward 5 York-South Weston
Coordinator
Administrative Assistant
Operations and Funding
The BIA Board of Management oversees the annual operating budget for the BIA. Each year a budget is established and is presented to the BIA membership at their annual general meeting. Once approved by the membership the budget is then submitted to the City of Toronto.
A levy (tax) is then set by City and is applied to each property within the boundaries of the BIA. Every business within the BIA geographic area is automatically included in the BIA membership and contributes to the BIA budget through this special levy which is applied to their property taxes.
The Weston BIA employs staff and casual staff who help with our Weston Farmers' Market, Santa Claus Parade and other special events.