Who pays the BIA levy?

Typically commercial property owners within the BIA boundary pay a levy determined by the municipal bylaw and the approved BIA budget.

Can a property owner appeal a levy?

Appeal mechanisms depend on the municipal bylaw; check the establishing bylaw and contact City of Victoria Finance or Bylaw Services as soon as possible.

What services can a BIA fund?

Common services include cleaning, security, marketing, events and small capital improvements in the public realm.

Business Improvement Areas in Victoria - Bylaw Benefits

Business and Consumer Protection British Columbia 4 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026

· By Daniel Roy

Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) support targeted services, marketing and capital projects in commercial districts across Victoria, British Columbia, and operate under provincial enabling legislation and municipal bylaws. BIAs commonly fund clean-up, security, signage, events and streetscape improvements paid by a levy on commercial properties; the legal basis and permitting framework is set by provincial statute and the City of Victoria’s implementation and bylaws. ^[1]

What BIAs do and their benefits

BIAs provide a coordinated local funding mechanism to deliver services beyond standard municipal programs. Typical benefits for business owners and visitors include improved public realm, targeted marketing, event management and advocacy with city departments.

Enhanced street cleanliness and safety through contracted cleaning and security initiatives.
District marketing and seasonal programming that increases foot traffic and tourism.
Small capital improvements such as planters, benches, lighting, and wayfinding.
Local advocacy on planning, permits and municipal service priorities.

BIAs pool a predictable levy from property owners to fund improvements that individual businesses may not be able to deliver alone.

Penalties & Enforcement

The statutory framework authorizes municipalities to establish BIAs and levy assessments but does not itself specify provincial fine amounts for BIA levy non-payment; enforcement and penalties are governed by the establishing municipal bylaw and municipal collection processes. Where a city bylaw sets collection or enforcement rules those measures typically use municipal tax collection and bylaw enforcement mechanisms. ^[1]

Fines and levy recovery: specific amounts and late-payment interest are not specified on the cited provincial page and must be read in the City of Victoria BIA bylaw or municipal tax collection policy; not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: whether penalties escalate for repeat or continuing offences is not specified on the cited provincial page and will depend on the local bylaw.
Non-monetary sanctions: municipalities may use tax liens, withholding of municipal services or court actions to recover unpaid levies; exact measures are set by the municipal bylaw or collection policy.
Enforcer: the City of Victoria administration and its Finance and Bylaw Services units administer levy collection, compliance and complaints; contact and bylaw details are available from the City of Victoria. City of Victoria BIA information^[2]
Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits (for example, contesting a levy assessment) are determined by the municipal bylaw and applicable municipal tax or bylaw appeal procedures; where not published on the bylaw page, appeal time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Defences and discretion: municipal councils often retain discretion to grant exemptions, reductions or variances; specific criteria must be checked in the establishing bylaw or council resolution.

Applications & Forms

Form requirements for creating or amending a BIA, or for seeking exemptions, are set out in the City of Victoria’s process documents or in the establishing bylaw; if no form is published, the City typically handles petitions, notices and resolutions through council and administrative submission. See the City of Victoria BIA information for current forms and procedures.

If you are a property owner disputing a levy, act quickly to request information and follow any municipal appeal timelines.

How BIAs are formed and governed

Municipalities form BIAs following petition, public notice and council resolution as enabled by provincial legislation; the municipality approves the boundary, the levy method and governance rules. BIA boards are usually composed of local business or property owner representatives and operate under a board mandate and budget approved by council. ^[1]

Formation steps include petition, public notice, council consideration and bylaw adoption.
Levies are typically collected through municipal property tax or separate billing mechanisms; check the local bylaw for assessment method.
Governance: BIAs operate under board terms of reference and a budget approved by the city council.

FAQ

Who pays the BIA levy?: Typically commercial property owners within the BIA boundary pay a levy determined by the municipal bylaw and the approved BIA budget.
Can a property owner appeal a levy?: Appeal mechanisms depend on the municipal bylaw; check the establishing bylaw and contact City of Victoria Finance or Bylaw Services as soon as possible.
What services can a BIA fund?: Common services include cleaning, security, marketing, events and small capital improvements in the public realm.

How-To

Review the provincial enabling legislation and the City of Victoria BIA guidance to understand legal requirements and timing.
Gather property owner support and prepare a petition or proposal following municipal submission rules.
Submit the proposal to City staff for review, respond to public notice requirements and attend council meetings as required.
Work with city staff to finalize the levy method, budget and board governance before council adoption of the establishing bylaw.

Key Takeaways

BIAs give districts a stable funding source for local improvements and marketing.
Legal authority originates with provincial statute and is implemented by municipal bylaws in Victoria.
For levy, enforcement and appeal details consult the City of Victoria and the establishing bylaw promptly.