New Member Information
Being part of a BIA provides special opportunities to make your business a success. Learn how the Perth BIA can support you as you engage on this new venture.
A Business Improvement Area is a geographical area designated by a local municipality to improve and beautify municipal land while promoting the area for business and shopping.
Property owners within the BIA pay a levy, which is a municipal tax that funds the activities of the BIA. This includes:
Spring and winter floral arrangements
Christmas decor
Promotional events and campaigns
Printing and administration of BIA Gift Certificates
Social media and content creation
Business Development opportunities
…and so much more!
What is a BIA?
The Downtown Heritage Perth BIA operates under the guidance of a Board of Directors consisting of local business owners and representatives. The BIA office is run by the BIA Coordinator and a contract Content Creator.
The strategic direction of the Perth BIA operates functionally through three separate committees:
Beautification Committee
Promotions Committee
Stewart Park Festival Committee
Visit our ABOUT page to learn more about board and committee functions, and to read the latest committee minutes.
Our Strategic Plan
Our current strategic direction came about through intensive consultation with key stakeholders including our business members. Click the image to learn more about the plan or download the full plan below.
What Do I Need to Know?
Business Directory
Our online business directory helps visitors find you. Business owners can manage their listings directly or contact the BIA Office (bia[at]perth.ca) to update their information.
BIA Printed Maps
Every year the BIA prints maps for our visitors to help them navigate to your business. It is important that you keep your business information (name and address) up to date with the BIA office to ensure the map is correct.
There are also limited opportunities for businesses to advertise in our yearly map. This is a cost effective way to promote your business to an additional 10,000 people. Keep a close eye on BIA communications so you don’t miss the opportunity.
BIA Gift Certificates
Gift Certificates are available for purchase through our BIA Office and the Perth Visitor Information Center.
These gift certificates can be redeemed at any BIA business.
Reimbursement procedure is as follows:
Ensure all information is filled out on the gift certificate including client name and business name
Submit redeemed gift certificates to the BIA Office at Town Hall
A cheque will be issued to you for the redeemed amount
Business Development Opportunities
As a member of the Downtown Heritage Perth BIA, you’re part of a connected and collaborative business community focused on long-term success and growth. Through our strategic plan, we are committed to supporting business development by creating meaningful opportunities for learning, connection, and expansion.
We work closely with valued partners, including the Perth & District Chamber of Commerce and regional organizations such as the Small Business Advisory Centre, to provide access to resources, workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities that help businesses thrive. By strengthening these partnerships, we ensure our members benefit from a coordinated approach to economic development across the community.
Whether you’re launching a new venture, expanding your services, or looking to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, the BIA is here to support your growth—championing your voice, sharing opportunities, and helping you succeed in a vibrant downtown business environment.
Communications
Every month the BIA Office will send out a business member exclusive newsletter with pertinent information. This can include upcoming social media campaigns, promotions or events, traffic disruptions, business development opportunities, grant opportunities, networking opportunities, promotion opportunities, board updates, documents and more.
It is important that you read this information so you are informed and prepared.
Should you have any questions, you can always contact the BIA Office at bia [at] perth.ca. If you have missed information, you can always find it on the main page of this Member Area.
Permits, Signs and Renovating Information
The Downtown Heritage Perth BIA exists within a Heritage Conservation Area. It is important that when you are considering construction, signage or renovations that you take into consideration the Stewardship Guide to the Downtown Perth Heritage Conservation District. This guide will help you when sending in your applications for signage and construction.
Merchandise Displays
Outdoor merchandise displays must:
Be no more than 30 inches (78 cm) deep.
Stay within the width of your business frontage.
Extend no more than 38 inches (92 cm) onto Town property.
Be displayed on a rack, table, or stand that is at least 30 inches (78 cm) high (items cannot be placed directly on the ground).
Leave a minimum clear sidewalk width of 1.5 metres (5 feet) for pedestrians.
Not block access to parking meters.
Not interfere with visibility at intersections or with snow removal operations.
Sandwich Board Signs
Sandwich board signs must:
Be an A-frame (sandwich board) style sign with no more than two faces.
Be between 36 and 48 inches (92–120 cm) high.
Be between 24 and 30 inches (60–76 cm) wide.
Have a sign face no larger than 8 square feet (0.74 m²) per side.
Have smooth, rounded edges with no parts extending from the sides or bottom.
Be securely braced so they remain stable while on display.
If displayed for more than 14 business days, be constructed from durable, weather-resistant materials.
Placement & Safety
All outdoor displays and signs must:
Maintain a minimum 1.5-metre (5-foot) clear pedestrian pathway.
Not block parking meters.
Not obstruct drivers' visibility at intersections.
Not interfere with snow removal.
Be kept in good repair.
Be removed during high winds, snowstorms, or when snow removal is taking place.
Never be placed on snowbanks or anywhere they could create a safety hazard.
Participate as a BIA Member
The Downtown Heritage Perth BIA works to promote the entire downtown through coordinated marketing campaigns, events, and initiatives designed to bring people into the district. As a business member, your participation is key to turning that increased visibility into meaningful engagement and sales. This can include cross-promoting BIA campaigns, creating event-specific offers or experiences, and sharing your own content online. Be sure to tag the Downtown Perth BIA on social media so we can help amplify your message—we’re always happy to share member content.
If you’re unsure how to participate or want to explore new ideas, we’re here to help and are always happy to brainstorm with you.
Stay Engaged & Have Your Voice Heard
Participation in the BIA goes beyond promotions. Member feedback is essential in shaping our work—whether it’s marketing initiatives, beautification efforts, or advocacy priorities. We encourage members to respond to surveys, attend meetings, and stay informed.
Business members are welcome at Board and committee meetings, and those wishing to speak on a specific topic may request to attend as a delegate by contacting the BIA office.
Open, respectful communication is important to ensuring concerns can be addressed effectively. If you have questions or issues, we encourage you to reach out directly so we can work together on solutions.