About The DTK BIA
About Us
The Downtown Kitchener Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a non-profit organization that was initiated by small businesses in Downtown Kitchener and approved by the City of Kitchener in 1977. We are funded by a commercial taxation assessment levy paid byowners within a specified boundary.
Our elected Board of Directors govern the organization to ensure that our resources, guided by our strategic priorities, are reaching their highest return for the membership. Through our passionate team, we provide many services to the downtown area, including streetscape beautification, marketing, as well as festival and event support that drive foot traffic. We work with strategic partners, including the City of Kitchener to maximize efforts for the Downtown.
Mission Statement
To make Downtown Kitchener a destination where people connect with each other, businesses, and culture.
Vision Statement
The Downtown Kitchener BIA is driven to activate, beautify, and connect a thriving community that fosters innovation, inclusivity, and vibrancy.
Strategic Priorities
Activate
- Promote authentic experiences.
- Support a vibrant arts and culture scene.
- Amplify the use of live entertainment.
- Encourage experiences in unique spaces.
Enhance/Beautify
- Engage in programs to make Downtown attractive for visitors, employees, and residents.
- Work with partners where possible, including municipal and regional governments, for the best return on investment in beautification efforts.
Connect
- Act as the catalyst connecting people to the downtown district.
- Focus on making new connections between residents, businesses, and community events.
Member Benefits & Opportunities
Protect and enhance your investment in Downtown Kitchener
Have your concerns and opinions heard by other business and municipal leaders.
Influence the future direction of Downtown development.
Have the opportunity to network and establish relationships with other business leaders.
Keep up-to-date on current initiatives and happenings in Downtown Kitchener.
Provide a vehicle through which your company and employees can give back to the community.
Make your company more visible through shared branding, sponsorship of events, and meetings other constituents.
Serve on one of the BIA’s working committees.
Gain access to a wide range of business training and workshops.
What Is A BIA?
What is a BIA? A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a “made-in- Ontario” innovation that allows local business people and commercial property owners and tenants to join together and, with the support of the municipality, to organize, finance, and carry out physical improvements and promote economic development in their district. Traditionally, a BIA is a body established by a municipality using the specific business improvement area provisions in the Municipal Act, 2001. It is governed by a board of management.
Contact Us
We'd be happy to chat about the Downtown Action Plan, moving your business here, upcoming events, services the Business Improvement Area offers, or anything else downtown related!