Upcoming Events
Merchants & Makers
July 22, 2023 in Downtown OrilliaQueer Cabaret – Mariposa Arts Theatre (MAT)
June 10, 2023 at Mariposa Arts TheatreCelebrate You! – Downtown Orillia
June 17, 2023 in Downtown OrilliaSweet Summer Dessert Festival – Downtown Orillia
June 24, 2023 in Downtown OrilliaSee You on the Patio
June 30 - September 2 (Every Friday & Saturday Night)23rd Annual Classic Car Show – Downtown Orillia
August 19, 2023 in Downtown OrilliaFAQ
What is a Business Improvement Area (BIA)?
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of commercial property owners and tenants within a defined area who work in partnership with the Municipality to create thriving and safe business areas that attract shoppers, diners, tourists, and new businesses. By working collectively as a BIA, local businesses have the resource capacity (funds and people) to actively enhance the quality of life in their local neighbourhood and the Municipality as a whole.
Ontario BIAs fall under provincial legislation and are regulated under the Municipal Act, therefore they are a “Corporation of the Municipality”. BIAs are NOT “not-for-profit” corporations under the Ontario Corporations Act and should not be confused with one.
A local municipality may designate an area as an improvement area and may establish a volunteer board of management, to oversee the improvement, beautification and maintenance of municipally-owned land, buildings and structures in the area beyond that provided at the expense of the municipality generally; and to promote the area as a business or shopping area. (Via Ontario’s Business Improvement Area Association’s Website)
What benefits does a BIA provide?
The Orillia BIA has a variety of resources and support. You can view our business directory and social media to view our BIA businesses! Our goal is to market, promote, advocate, beautify and maintain the BIA. The BIA also hosts a variety of events and promotions throughout the year to promote traffic in the downtown to community members and tourists alike.
How does the BIA operate?
Orillia’s BIA volunteer Board of Directors is made up of volunteers from the downtown business community. The Board oversees policies and financial decisions. Any property owner, business owner, or a representative of that business within the Orillia BIA has the opportunity to sit on the Board of Directors. The Orillia BIA Board meets every third Tuesday of the month at 5:30pm.
How do I become a Member?
If you locate your business or building within the geographic boundaries of the BIA, you are automatically considered a member. To view the BIA boundaries map, click HERE.
Is the BIA a branch of City Hall?
BIA’s are not government organizations, although we do have a cooperative relationship with the City of Orillia.
Downtown Dollars
You can purchase Downtown Dollars in the Orillia BIA office at 23 Mississaga St W! These Dollars act as gift certificates for the whole downtown! Every business downtown honours these with the exception of the LCBO, Walking on a Cloud, Rexall, and Sanafir. Our office accepts debit/credit, cash, or business cheque in exchange for the Downtown Dollars.
Downtown Dollars make the perfect gift! Shop Local, Shop Downtown Orillia!
Please Note: If you would like to purchase amounts over $200, please send an email in advance to office@downtownorillia.ca stating the amount and which denominations you would like to purchase, as the dollars take some time to prepare.
Over 150 unique shops, 30+ delectable restaurants + an array of services to cater to your every request.
What can you do in a day
