WHEREAS regional districts do not have the power to establish business improvement areas; AND WHEREAS a business improvement area would be a valuable economic development tool to generate revenue for marketing, tourism, and other ventures that benefit the commercial sector: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities petition the provincial government to amend the Local Government Act to grant regional districts the power to establish business improvement areas.
Ministry of Community, Sport Cultural Development The Province participated with UBCM on the Regional District Task Force in 2008 and 2009. The Task Force provided directions in their final report in January 2010 that included legislative, best practices and advisory materials as well as pilot projects. One of the proposals developed through that process was enabling regional districts to establish business improvement areas in unincorporated areas. This item continues to be considered in conjunction with other regional district initiatives that improve regional district performance and effectiveness.