Business Improvement Zones

A Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) enhances economic development for businesses in a specific neighbourhood. The City of Winnipeg works with 5,000 businesses in 16 Business Improvement Zones. These zones create distinct shopping destinations, promote business attraction, provide street-level beautification, and improve marketing opportunities for BIZ members.

Directory, bylaws & map

Directory

Business Improvement Zone Procedures By-law 8111/2002 establishes policies and procedures of Business Improvements Zones in Winnipeg.

Business Improvement Zones map

Funding

Funding comes from a special addition to the business tax called a BIZ Levy. The levy is determined by each Business Improvement Zone's membership. Each BIZ votes on an annual budget that is submitted to City Council. The BIZ Levy is calculated based on the Business Improvement Zone's annual budget. The City then collects the levy through the business tax bill and transfers the funds to each BIZ.

How to calculate a BIZ levy payment

How business taxes are calculated

Operational templates

AGM preparation & check list

This document guides Business Improvement Zones in fulfilling their obligations required under Sections 15(1) and 21(1) of the City of Winnipeg Business Improvement Procedures By-law 8111/2002.

AGM preparation & check list

Budget template

This document helps Business Improvement Zones submit their annual budget requests to the City Clerk’s Department after being approved at an annual general meeting. City Council may review each presented budget in the same standard submission format.

Business Improvement Zone budget

Board nomination form

This document incorporates requirements from the Business Improvement Zone Procedures By-law  8111/2002 that states an individual may stand as a candidate for election to the board; has been nominated in writing by at least 10 different member businesses; and has declared in writing that they will serve on the board if elected.

Board nomination form template

Insurance forms

Business Improvement Zones operate at arm’s length from the City of Winnipeg. The City’s core insurance program is extended to Business Improvement Zones for perceived cost benefit only and subject to annual offer and acceptance by City insurers. The City provides property, equipment breakdown and liability insurance through our core insurance program. This arrangement is subject to full disclosure and reporting of any incidents to both City insurance and the City’s Legal Services department. To be considered for insurance coverage, each BIZ is required to annually disclose its operations, programming and inventory to the City.

  1. Insurance claim form
    Submit this claim form when there is damage, theft or loss to a Business Improvement Zone property. The BIZ is required to notify the City of Winnipeg Claims Branch within 24 hours of an incident, followed by submitting a claim form within seven days of an incident.
  2. Incident reporting form
    Business Improvement Zones are required to submit the incident reporting form if a BIZ employee causes damage or injury to others.
  3. Waiver of liability and assumption of risk agreement form
    This form is required if a Business Improvement Zone is using volunteers to help with an event, program or project, or for a vendor or small contractor providing service (if they do not have a certificate of insurance).
Mayor's Business Improvement Zone Awards

The Mayor's Business Improvement Zone Awards recognize those who have made significant contributions to promote economic development in their local Business Improvement Zone and make Winnipeg's neighbourhoods and our city a better place to live, work and do business.

Awards are presented for significant contributions in one or more of the following categories: community program delivery, place making (beautification and streetscape enhancements), special events, marketing, promotion, and safety initiatives.

The next call for BIZ Award nominations has not been determined.

Contact

Martin Pasieczka, BIZ Liaison: mpasieczka@winnipeg.ca

BIZ banner

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