BIZ Membership Benefits
The zone levy provides the funds for the BIZ to develop programs and initiatives for improvements. The BIZ helps to promote the strengths, attractions and unique features of the district to encourage residents and visitors in shopping, dining and recreation.
Every business (excluding non-profits) within the boundaries of the West End BIZ pays a BIZ levy based on their annual rental value (ARV). The average ARV rate within the West End is $13,940. There are approximately 1,000 businesses in the West End. Each year the BIZ determines the budget needed to operate the programs and services for the zone and sets a corresponding levy rate that will generate the needed funds. This levy appears on each business' tax bill.
What do the ARV and levy mean in actual dollars paid?
The current BIZ levy is set at 1.590%. Using the average ARV of $13,940 means that the average business pays $222 of BIZ funds per year to operate the West End BIZ.
On average:
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68% of our members pay $222
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27% of our members pay approximately $732
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5% of our members pay approximately $2,329
How Can the BIZ Help Your Business?
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Take advantage of the grants available to West End businesses - safety, night light, storefront improvement and business development.
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Make use of the programming available to West End businesses - graffiti removal, BIZ Safety Patrol, street beautification, educational seminars and more
Promote your business by advertising in our publications
Sit on our board or committees to ensure that your voice is heard and that your great ideas for improving the area are considered
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The BIZ can be a valuable tool in working with various levels of government on advocacy issues (eg. more effective delivery of existing City programs such as the clean-up and maintenance of the area, security and crime prevention)
