Formed in 1997, The Victoria Park Business Improvement Area (BIA)* is a not-for-profit business association that represents more than 350 merchants and businesses in the community of Victoria Park. Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, the BIA works to promote and improve the area and is an advocate on important community issues.
Victoria Park is located in the Beltline just south of the downtown core, with boundaries roughly extending east to west from the Elbow River to 4th St SW, and north to south from the CPR tracks near 10th Ave to 17th Ave S.
Membership is automatic for business falling within the BIA boundaries.
Vision:
To maintain our unique heritage while evolving into a world class urban community in which businesses thrive and prosper.
To become a destination area for Calgarians and citizens of the world to enjoy.
Mission:
Advocate for change and development that creates a high quality urban environment for all.
Communicate, coordinate, and collaborate with key stakeholders and interest groups to affect positive social, environmental and economic development.
Fulfill our mandate as prescribed by our bylaws:
- Improve, beautify and maintain property in the area
- Redevelopment of underutilized and/or vacant areas
- Maintain historical character and assets
- Promote the BIA as a business and/or shopping area
The BIA receives its funding through a levy applied to business tax assessments within the district. All levies are collected on behalf of the BIA by The City of Calgary. It is important to note that while the City collects on behalf of the BIA, The City does not fund BIAs; they are funded solely by contributions from member business owners.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is the main decision-making body for the BIA, acting as the voice for all businesses in this area. Any rate-paying member of the Victoria Park BIA can sit on the Board of Directors. Nominations are received from the membership prior to the Annual General Meeting (held in November of each year) with rate-paying members electing the Board of Directors. Directors are elected for a two-year term, serving a maximum of three consecutive terms. A minimum of nine and a maximum of fifteen members are elected to the board.
The Board of Directors meets monthly, to discuss the general operations, as well as various issues affecting the area.
2024 Board Members:
Geoff Allen, Chair -Bottlescrew Bill’s
Dustin Pool, Vice Chair -Eclipse Sustainability
Marie Chiem, Treasurer -Leno Fine Jewellery
Thomas Debicki, Secretary -Debicki Speta Design
Jeff Beddoes, Director -St. James Corner
Grant Howard, Director -The Howard Group Inc.
Sandy Macleod, Director -Freedom Chiropractic
Justin Woo, Director -Bud Bar
Jesica Lapuz, Director -Outlash
Scott Roberts, Director -Elbow River Casino
Jordan Geske, Associate Member -Innovate Media
For more information about the current Board of Directors, the nomination process, or how to get involved, please contact us.
Committees of the Board
BIA members unable to commit to sitting on the Board of Directors, but who still wish to have direct input into BIA operations can still get involved through the Committees of the Board. Committees are struck as needed, typically meet less frequently and deal with more specific issues and projects.
By-Laws
Please feel free to peruse the Victoria Park BIA's existing By-Laws (last amendments made in October 2016).
*In July of 2016, the Victoria Park BRZ changed its name to the Victoria Park BIA (Business Improvement Area or Association). This change was implemented by the Province of Alberta under the Municipal Government Act to better align with business associations across North America.