Sparks Street BIA proposes expanding boundary, seeking approval from City Council

The Finance and Corporate Services Committee has approved the Sparks Street Business Improvement Area’s (BIA) request to expand the BIA boundary.

The Sparks Street BIA proposed expanding the area west to Bay Street, south to Laurier Avenue and east to Metcalfe Street — along the west side of Elgin Street north of Slater Street, wrote the City of Ottawa in a news release.

If approved, the expanded BIA would set a 2025 budget of approximately $2.6 million, which would be gathered with a BIA levy added to the annual municipal property tax bill, noted the city.

“The extra funds would allow the BIA to deliver expanded marketing and programming, create a vibrant commercial district, and improve the overall streetscape aesthetic and visitor experience,” it added.

If the BIA expansion is granted, city staff will recommend a change to the BIA’s name that will better reflect the expanded boundary.

What’s next to get Spark Street’s Business Improvement Area expansion approved?

According to the municipality, council must approve this request. If council moves forward, the City Clerk will then send out a notice of intention to expand the BIA.

The notice will describe council’s intention to adopt a bylaw to alter the existing BIA boundaries.

This bylaw will not be passed by council if the City Clerk receives written objections within 60 days of the notices being mailed and those against the bylaw represent:

• At least one-third of the total number of persons entitled to notice
• At least one-third of the annual municipal property taxes in all prescribed business property classes within the area

Affected property owners will be given 30 days to provide a copy of the notice to tenants who cover full or part of the annual municipal property taxes.