Business Improvement Zones
A Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) enhances economic development for businesses in a specific neighbourhood. The City of Winnipeg is pleased to work with 16 Business Improvement Zones representing 5,000 businesses throughout Winnipeg. These zones create distinct shopping destinations, promote business attraction, provide street-level beautification, and improve marketing opportunities for business members.
Learn more about Winnipeg's 16 Business Improvement Zones, including contact information, boundary maps, and bylaw information. A separate bylaw was passed by City Council to establish each of the 16 Business Improvement Zones located within the City of Winnipeg.
Business Improvement Zone Procedures By-law 8111/2002 establishes policies and procedures of Business Improvements Zones in Winnipeg.
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. Together, members create a vision and a budget to fulfill strategic goals. Then, each BIZ votes on an annual budget that is submitted to City Council. The BIZ Levy is then calculated based on the Business Improvement Zone's annual budget. The City collects the levy through the business tax bill and transfers 100 per cent of these funds to the BIZ.
How to calculate a BIZ levy payment
How business taxes are calculated
The following toolkits provide key information about how to establish a Business Improvement Zone as well as an overview of the strategic roles and responsibilities involved in governance and management.
The following templates are to be used by Business Improvement Zones when submitting required information to the City of Winnipeg.
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.
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 AGM. City Council may review each presented budget in the same standard submission format.
Business Improvement Zone budget
Board nomination form
This document incorporates the 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
Business Improvement Zones operate at arm’s length from the City of Winnipeg. The City’s core insurance program is extended to the Business Improvement Zones for perceived cost benefit only and subject to annual offer and acceptance by the City’s 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. In order to be considered for insurance coverage, each Business Improvement Zone is required to annually disclose its operations, programming and inventory to the City of Winnipeg.
- Insurance claim form
Submit this claim form when there is damage, theft or loss to a Business Improvement Zone property. The Business Improvement Zone 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. - Incident reporting form
Business Improvement Zones are to submit the incident reporting form if a Business Improvement Zone employee causes damage or injury to others. - 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. A Business Improvement Zone would also use this waiver for a vendor or small contractor providing service if they do not have their own insurance in place to provide a certificate of insurance to a Business Improvement Zone.
Temporary Patios
Learn about the City's expedited process to allow for restaurants and licensed manufacturers with tasting rooms (breweries, micro distilleries, etc.) to establish temporary patio spaces.
Application Steps for a Sidewalk and On-Street Patio
Learn about the process, standards and expectations for creating sidewalk patios associated with food and drink establishments.
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 at this time. Please check back for updates.
If you have any questions about Business Improvement Zones, contact Martin Pasieczka, BIZ Liaison: mpasieczka@winnipeg.ca
