Wrenford City Council approved the Downtown Wrenford BIA's 2026 operating budget on January 6. The agreement ensures the Business Improvement Area (BIA) will continue its work supporting local shops, hosting street events, and improving the downtown core throughout the coming year.
The approved budget totals $1,200,000. Of that amount, $680,000 is funded through the BIA property tax levy, which is collected by the City as part of annual tax bills. The remaining $520,000 comes from provincial grants, federal programs, and private sponsorships. This represents a four per cent increase in BIA-funded programming compared to 2025.
"The Downtown Wrenford BIA continues to be a vital partner in keeping our core vibrant and welcoming for shoppers and visitors," said Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price. "This budget will fund the events and business support programmes that make our downtown the heart of the city. We are proud of the collaboration between the City and the BIA, and we look forward to seeing the plans come to life on Mercer and Tamsin Streets."
The 2026 budget focuses on three main areas: business development, placemaking, and operations. The City will provide $150,000 in business improvement grants to help downtown merchants upgrade storefronts and run seasonal promotions. An additional $200,000 is allocated for street activations, including the annual Harvest on Mercer festival, outdoor patio expansions, and weekend markets. The rest covers staff salaries, marketing, and administrative costs.
The BIA tax is applied to commercial and residential properties within the designated downtown boundary. Property owners see the charge listed separately on their annual property tax statements. Revenue collected stays within the downtown area to fund projects that directly benefit local businesses and residents.
For more information on how the BIA supports local commerce, visit the BIA's main page. To learn about funding available for downtown projects, see downtown business improvement grants. For details on city-funded business support, visit the Economic Development section.