Downtown BIA Levy

If your business is in the downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) you will be charged a levy. The levy is calculated annually.

The BIA levy is an additional 0.8 of a mil.

We combine the BIA levy with the commercial mil rate.   This process ensures the fair and equitable distribution of the levy throughout the BIA. Commercial property owners may collect the levy from tenants through monthly rent payments or billed separately throughout the year as part of the tax cycle. 

The BIA Levy goes directly into the downtown core to enhance, beautify and promote the area and is used for such things as parks, façade improvements, lighting, clean ups, festivals, parades and marketing.

The Downtown St. John's BIA was established in 1989. This area is bounded by Temperance Street in the east to Springdale Street in the west; the Waterfront to New Gower Street; Queen's Road and Duckworth Street.

For more information on the BIA, contact the Downtown Development Commission.