Georgetown Central BIA

Welcome to Downtown Georgetown!

Who We Are

Behind the scenes of the Georgetown Central Business Improvement Area (GCBIA), also known as Downtown Georgetown is a small but dedicated team, working passionately to support and promote our vibrant local economy. But the BIA is so much more than just us.

The BIA is your neighbour’s shop, the local entrepreneur who just took a leap of faith to follow their dream, and the family-owned business that has been a cornerstone of our community for generations. It’s the small boutique that knows your name and appreciates every visit, and the café where the barista remembers your favourite order.

The BIA is the people who make our town more than a place—it’s our community. It’s the families who cheer alongside you at the soccer field, the business owners who live just down the street, and the residents who contribute to the local tax base, keeping our town thriving.

Together, we are building a place we are proud to call home. The BIA is all of us—working together to create a vibrant, connected, and prosperous community.

What is a BIA?

A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of commercial property owners and the businesses that operate within their spaces—including retailers, restaurants, service providers, etc.—working together to support and promote the economic development of a designated area.

BIAs are:

• Established by municipal bylaw under the Ontario Municipal Act, 2001, Sections 204–216
• Self-funded, operated by a local board of management
• Focused on enhancing business, community, and tourism within their area

👉 Want to learn more?
Watch this quick explainer: What is a BIA? (YouTube)
Visit: Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA)

Our Mandate & Focus

We exist to:

• Attract residents and visitors to shop, dine, and explore
• Beautify and maintain our streetscape
• Support businesses through marketing and events
• Foster collaboration between stakeholders and the Town
• Advocate for community-focused planning and development

BIA Membership

Under the Ontario Municipal Act, you’re automatically a member of the BIA if you fall under one of these requirements:

• Own commercial or industrial property within the Downtown Georgetown BIA boundary
• Lease space for a business purpose in one of these properties

As a member, you can:

• Vote at Annual General Meetings (AGMs)
• Participate in events, programs, and promotions
• Stay informed through member updates and newsletters

📞 Questions about membership?
Contact our office to confirm your eligibility or get involved.

Operations & Funding

The Downtown Georgetown BIA is governed by a Board of Management, comprised of local business and property owners, with one Town Council representative.

• The Board oversees the BIA’s strategic direction, programs, and budget.
• Funding comes from a special levy collected by the Town of Halton Hills from commercial properties within the BIA.
• The annual budget is proposed to members each fall at the AGM, then submitted to Town Council for approval.

Day-to-day operations are managed by our BIA staff, who work year-round to support members, run events like the Georgetown Farmers’ Market, and lead marketing and beautification initiatives.

GCBIA Bylaws

The BIA operates under municipal and provincial legislation, including our establishing bylaw and internal governance policies. These outline how we function and ensure transparency and accountability.

Download a full outline of GCBIA Bylaws

About Halton Hills

Downtown Georgetown is part of the Town of Halton Hills, located in the northwest corner of the Greater Toronto Area in the Region of Halton. With its blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and forward-thinking community planning, Halton Hills offers a high quality of life for residents and a supportive environment for businesses.

Whether you're considering setting up shop, learning more about our community, or exploring economic opportunities, the Town provides a wide range of resources and initiatives to help you succeed.

Learn more about Halton Hills:

• 🌍 Where is Halton Hills? (Location Overview)
• 👥 Demographics & Community Data
• 💼 Labour Market Information
• 🌱 Climate Change Action & Sustainability
• 🧩 Quality of Life in Halton Hills
• 🧰 Business Resources & Supports