County clarifies role in collecting Paris BIA levy amid downtown construction concerns

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Committee backs additional $30,000 for downtown marketing during ongoing construction impacts

Recent invoices sent to downtown Paris businesses for the annual Business Improvement Area (BIA) levy have sparked frustration among some merchants already grappling with the impacts of ongoing construction, but County of Brant officials say the municipality is acting only as the collection agent for a levy established and approved through the BIA itself.

The confusion stems in part from the fact that the invoices were mailed by the County of Brant's finance department and listed the county as the return address. For some business owners, the timing of the levy, arriving while many continue to report reduced customer traffic and declining revenues during the Downtown Dig project, raised questions about why the county was charging businesses additional fees.

According to information released by county staff, the levy is not a county fee and the municipality does not determine the amount charged.

Under Ontario's Municipal Act, municipalities are required to collect BIA levies on behalf of local Business Improvement Areas. The levy serves as the primary source of funding for BIA operations and programming. 

The municipality shall annually raise the amount required for the purposes of a board of management, the legislation states. Municipalities then collect and remit those funds back to the BIA. 

The Downtown Paris BIA approved its 2026 operating budget during its annual general meeting in February, before the budget was subsequently approved by County of Brant council as required by legislation. The approved levy for 2026 was set at $325 per business. 

County staff note that the Paris BIA operates somewhat differently than many BIAs across Ontario. While most BIA levies are calculated based on commercial property assessment and added to property tax bills, Paris uses a flat-rate, per-business levy structure. That means individual businesses receive invoices directly rather than seeing the charge incorporated into property taxes.

The levy funds a range of downtown initiatives overseen by the Paris BIA, including marketing and promotional campaigns, website and social media operations, seasonal events and administrative support. County staff identified programs such as Jingle Bell Night, advertising initiatives, staffing support and downtown promotions as examples of activities funded through the levy. The 2026 budget also includes expenditures for advertising, general promotions, Christmas promotions, website operations, contracted services and facility rentals. 

During discussion at the June 16 Administration and Operations Committee meeting, Mayor David Bailey encouraged downtown businesses to continue supporting the organization through the levy.

“I hope the message is out there and they (business members) are paying their dues to the BIA as they should be because they (BIA) didn’t do anything wrong,” said Bailey.Committee members were advised that the Paris BIA is preparing communication to its membership explaining the levy and its purpose. The levy currently generates approximately $30,000 annually, funding marketing initiatives, special events and promotional activities designed to attract customers to the downtown core.

Within the report presented to the Administration & Operations Committee, staff acknowledged concerns surrounding the levy and noted that if the Paris BIA board and membership decide they wish to suspend the levy for 2026, staff will investigate whether such a move is permitted under the Municipal Act.

Staff also pointed out that the county has provided support to the BIA throughout construction, including assistance from Downtown Construction Liaison Erica Grimes, who has helped facilitate marketing, communications and business support initiatives during the project.

The committee also considered additional financial support for downtown businesses through the BIA. Councillor Steve Howes introduced a motion recommending the county provide an additional $30,000 to the organization specifically for advertising and media purchases aimed at increasing traffic to downtown Paris.

Howes said while a petition supporting local businesses has gathered approximately 1,500 signatures, what downtown merchants need most is customers through their doors.

“If we were to approve a $30,000 injection to the BIA we would essentially be matching the funds raised by their membership levy. I’m confident the BIA with extra funds, specifically for media buying, could do some good in driving more people to shop in downtown Paris during this challenging time,” said Howes. He added the timing would coincide with upcoming summer events, including the Paris Promenade.Councillor John Bell supported the proposal, noting council had originally anticipated construction would last one year when previous support funding was approved.

“When we started this process we did give a clear signal that we thought it would last a year. Now for all kinds of reasons it’s extended and we are in year two and the one-time grant of $30,000 that we did give really was addressing the year we thought we would be constructing and now we are into the second year so I think there is a logic to saying we would give another $30,000 to cover this year of construction,” said Bell.

The proposed funding would come from a county contingency reserve. 

Committee members voted unanimously in favour of the recommendation, which now advances to county council for formal ratification later this month. 

Additional background information on the funding request is expected to accompany the report when it returns to council.