Business Improvement Area (BIA) - Historic Downtown Abbotsford

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The City of Abbotsford is conducting a review of Bylaw No. 1699-2007, which governs the Abbotsford East Downtown Business Improvement Area. Established in 1994 by the District of Abbotsford, the Abbotsford East Downtown Business Improvement Area Bylaw was introduced to generate revenue for initiatives aimed at revitalizing the local economy. These initiatives focus on enhancing the downtown area through beautification projects, supporting local businesses, promoting innovative attractions, and encouraging overall economic activity.

This bylaw review is a direct response to a formal request from the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association (ADBA), and additionally, this review was anticipated and supported by the Historic Downtown Neighbourhood Plan.

Key proposed changes include:

  1. Updating the BIA boundary
  2. Updating the annual funding
  3. Renaming the bylaw
  4. Revising the expiration date of the bylaw

Business Improvement Area Map

The ADBA is administrated by a Board of Directors, which is composed of property and business owners who are elected by their fellow ADBA members, and would continue to manage the funds collected through the BIA levy, supporting the strength of Historic Downtown Abbotsford and initiatives such as community events and festivals (like Berry Fest and Winter Jubilee), streetscape upgrades, graffiti removal, marketing, beautification, storefront enhancements to attract visitors and support local enterprises.

We want to hear from you!

If you have any questions about this bylaw review, please fill in the Petition Form or submit your questions below and our team will get back to you!

The City of Abbotsford is conducting a review of Bylaw No. 1699-2007, which governs the Abbotsford East Downtown Business Improvement Area. Established in 1994 by the District of Abbotsford, the Abbotsford East Downtown Business Improvement Area Bylaw was introduced to generate revenue for initiatives aimed at revitalizing the local economy. These initiatives focus on enhancing the downtown area through beautification projects, supporting local businesses, promoting innovative attractions, and encouraging overall economic activity.

This bylaw review is a direct response to a formal request from the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association (ADBA), and additionally, this review was anticipated and supported by the Historic Downtown Neighbourhood Plan.

Key proposed changes include:

  1. Updating the BIA boundary
  2. Updating the annual funding
  3. Renaming the bylaw
  4. Revising the expiration date of the bylaw

Business Improvement Area Map

The ADBA is administrated by a Board of Directors, which is composed of property and business owners who are elected by their fellow ADBA members, and would continue to manage the funds collected through the BIA levy, supporting the strength of Historic Downtown Abbotsford and initiatives such as community events and festivals (like Berry Fest and Winter Jubilee), streetscape upgrades, graffiti removal, marketing, beautification, storefront enhancements to attract visitors and support local enterprises.

We want to hear from you!

If you have any questions about this bylaw review, please fill in the Petition Form or submit your questions below and our team will get back to you!

  • Project Update - August 29, 2025

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    The Abbotsford Downtown Business Association (ADBA) continues to play an active role in supporting the vitality of Historic Downtown. Through the Business Improvement Area (BIA) program, funds are directed toward initiatives such as local events, streetscape improvements, beautification, and business promotion efforts that contribute to a vibrant and welcoming downtown for residents, businesses, and visitors. These initiatives not only enhance the overall experience of the area but also help strengthen local economic activity by encouraging investment, attracting customers, and supporting the success of businesses.

    The first counter-petition window for the proposed expansion of the Abbotsford Historic Downtown Business Improvement Area took place from July 10 to August 25, 2025. This stage provided property owners who would have been included in the expanded BIA boundary with an opportunity to register opposition to the proposed adjustments.

    The process is moving forward, and the second counter petition window will open on September 12. During this stage, property owners within the red boundary shown on the map below will have the opportunity to register opposition to the proposed levy increase.

    Details on how to participate, including petition period dates and instructions, will be posted on this page in the coming weeks. Information will also be published in the City Page of the Abbotsford News on September 4 and September 11 and mailed directly to the property owners.

    Thank you to everyone who has engaged with the process so far.

Page last updated: 29 Aug 2025, 02:54 PM