Business Improvement Area (BIA) - Historic Downtown Abbotsford

UPDATE

Council adopted, on December 9, 2025, the new Abbotsford Downtown Business Improvement Area Bylaw (ADBIA Bylaw).

With this decision, the new bylaw is now officially in effect, confirming:

the updated BIA boundaries
the new annual levy amount
the new name of the bylaw
the revised term of the bylaw

This adoption concludes the review process requested by the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association and aligned with the Historic Downtown Neighbourhood Plan. The BIA remains an important tool to strengthen the historic downtown, supporting economic promotion activities, community events, streetscape and public realm improvements, graffiti removal, heritage preservation, and initiatives that help local businesses thrive.

We thank everyone who participated, submitted questions, and followed the counter petition periods. If you have any questions, you can contact Planner Carlos Oliveira, by email at coliveira@abbotsford.ca.

Business Improvement Area Map

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:

Updating the BIA boundary
Updating the annual funding
Renaming the bylaw
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 Counter Petition Form or submit your questions below and our team will get back to you!

UPDATE

Council adopted, on December 9, 2025, the new Abbotsford Downtown Business Improvement Area Bylaw (ADBIA Bylaw).

With this decision, the new bylaw is now officially in effect, confirming:

the updated BIA boundaries
the new annual levy amount
the new name of the bylaw
the revised term of the bylaw

Business Improvement Area Map

Key proposed changes include:

Updating the BIA boundary
Updating the annual funding
Renaming the bylaw
Revising the expiration date of the bylaw

Business Improvement Area Map

We want to hear from you!

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

Ask a Question

If you have questions about this bylaw review, please submit your question here!

Share The engagement process was clear and well organized. Property owners and the community had plenty of time to learn about the proposal and share their thoughts. We need the Business Improvement Area to keep our downtown growing and full of great events! Congratulations! on Facebook Share The engagement process was clear and well organized. Property owners and the community had plenty of time to learn about the proposal and share their thoughts. We need the Business Improvement Area to keep our downtown growing and full of great events! Congratulations! on Twitter Share The engagement process was clear and well organized. Property owners and the community had plenty of time to learn about the proposal and share their thoughts. We need the Business Improvement Area to keep our downtown growing and full of great events! Congratulations! on Linkedin Email The engagement process was clear and well organized. Property owners and the community had plenty of time to learn about the proposal and share their thoughts. We need the Business Improvement Area to keep our downtown growing and full of great events! Congratulations! link

The engagement process was clear and well organized. Property owners and the community had plenty of time to learn about the proposal and share their thoughts. We need the Business Improvement Area to keep our downtown growing and full of great events! Congratulations!

Alexandre asked 3 months ago

Thank you for your feedback! We really appreciate your kind words and support. It’s great to hear that the engagement process felt clear and inclusive.
Share Hi, I have series of questions, who should I email my questions? on Facebook Share Hi, I have series of questions, who should I email my questions? on Twitter Share Hi, I have series of questions, who should I email my questions? on Linkedin Email Hi, I have series of questions, who should I email my questions? link

Hi, I have series of questions, who should I email my questions?

Swaran S Dhaliwal asked 5 months ago

Hi Swaran,
Thank you for your message! You can send your questions directly to me at coliveira@abbotsford.ca. You can also find my email address in the top right corner of the page, next to my photo. I’ll be happy to help answer them.
Best regards,
Carlos Oliveira
Share I recently aquired a food truck called Alohaaa Dogs. I've always lived in this community and I believe this business would fit perfectly. on Facebook Share I recently aquired a food truck called Alohaaa Dogs. I've always lived in this community and I believe this business would fit perfectly. on Twitter Share I recently aquired a food truck called Alohaaa Dogs. I've always lived in this community and I believe this business would fit perfectly. on Linkedin Email I recently aquired a food truck called Alohaaa Dogs. I've always lived in this community and I believe this business would fit perfectly. link

I recently aquired a food truck called Alohaaa Dogs. I've always lived in this community and I believe this business would fit perfectly.

BRAEDON THIESSEN asked 6 months ago

That’s fantastic—congratulations on acquiring Alohaaa Dogs! It’s always inspiring to see local businesses led by members of the community. For more information on whether Alohaaa Dogs could be part of the area, you can reach the ADBA Office directly at +1 (778) 666-0451 or hello@downtownabbotsford.com.

Thank you!

Carlos Oliveira
Share why did I get a letter and form about increased taxes possibility if I am a resident and not a business in the downtown historic Abbotsford? Does this apply to me as a residential owner or do I assume its only for business owners? on Facebook Share why did I get a letter and form about increased taxes possibility if I am a resident and not a business in the downtown historic Abbotsford? Does this apply to me as a residential owner or do I assume its only for business owners? on Twitter Share why did I get a letter and form about increased taxes possibility if I am a resident and not a business in the downtown historic Abbotsford? Does this apply to me as a residential owner or do I assume its only for business owners? on Linkedin Email why did I get a letter and form about increased taxes possibility if I am a resident and not a business in the downtown historic Abbotsford? Does this apply to me as a residential owner or do I assume its only for business owners? link

why did I get a letter and form about increased taxes possibility if I am a resident and not a business in the downtown historic Abbotsford? Does this apply to me as a residential owner or do I assume its only for business owners?

Randy O'Leary asked 4 months ago

Residential properties are not charged the BIA levy. You received that letter and form because the City is proposing to expand the Business Improvement Area (BIA) in Historic Downtown Abbotsford. By law, when this happens, all property owners inside the proposed boundary — commercial, Industrial or residential — must be notified. It ensures transparency and gives everyone the opportunity to understand the process.

If you have any other questions, you can reach me directly at coliveira@abbotsford.ca.

Thank you!

Carlos Oliveira
Share Since the initial creation of Historic Downtown as an entity in the 90s and the bylaws in the mid 2000's it seems that progress in beautifying, redesigning and generally improving the walkability, curb appeal and economic outlook of the old downtown area has been glacial at best. I have lived in the area for over 35 years so it is a daily reality. How will expanding the size of the historic downtown district get things moving? Old Downtown is a patchwork of roads upon roads and traffic upon traffic. Isn't expanding the scope of an already unmoving project detrimental to the progress going forward? Compared to the unified approach of other neighbouring cities our old downtown seems stuck in a cycle of tiny improvements spread over a large area without connection. on Facebook Share Since the initial creation of Historic Downtown as an entity in the 90s and the bylaws in the mid 2000's it seems that progress in beautifying, redesigning and generally improving the walkability, curb appeal and economic outlook of the old downtown area has been glacial at best. I have lived in the area for over 35 years so it is a daily reality. How will expanding the size of the historic downtown district get things moving? Old Downtown is a patchwork of roads upon roads and traffic upon traffic. Isn't expanding the scope of an already unmoving project detrimental to the progress going forward? Compared to the unified approach of other neighbouring cities our old downtown seems stuck in a cycle of tiny improvements spread over a large area without connection. on Twitter Share Since the initial creation of Historic Downtown as an entity in the 90s and the bylaws in the mid 2000's it seems that progress in beautifying, redesigning and generally improving the walkability, curb appeal and economic outlook of the old downtown area has been glacial at best. I have lived in the area for over 35 years so it is a daily reality. How will expanding the size of the historic downtown district get things moving? Old Downtown is a patchwork of roads upon roads and traffic upon traffic. Isn't expanding the scope of an already unmoving project detrimental to the progress going forward? Compared to the unified approach of other neighbouring cities our old downtown seems stuck in a cycle of tiny improvements spread over a large area without connection. on Linkedin Email Since the initial creation of Historic Downtown as an entity in the 90s and the bylaws in the mid 2000's it seems that progress in beautifying, redesigning and generally improving the walkability, curb appeal and economic outlook of the old downtown area has been glacial at best. I have lived in the area for over 35 years so it is a daily reality. How will expanding the size of the historic downtown district get things moving? Old Downtown is a patchwork of roads upon roads and traffic upon traffic. Isn't expanding the scope of an already unmoving project detrimental to the progress going forward? Compared to the unified approach of other neighbouring cities our old downtown seems stuck in a cycle of tiny improvements spread over a large area without connection. link

Since the initial creation of Historic Downtown as an entity in the 90s and the bylaws in the mid 2000's it seems that progress in beautifying, redesigning and generally improving the walkability, curb appeal and economic outlook of the old downtown area has been glacial at best. I have lived in the area for over 35 years so it is a daily reality. How will expanding the size of the historic downtown district get things moving? Old Downtown is a patchwork of roads upon roads and traffic upon traffic. Isn't expanding the scope of an already unmoving project detrimental to the progress going forward? Compared to the unified approach of other neighbouring cities our old downtown seems stuck in a cycle of tiny improvements spread over a large area without connection.

spitz asked 4 months ago
Hello,

It is important to emphasize that the City is not a developer. Our role is to create policies and provide support that enable and guide future development. The City is currently updating its Official Community Plan (OCP), as required by the Province. The updated OCP will update a long-term vision and policy framework to guide land use, development, and public investment across the City, including Historic Downtown. A key focus is to create compact and complete communities by increasing population density and making more efficient use of land.
The Historic Downtown Neighbourhood Plan was adopted in 2019. In the six years since, significant progress has been made, including new developments such as the Rail District and Upper Montrose. The plan continues to guide changes and improvements in the area. One of the tools that helps support this type of development and make the area more attractive for residents and businesses is the Business Improvement Area (BIA).
The Historic Downtown Plan and the proposed BIA expansion are separate initiatives, although both contribute to the revitalization of Historic Downtown. The proposed addition of properties does not alter the geographic boundaries of Historic Downtown itself. Instead, it expands the number of properties that participate in the ADBIA. By broadening the BIA boundary, more property owners contribute through levy, which strengthens the association’s ability to deliver projects and initiatives over time.
All funds collected through the BIA levy must be used exclusively for activities that directly benefit the area, including:
- Clean Team Ambassadors
- Public murals and tactical signage
- Decorative lighting programs
- Graffiti removal
- Open space activations for arts and culture
- Strategic marketing and laneway activations
If you have any other questions, you can reach me directly at coliveira@abbotsford.ca.

Thank you!

Carlos Oliveira

Page last updated: 19 Dec 2025, 10:52 AM

Business Improvement Area (BIA) - Historic Downtown Abbotsford

Ask a Question

The engagement process was clear and well organized. Property owners and the community had plenty of time to learn about the proposal and share their thoughts. We need the Business Improvement Area to keep our downtown growing and full of great events! Congratulations!

Hi, I have series of questions, who should I email my questions?

I recently aquired a food truck called Alohaaa Dogs. I've always lived in this community and I believe this business would fit perfectly.

why did I get a letter and form about increased taxes possibility if I am a resident and not a business in the downtown historic Abbotsford? Does this apply to me as a residential owner or do I assume its only for business owners?

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