About Us

What is the Fort William Business District Business Improvement Area (BIA)?

The Fort William Business District BIA is a non-profit organization which represents all of the businesses located within its boundaries in the beautiful City of Thunder Bay, which is located at the head of Lake Superior in pristine Northwestern Ontario.

It is governed by a volunteer Board of Management and staffed by a part-time office personnel. The BIA is responsible not only for improving the image of a historical area and promoting businesses in the downtown Fort William area, but also for promoting events and lobbying for brown space redevelopment meant to attract new businesses and customers.

The BIA Boundaries are Miles St, May St, Donald St, and McKellar St. The boundaries begin on the inside block of these streets and include all businesses within that area (excluding Victoriaville Centre tenants).

Property owners are assessed a levy that is paid with the taxes through the City and then to the BIA to support the mission.

Mission Statement:

The Fort William Business District BIA is the voice of the business community. It is committed to improving, promoting and advocating for the area of Fort William Business District as one of Thunder Bay’s shopping, business, entertainment and historic downtown destinations.In support of the mission, the BIA has these objectives in place:

• Enhance the beautification, maintenance and improvements that the City of Thunder Bay provides for the area;
• Encourage individual property owners to maintain, beautify and enhance their businesses;
• Advocate on behalf of the business community;
• Work with community and municipal partners to address safety and the perception of safety in the area;
• Promote the area as a desirable place to locate a business;
• Promote the area as a business, shopping and entertainment area;
• Highlight the historic aspects of the area and promote as a destination.

Fort William BIA By Laws

Click below to review our by laws. Updated February 2017 – to be approved by membership and council at next AGM.

Fort William BIA By Laws