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| John Kiru |
A meeting Monday evening at Leaside Library heard from advocates of the Business Improvement Area concept as a way of helping business on South Bayview. Among the gathering of about 30 people were long-time supporters of a Bayview BIA and members of a steering committee formed about two years ago. There were also skeptics of the BIA concept present. The meeting was convened by John Parker (Ward 26) and the main speaker was John Kiru, president of the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA). His remarks were enlightening on the practices by which the BIA may be formed. A democratic reform has occurred in recent years by which the City requires a 50 percent plus one margin in favour to create a BIA. The previous, rather astonishing practice of creating a BIA with no votes in favour has been abolished. This, and the new requirement that both tenants and property owners be permitted to vote, seems like progress. Mr.Kiru surveyed the challenges and benefits of Toronto’s 77 BIAs. Some do much better than others and some are simply dormant. He offered advice on the businesslike operation of a BIA — merchant involvement, organization, frequent meetings and formalized areas of responsibility among members. He said those hoping for a BIA should prepare themselves to donate ten hours a month. This insight touches on the chronic complaint of skeptics and even well-intentioned BIA supporters. There is frequent and often widespread apathy among merchants. The Bulldog is aware of a BIA vote in Wilson Heights last year. It failed because too few ballots were returned. That is, there was no determinative outcome of “yes” and “no” votes — merely insufficient ballots returned overall. John Parker has scheduled another BIA information meeting for May 21 at which Alex Ling will attend. Mr. Ling is a rather legendary figure in the creation of the first BIA in Bloor West Village, where he operated a shop.
