Downtown Kingston BIA
Downtown Kingston is beautifully situated at the confluence of the majestic St. Lawrence River, Cataraqui River, and Lake Ontario, a stone's throw away from the US border. With three distinguished academic institutions and a proud connection to the Canadian Military, Kingston is a city that thrives on diversity and fosters a sense of possibility and opportunity.
Established in 1973, the Downtown Kingston BIA works to maintain, improve, beautify, and maintain the area, as well as promote local businesses and events. The BIA is managed by an elected volunteer Board of Management, which ensures that the organization's activities reflect the interests of its members.
Purpose.
Together we are cultivating a community of shared joy, pride, optimism and prosperity in downtown Kingston.
Mission.
To cultivate and enhance downtown Kingston’s position as the region’s leading culinary, entertainment and commercial destination, while attracting more people to experience and contribute to our vibrant downtown community.
Membership Benefits
If you own a property or business within the Downtown Kingston BIA geographic boundaries, you automatically become part of a vibrant community committed to creating a lively and thriving downtown core. Visit the BIA Boundary Map for a detailed map. The BIA's activities and initiatives are made possible through an annual levy based on commercial or industrial property taxes.
Discover the Advantages of Being a Downtown Kingston BIA Member:
As a Downtown Kingston BIA member, your business will benefit from a range of valuable features and services aimed at fostering growth and enhancing the overall downtown experience.
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Our targeted marketing initiatives promote the unique atmosphere and attractions of the downtown area, driving foot traffic and boosting your business's visibility.
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Our dedicated team ensures that the streets are clean and well-maintained, creating a welcoming environment for customers and fostering a sense of community pride.
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By addressing the needs of vulnerable population and connecting them with essential resources, we contribute to a safe and inclusive downtown core for all.
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Downtown Kingston has a Kingston Police dedicated foot patrol officer and City of Kingston Bylaw officers that patrol our streets helping to address situations that involve enforcement of bylaws and illegal activity. This helps to keep the downtown core safe and secure.
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Throughout the year, our engaging events attract thousands of visitors to downtown Kingston, providing increased exposure and opportunities for your business to shine.
2024 Awards and Articles
OBIAA Award of Excellence – Waawaateg: Northern Lights Interactive Light and Sound Experience: a partnership with the local Indigenous community, captivated audiences through Indigenous story, art, and language and contributed to the cultural vibrancy of the downtown core.
OBIAA Award of Excellence: Downtown Kingston Advent Calendar, a partnership with local member businesses, fostered a sense of community and enhanced visitor experiences during the holiday season.
Downtown Dish Blog
The Downtown Dish is a monthly blog featuring stories of downtown businesses and their owners. Click to read here. Downtown Dish digital newsletter is delivered to over 5000 people each month. Sign up here to be in the know about what’s happening in downtown Kingston.
Media about Downtown Kingston
Downtown Kingston, a key attraction for visitors to our beautiful city, has garnered significant attention from various media outlets. To delve into the stories and experiences that make downtown Kingston a must-visit destination, we invite you to discover what the media has to say about us. Click here.
2024-2027 Strategic Plan.
In 2023 the Downtown Kingston BIA Board of Management, staff, partners and select members engaged in a 2-day strategic priority workshop with the goal of producing a 4-year strategic plan that would resonate with our greater membership, that was aligned with our partners and that gave the staff a roadmap forward. The Board approved Strategic Plan can be viewed and downloaded below.