What is a levy?

The Downtown Kingston BIA levy is collected from property owners within the Business Improvement Area (BIA) whose buildings are zoned for commercial or industrial use. Each year, the levy is determined by the BIA Board of Management and then submitted to the municipal council for final approval.

Property owners have the option to either absorb the levy as a management expense or pass it on to their commercial or industrial tenants as part of their lease agreements. The funds generated by the BIA levy support various initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth, improving public spaces, and promoting local businesses within the downtown area.

Downtown Kingston Levy

The Downtown Kingston BIA levy serves as the primary funding source for the BIA's budget. Additional financial support comes from sponsorships and grants, which, in combination with the levy, help finance various BIA initiatives. These initiatives include events, marketing efforts, seasonal decor, street furniture, maintenance of street cleanliness, wayfinding signage, and safety and security measures. Moreover, advocacy for the betterment of the downtown community and staff wages are also covered within the final budget. The overarching goal is to ensure the BIA has the necessary resources to foster a vibrant, prosperous, and welcoming environment in downtown Kingston.

Levy increases:

Several factors are taken into consideration at budget time regarding the BIA levy. In general, a standard practice at most BIA’s is to raise the levy by 2.5% annually to keep in line with the cost of living and inflationary factors that may effect the operations of the BIA. The introduction of new staff, departments, events, or additional responsibilities can be another factor in deciding to raise the levy.

Annual increases to the levy don’t always occur. Many BIAs in Ontario, including Downtown Kingston BIA, opted not to increase their levy in 2020 due to the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, a more substantial levy increase may be recommended, depending on the scope and scale of planned initiatives for that year. These decisions are carefully considered with staff and the board to ensure that the BIA can continue to support and enhance the downtown community effectively.

For business owners, an increase in expenses can be a significant concern. However, a 2.5% increase on the current levy amount of 0.00356912 spread across all businesses results in an incremental increase per business. This incremental increase is reinvested into the local community, contributing to a better overall downtown experience for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. Therefore, while it's understandable that business owners are mindful of their expenses, the BIA levy represents a collective effort to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of the downtown area.

Property Assessment & Tax Levy Lookup

First step is to find out what your property is assessed at. Click here to access the Property Assessment & Tax Levy Lookup. Follow the instructions on this page to find out your properties assessed value.

Input the assess value below to find out how much your building is contributing to the BIA levy.

The BIA levy is based on the commercial space in the building so if your business is sharing the commercial space with another business, you only pay a portion of the levy.