Item - 2015.ED7.7

This report provides details on a program to promote economic revitalization in distressed retail areas and proposes a pilot of the project in two Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIAs).  The purpose of the program is to build community and organizational capacity within the local business community in economically distressed commercial areas so that they are better positioned to address the economic challenges particular to the neighbourhood.

One of the more successful models for local economic revitalization is a Business Improvement Area (BIA).  However, a significant impediment for creating a successful BIA in distressed commercial areas is the lack of organizational and funding capacity of the local business community to ensure on-going success.  The pilot seeks to build local capacity and partnerships within these areas and, by providing additional, early assistance, the establishment of high-functioning BIAs with the stable funding and organizational capacity needed to implement sustainable economic revitalization strategies.

The pilot would leverage Social Development and Economic Development knowledge to drive systemic change to reduce local poverty by supporting the creation of effective BIAs in low income areas.  The program focuses on the six (6) stages of growth required to develop a sustainable BIA in economically distressed areas:

-          A Business and Community Engagement Phase where existing Community Development Officers (CDOs) in Social Development Finance and Administration, with assistance from the Economic Development and Culture Division, would build networks and partnerships in the area and conduct a preliminary analysis of the economic and social challenges and opportunities in the area.

-          A Business Improvement Area Start-up Phase where the BIA Office would follow the normal BIA start-up process but with assistance provided to the local business Steering Committee through the use of a participant in the Toronto Employment and Social Services' (TESS) Job Incentive Program.

-          A BIA Capacity Building Phase where the City, working in partnership with the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) and/or an educational institution, would provide accredited training to BIA Board members and staff in areas such as Board development and governance, financial management, and strategic planning.

-          A "Stepping Stone to Success" grant where financial assistance would be provided to assist the newly established BIA to implement a key economic revitalization initiative in the area and to provide early administrative support to the BIA.

-          An Equitable Development Phase where the City, with other partners, would provide assistance to address the unique challenges particular to NIAs including strategic planning, neighbourhood retail retention and recruitment, immigrant and entrepreneurial leadership training, and public realm improvements for social change.

-          A Maintenance Phase where the City would assist the BIA in cyclical program evaluation, stable financial partnerships, and youth and senior engagement.

The report also examines the feasibility of applying the Danforth East Community Association pop-up shop program approach as part of the proposed pilot project summarized above.