The mandate of the Business Improvement Area Association is to oversee the beautification and marketing of Preston Towne Centre. We recognize the importance of balancing growth and innovation while working to preserve the historic and traditional character of downtown.
 
The BIA is a non-profit organization that is monitored by the municipality and guided by the Ontario Municipal Act.  All members of a BIA pay a yearly levy that is included in their property taxes, and the levy funds are used to promote and beautify the BIA area. We do, however, have associate members. These are members whose businesses or properties are adjacent to the BIA area, or close by, who wish to take advantage of a BIA membership. All Associate Members receive the same benefits as regular BIA members, except they are not allowed to vote at the AGM, or sit on the Board of Directors. 
 
Business Improvement Areas were first developed in the late 1970's and now there are over 250 of them in Ontario alone. The vast majority of BIA's are established in traditional old downtown areas. They were formed out of a need for the business owners and property owners of the area to unite as the advent of malls and big-box stores were displacing those traditional community business areas.