The Waterfront BIA

About

A stone's throw from Toronto's downtown and financial core, The Waterfront BIA encompasses the exciting heart of the City's central waterfront with Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands forming a spectacular backdrop for the area's countless attractions.

Story

Established in 2004, The Waterfront Business Improvement Area (WBIA), is the voice of the Waterfront’s business community. Toronto’s WBIA is a community-driven organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing the economic and cultural vitality of the Waterfront area. The WBIA welcomes 17 million visitors annually with a service area population of 57,121 and growing rapidly. 68% of the area's residents are under the age of 45 (66% above average*), are university educated (65% above average*), have an average household income of $118,924 (17% above average*), and walk to work (greater than five times the average*).

Unlike most Toronto BIAs, The Waterfront BIA is both a full-service residential area and a tourist destination, ranking second in every major tourist category – domestic and international, pleasure and business, first-time and repeat. Through marketing and promotion, special events, streetscape enhancement, strategic planning and advocacy initiatives, the WBIA continues to secure its position as one of Toronto’s premier destinations. Annual programs include the Waterfront Artisan Market, Redpath Waterfront Festival, Waterfront Singing AmbassadorsTM and Ice Breakers produced by Winter Stations; a new event planned for winter 2017, bringing interactive art installations to the urban waterfront between York and Bathurst.

The Waterfront BIA has been the proud recipient of the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) Awards in 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015, as well as the 2015 Downtown Merit Award from the International Downtown Association (IDA) and the Award of Distinction from the 2016 BIA National Conference Awards.

*City of Toronto average (based on Toronto Census Sub-Division)

Mission

The Waterfront BIA is the voice of the business community. It is committed to improving and promoting the Waterfront area through investment and advocacy to maintain its position as one of Toronto’s premier shopping, business, entertainment and tourist destinations.