Downtown Business Improvement Area

A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a non-profit organization established by local business owners who work together to enhance, promote and strengthen their commercial district.

The St. Albert Downtown Business Association (DBA) is St. Albert's first established BIA. Established in late 2023, the DBA represents approximately 120 businesses within the downtown boundary (see map below). The DBA's goal is to build a vibrant, welcoming and economically resilient downtown that attracts residents, visitors and investment.

Map showing Downtown Business Improvement Area
Map of Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA)

What the BIA Does

Business Improvement Areas invest in programs and projects that directly benefit their business community and the surrounding area, such as:

Marketing and promotion - showcasing local businesses and hosting seasonal campaigns.
Events and activities - drawing visitors downtown and encouraging longer stays.
Beautification and placemaking - enhancing public spaces through planters, lighting and streetscape improvements.
Member advocacy and collaboration - providing a unified voice for downtown businesses.
Cleanliness and maintenance initiatives - supporting a welcoming and well-kept environment.

How the BIA is Funded

The BIA is funded through an annual Business Improvement Levy, which is collected by the City of St. Albert on behalf of the BIA. This levy is not a municipal property tax; it is a dedicated contribution that goes directly towards downtown business improvement programs and initiatives.

For the 2024 and 2025 tax years, under the authority of section 20(6) of the Business Improvement Area Regulation, the minimum and maximum amount payable for each taxable business within the BIA boundary is $200.00.

The levy ensures that all downtown businesses contribute fairly to the ongoing success, appeal and growth of St. Albert's downtown core. See BIA Tax/Tax Rate Bylaw

Contacts for St. Albert Business Improvement Area:

General Inbox: stalbertdba@gmail.com

Shannon Roche
DBA President
(Owner Divine and Free)
shannon@divineandfree.com

Alena Brown
DBA VP
(Eye Candy Lash Extension)
alena@eyecandylashextensions.ca

How to Pay Your BIA Tax

Taxes are due by June 30, 2025.

If you are a business within the Downtown BIA boundary and have questions about your BIA levy or how businesses are listed on the BIA assessment roll, please contact:

City of St. Albert Assessment & Taxation
780-459-1603
assessment@stalbert.ca

Ways to Pay Your BIA Tax Bill

Payment Method	Information
In Person	Main Floor, St. Albert Place, 5 St. Anne Street, St. Albert. Hours: Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Payment Methods: cash, cheque, debit or credit card
Mail	Make cheques payable to City of St. Albert and mail them to: City of St. Albert 5 St. Anne Street St. Albert, AB T8N 3Z9 Payments sent by mail must be postmarked by Canada Post on or before the due date.
St. Albert Place (City Hall) Mail Slot	If paying outside regular hours, deposit your cheque (no cash) in the mail slot located to the right of the front doors at St. Albert Place (City Hall).
Online or Telephone Banking	Pay through your financial institution's website, app or by phone. Use your property roll number (listed on the front of your notice) as the account number. Please allow for at least three business days for processing.
Online by Credit Card	Visit St. Albert Online Payments You'll need your roll number and access code; both found on the front of your tax notice. Please note that a credit card service fee applies. Allow three business days for processing.

Important:

The City of St. Albert does not currently offer a Pre-Authorized Tax Payment (PAT) program for Business Improvement Area accounts.
Receipts for payment of taxes are available upon request only.