Inglewood BIA considering expansion into Ramsay

Is the Inglewood BIA Expansion coming to Ramsay?

Have your say on whether Ramsay businesses should join the Inglewood Business Improvement Area (BIA) and access more information.

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What’s happening?

The Inglewood BIA is exploring expanding its boundaries to include parts of Ramsay, with the goal of strengthening support, promotion, and resources for local businesses across both neighborhoods. This initiative could boost collective advocacy, marketing, beautification, and grant access—especially as both communities grow in activity and development.

If you're curious about the proposal’s full scope, check out the official Inglewood BIA page or go to the City of Calgary's website to learn more about Calgary’s BIAs in general.

What an expansion could mean for Ramsay's businesses

If you’re a business owner within the proposed expansion area in Ramsay:

• You’d become a BIA member—meaning you'll contribute an annual levy based on your property’s assessed value. In Inglewood, businesses currently pay an average of $1,420, with a median of $848 (based on assessed values of ~$57,939 or $35,282 respectively)

• In return, you’d gain access to shared services—like area-wide marketing campaigns, events, street beautification, safety programs, and grant opportunities

• You’d also gain a formal voice: voting rights in the BIA’s decisions and better representation in City Hall advocacy and strategic planning

Why this matters for Ramsay

• Financial impact: New levy costs would be mandatory for all businesses in the proposed map regardless of if you will benefit from the BIA presence or not.

• Access to resources: If expanded, Ramsay businesses could tap into programs beyond the scope of a single business.

• Meaningful engagement: This is your chance to influence whether or not collective support through a BIA aligns with your business values and goals.

How Inglewood BIA funds are spent (data from 2022/2023)

The Inglewood Business Improvement Area’s budget is funded mainly through a business tax levy collected from members, plus grants for specific projects. Here’s a general look at how funds are allocated based on recent years:

• Staffing & operations – The largest portion of the budget supports staff who coordinate BIA activities, manage projects, engage with members, and handle day-to-day administration.

• Advertising & promotion – Significant investment goes into marketing campaigns, online promotion, and outreach to attract visitors and customers to the area.

• Streetscape & beautification – Funds are directed toward physical upgrades like signage, public space enhancements, and seasonal decorations.

• Special projects & events – Includes festivals, community activations, and seasonal events designed to draw people into the district.

• Professional services & memberships – Covers accounting, legal, and association fees to ensure compliance and industry representation.

• Capital projects – Occasionally, funds are used for major one-time initiatives, such as public art or large-scale improvements, sometimes supported by external grants.

Revenue sources:

• Most funding comes from the business tax levy collected by the City of Calgary.

• Additional income is received through grants for specific projects or events.

Note: Historically, the BIA has actively spent the majority of its annual budget on operations, events, and improvements, with little held in reserve.

How to get involved

Ramsay Community Association remains neutral on this issue—we’re here to help you make an informed choice. Here's how you can weigh in:

1. Tell us what you think: Fill out our quick and confidential feedback form to share your opinion.

2. Speak at City Council: A public hearing is scheduled for September 9, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chamber (800 Macleod Trail SE). Business owners in the current or proposed areas can present in person or submit written feedback.

3. Stay informed & connected

   • Attend upcoming community meetings and engagement sessions hosted by the BIA.

   • Watch for announcements from the Ramsay Community Association and City sources.

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