Red Deer City Council approved the Business Improvement Area (BIA) tax rate bylaw at their regular meeting today. The BIA tax funds the Downtown Business Association (DBA), which is dedicated to downtown beautification, advocating for BIA members, attracting new businesses and showcasing a rewarding downtown experience.
Following approval of the DBA annual operating budget, City Council is required to pass a BIA tax rate bylaw to reflect decisions made during budget deliberations and to allow The City to collect the BIA tax on behalf of the DBA.
Of the 376 taxable businesses in the BIA, 126 will be taxed at the minimum rate of $226 – an increase of $14.05. The remaining 250 businesses will be taxed at the BIA tax rate, which equates to an average increase of 6.67 per cent. For a business assessed at $32,100 this means an increase from $590.26 in 2024 to $629.61 in 2025. 2024 under collection will not be recovered on the 2025 BIA tax notices.
"Downtown is the vibrant heart of Red Deer, offering centrally located services, entertainment venues, and spaces where our community can come together and connect,” said Mayor Ken Johnston. “The Downtown Business Association plays a vital role in helping our community achieve the vision outlined in the Downtown Activation Playbook and the City’s Strategic Plan. These funds are essential to sustaining momentum and strengthening DBA initiatives that benefit all Red Deerians.”
BIA tax notices will be mailed or emailed on May 12, 2025, and payments are due June 30, 2025. Outstanding balances will be subject to penalties in accordance with the tax penalty bylaw.