How is the DDC funded?

Programs which are undertaken by the DDC are funded by the municipal levy which is assessed on all business tax payers within the designated area. The rate of taxation for the BIA is set at 10% of the assessed business occupancy tax. No assessment exceeds $4000.00 per year for any individual occupancy. Billing occurs twice a year and is combined with the business tax billing by the City of St. John’s. If you have specific questions about your account please contact the Tax Department at City Hall at 576 8930.

Statistics taken from BIA Assessment Role January 2008

Our Constituency - Percent by Number Versus Percent by Assessment

Number of DDC members listed on City B.I.A. tax list: 545

Accounting
1.1% by number versus 1.9% by assessment

Associations
2.6% by number versus 1.7% by assessment

Banking Services
2.9% by number versus 14.8% by assessment

Bars
10.5% by number versus 6.8% by assessment

Restaurants
12.5% by number versus 6.9% by assessment

Education
0.7% by number versus 1.8% by assessment

Hotel
1.5% by number versus 8.9% by assessment

Legal
8.4% by number versus 8.6% by assessment

Office
33 by number versus 29.4% by assessment

Industrial
1.7% by number versus 5.1% by assessment

Other
4.75% by number versus 4.7% by assessment

Retail
20.6% by number versus 9.1% by assessment

Members of DDC broken down by sector:

Office Sector: 179 members
Retail Sector: 112 members
Bar Sector: 57 members
Restaurant Sector: 68 members
Legal Sector: 46 members
Association Sector: 14 members
Banking & Financial Sector: 16 members
Industrial Sector: 9 members
Accounting Sector: 6 members
Hotel Sector: 8 members
Education Sector: 4 members
Other: 26 members

B.I.A. assessment broken down by sector:

Office Sector: $78,554.65 per year
Retail Sector: $24,250.68 per year
Bar Sector: $18,261.52 per year
Restaurant Sector: $18,533.06 per year
Legal Sector: $23,059.70 per year
Association Sector: $4,623.82 per year
Banking & Financial Sector: $39,520.50 per year
Industrial Sector: $13,615.30 per year
Accounting Sector: $5157.42 per year
Hotel Sector: $23,879.44 per year
Education Sector: $4,905.34
Other: $12,537.22

What is the BIA?

BIA stands for Business Improvement Area. The BIA is a set geographic area and was formed at the request of the Downtown business community following the completion of a Main Street Canada project in 1989. The St. John’s BIA boundary comprises of all areas bounded by Temperance Street in the East and Springdale Street in the West, Water Street in the South and Duckworth Street to the North.

What are the advantages of the BIA?

Some of the advantages of a BIA include the ability to provide the Downtown Development Commission with a stable source of funding to initiate capital improvements in the downtown core, generic promotion and special events to raise the profile of the area. It also encourages co-operation between City Council and downtown businesses through Joint DDC/Council Committees. The Committee meets on a regular basis to provide a direct way to bring downtown issues to the forefront. Finally, it allows the members of the BIA to benefit from the collective lobbying power of over 500 stores and services and underlines the commitment of each business to the revitalization of the area.

How can members become involved with the DDC?
The DDC strives to keep members informed of our work through
e-news, annual reports and a website. Members can participate through committees and survey responses, as well as participation in special events and promotional activities. If you want to get involved, just give us a call.

How can the DDC help me promote my business?

Our mandate is to promote the entire downtown. We do this by promoting unique assets of the area and highlighting events and programs that draw and retain customers downtown. Unfortunately, with over 500 members, the DDC does not have the resources to promote individual businesses, other than through advertising in the Pocket Guide to Downtown and the Business Directory on our web site. Be sure your information is correct and up to date.

What are MY RESPONSIBILITIES in keeping the Downtown clean and litter free??

Although the City of St. John's has regular processes in place for keeping the streets clean and attractive, according to by-laws, this responsibility is shared with businesses and other property owners.

Businesses and residential property owners are responsible for keeping the area between the curb and their property free of garbage, waste and debris.

Businesses, including commercial and institutional properties, are responsible for arranging the removal of recyclables, food waste and other refuse, usually through a private waste management company. Complaints of materials left in front of a property can be reported to the City of St. John's at 311.

For more information on City by-laws consult the City of St. John's at 311 or visit www.stjohns.ca

City of St. John's Street & Sidewalk Cleaning Schedules

Street Cleaner - *Seasonal - Information update available in Spring 2008
MadVac Sweeper - *Seasonal - Seven days a week during Spring to Fall
Pick-up Broom - *Seasonal - Seven days a week during Spring & Fall (early mornings from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm)

What should I do if I find graffiti, stickers or posters on my property?

Report it to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) 729 8100 immediately. It's a crime, similar to having a window broken, and police need to be aware of it.

As the property owner, you should remove the graffiti/sticker as soon as possible. Studies show that if the damage is addressed within 24 hours, those responsible are less likely to return to the same location. If you catch someone in the act call the RNC 729 8100.

Where are the DDC offices located?

The DDC offices are located at 155 Water Street, Suite 202. Office hours are Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:30 pm. Please feel free to drop by anytime. You can also reach our office by phone at 579 4139 or fax at 579 1636. Drop us an email at info@downtownstjohns.com.