Old East Village BIA

About Old East Village BIA

The Old East Village Business Improvement Area (BIA) represents the diverse range of businesses and property owners located along the Old East Village commercial corridor in London, Ontario. Serving a vibrant community, the BIA supports a wide variety of local establishments, including cinemas, coffee houses, barbers, and bookshops. To encourage residents to shop locally, the organization offers an Old East Village Gift Card that can be used across these various unique businesses. The BIA operates with a mandate to create a sustainable, diverse, and inclusive commercial corridor where people can live, work, shop, play, and produce. It provides a range of support services for both small and large-scale developments, including sole proprietorships, corporations, and worker-owned co-operatives. These services include assistance with City of London permits, zoning, and development supports, as well as guidance on grant programs, loans, and building codes. The organization also acts as a liaison between the City and property owners, offers advocacy at all levels of government, and provides support for graffiti and vandalism removal. The BIA actively promotes the area through marketing campaigns, news updates, and community events. Notable past projects include the distribution of Construction Dollars, the implementation of the Patio Improvement Grant and Recovery Grant, and various public art initiatives. One such initiative is the Old East Village Main Street Mural Program, which pairs mentors and mentees to create public art. This program has resulted in several murals on Dundas Street that celebrate local history, ecological sustainability, and community figures.