What is the purpose of the DBA?
The Downtown Business Association (DBA) delivers services funded through a business tax, or levy, paid by businesses located within the BIA.
What is the BIA levy?
The levy is a business tax - a collective contribution made by every business within the Business Improvement Area (BIA). It ensures that the downtown core is consistently supported through advocacy, safety initiatives, beautification, marketing, and events. About 65% of the DBA’s budget comes from the levy, with the remaining 35% raised through grants and contracts.
The levy is governed by the DBA Board of Directors, who approve the budget before it is presented to City Council. The levy is collected by The City of Red Deer based on each property’s net annual rental value assessment (NARV).
Who can participate in the vote?
Each BIA tax roll is eligible for one vote. The businesses will choose their representative.
The BIA levy is a business tax, not a property tax - property owners and businesses who do not pay the BIA business tax are not eligible to vote.
More information on the voting process will be added to this page in the coming weeks.
Is there a minimum requirement for participation in the vote?
No. Provincial legislation does not require a minimum level of participation or turnout for the vote to be valid. Instead, the process focuses on giving affected taxpayers the opportunity to approve or object to the proposed disestablishment within the legislated timeframe.
The City will clearly communicate who is eligible to vote, how the vote will be conducted, and the applicable timelines.
Are the results of the vote legally binding?
Yes. The result of the taxpayer's vote is legally binding under provincial legislation.
- If a majority of eligible voters support disestablishment, City Council is required to pass the disestablishment bylaw within 30 days.
- If a majority of eligible voters oppose disestablishment, first reading is rescinded, Council cannot proceed with the bylaw and is prohibited from bringing forward another bylaw to disestablish the BIA for at least two years.
When will the results of the vote be announced?
Results of the vote will be announced on Monday, March 16, once all ballots have been counted and verified. The results will be posted to reddeer.ca/news.
How will The City ensure a consistent downtown experience during the transition?
The City’s priority is to ensure continuity and stability downtown. We are working closely with the DBA Board and planning ahead to prevent service gaps and maintain a safe, welcoming downtown experience.
Will services be disrupted?
While the DBA will not have staff or an operating budget, The City is maintaining oversight to ensure continuity of essential downtown services during this transition period. The revised budget was developed specifically to avoid sudden disruption to services that support downtown cleanliness, safety and activation.
Longer-term decisions about service delivery will be informed by the outcome of the levy payer vote and subsequent City Council decisions. The City’s intent is to provide stability for downtown businesses while respecting the legislated process and the direction provided by affected taxpayers.
Will Downtown Red Deer gift cards continue to function?
Yes, the cards will continue to function and there is no expiry date. Downtown Red Deer Gift Card is issued by Peoples Trust Company. Card funds are not insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). Funds do not expire, cards are non-reloadable and provide no cash access. Inquiries regarding the Downtown Red Deer Gift Card may be directed to supportna@mi-cnx.com.
Will there be a BIA levy in 2026?
No. The City will not collect a BIA levy in 2026.
Under provincial legislation, The City is required to pass a BIA tax rate bylaw in the spring if a Business Improvement Area exists within the municipality. However, City Council has given first reading to a bylaw that would disestablish the BIA, which triggers a legislated process that must be followed.
If the disestablishment process is still underway when The City is required to pass its tax rate bylaw, City Council has the option to set the BIA levy rate at zero.