FFWD Weekly
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Cover by Maureen McNamee According to the city, the Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) is a self-help program by which business people can jointly raise and administer funds to improve and promote their business. It is established through a bylaw by city council based on support from the business community, and receives financing through a special levy added to business assessments within the BRZ. The bylaw defines the physical boundaries of the BRZ, identifies its purpose and creates a board of directors to administer the program. The BRZ’s role can include beautifying and maintaining public property, or marketing and promoting the area as a business and shopping district. Ald. Jon Lord, who was the first elected chairman of the Federation of BRZs, says the groups play a major role in community enhancement. "You give them a few dollars to solve problems and they create magic," he adds. "I think they’re an absolutely incredible tool to revitalize a community." In Calgary, there are nine existing BRZs – International Avenue (17th Avenue S.E.), Inglewood, the Calgary Downtown Association, Bowness, Uptown 17 (17th Avenue S.W.), Fourth Street S.W., Marda Loop, Kensington and Victoria Crossing. Another area, Connaught, is currently looking into starting its own BRZ. Lord says it’s up to the business owners to initiate the BRZ – they pay the cost, while property owners and the city share in the benefits – and elect a board of directors to determine how to spend the money. The ultimate goal is to generate more business and, in turn, increase revenue. "In essence, their job is to put more cash in the cash register at the end of the day," he explains, adding that BRZ events such as Marda Gras in Marda Loop bring in hundreds of potential customers. "You couldn’t buy that kind of advertising." He estimated that there are 45 or more BRZs across the province. "They’ve been very active revitalizing some towns and communities all across the province – a big success story."

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