North Cowichan has given notice that it intends to re-establish a business improvement area in Chemainus to replace the expired improvement area and is calling for anyone against the plan to present a petition.
The idea is to boost downtown Mural Town by promotions, advertising, beautification, and special events.
The municipality estimates that the cost of providing this service will be about $118,000 and a property value tax will be used to recover from affected business property owners all the costs of planning and implementing this business promotion scheme.
According to North Cowichan, within the BIA boundary there will be three different property value taxes, rated per thousand dollars of assessed value: $4.25/$1,000 for the core area along Willow Street; $3.50/$1,000 for the sub-area between Willow and Croft and $2.50/$1,000 for a third, bigger area that stretches from near the Henry Road roundabout, north along Chemainus Road right out to Pine Street.
Council may proceed with establishing the area unless a valid petition against the BIA is presented by 4:30 p.m. April 28.
Blank petition forms are available by email from mark. ruttan@northcowichan.ca or they can be picked up at the North Cowichan municipal hall during regular office hours.