PoCo’s downtown BIA locked in for another five years; expansion to be considered

There’s still room for improvement in Port Coquitlam.

City council unanimously approved the Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association’s request for a five-year extension and a three-percent funding increase at a December meeting.

The BIA, which is comprised of 280 downtown businesses, has generally asked for an extra two percent in the past. The three percent bump is meant to cover inflationary pressures as the cost of wages, insurance, and marketing rise.

Following council’s vote in December, the BIA is set to get a $1,037,963 grant over the span of five years. The grant is largely funded by the neighbourhood businesses, which are set to chip in approximately $934,000 of the total.

The money covers the cost of a “Business Promotion Scheme,” which could mean studies or reports, beautifying streets, removing graffiti, conserving heritage property, and generally encouraging business.

The increase should help the BIA “maintain levels of service and program value,” according to a city staff report.

Discussing the BIA in September 2025, Coun. Steve Darling broached the idea of expanding to bring in some nearby businesses.

“I’d like to see it come back,” Darling said.

Membership is the purview of property owners, not necessarily the businesses, noted city planner Jennifer Little.

“That is typically where we have found some challenges,” she explained.

The BIA is centred around Shaughnessy Street between Lougheed Highway and Wilson Avenue.

Created in 1994, the BIA is meant to “elevate downtown vitality and better support local businesses.”

The BIA is run by directors representing companies including Sports X, Poco Sweet Shop, DM & Co. Hair Studio, Cassandra Cake Co., the Newport Group, and Vancity.

The BIA is required provide the city with audited financial statements.

The arrangement is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2030.