About Us

The Province of Alberta passed legislation in 1983, which permits municipal governments to establish Business Revitalization Zones or a "BRZ". The BRZ was created as a self-help mechanism by which business people in an area can administer funds to improve the area and jointly promote their businesses.

A BRZ is formed through an application to the City Clerk's office. A petition signed by at least ten persons listed on the current business assessment role for the area is submitted defining the boundary of the area. The city notifies all potential members of the proposed BRZ. Then, City Council may proceed to establish a by-law which lays out the boundaries and purpose of the BRZ.

The BRZ is governed by a Board of Directors composed of up to ten local business people and the Alderman of the ward. They are responsible for the BRZ's yearly program and receive financing from a special BRZ tax levy added to all business tax assessments within the boundary.

Benefits of our 4th Street BRZ
The 4 th Street BRZ began in 1990. Our boundaries stretch from 12th Avenue to Elbow Drive and include over 250 businesses.

The benefits of the BRZ to businesses on 4 th Street are numerous. The BRZ is an excellent vehicle to promote the identity of our business district through advertising and special events. The BRZ is also a united voice to communicate our point of view directly to City Council. Our BRZ also gives us the means to maintain and improve the appearance of the street.

4th Street BRZ Mission Statement
The mission of the 4 th Street BRZ is to represent the business interests of its members and to create, promote and maintain a unique, attractive, vibrant and prosperous business area that is appreciated and supported by the local market residents and by visitors from throughout the city and beyond.

We have highlighted the goals of a Business Revitalization Zone from the document produced by the City of Calgary. Under each item we have listed the many ways that 4th Street BRZ has met and exceeded these goals.

"Improve, beautify and maintain public property in the BRZ"

• 16 pieces of Public Art
• Permanent banners installed in 1996 and 2001
• Hanging floral baskets 1992-1995
• Christmas baskets 1992-1995
• Christmas light display and pole decorations 1994-2005
• Snow removal 1994-2005

"Develop, prepare and maintain public parking within or adjacent to BRZ"

• Negotiations of temporary use of Holy Cross Hospital parking lot for merchants on street – particularly businesses on South end of zone
• Parking study report completed in 1997
• Assist with the development of cash-in-lieu policy
• Represent our area in the Inner City Transportation Study, 2000

"Market and promote the BRZ as a business and shopping area"

• Co-op ad campaign: the BRZ will pay a portion of approved ads including the BRZ logo - call the office for details
• Lilac Festival Ad campaign
• Lilac Festival – Fourth Street BRZ is the proud host and sponsor of the Annual LILAC FESTIVAL held the last Sunday in May. The shopping mix of the "People Street" is enhanced with over 250 vendors exhibiting arts and crafts. Even the restaurants hit the streets with specialty food stands. A parade kicks off a full afternoon with 8 stages of entertainment & kid's performances. Admission is free to the Lilac Festival – Calgary's largest outdoor street fair.
• Jazz Festival on Fourth in June
• Art Walk – including a self-guided walking brochure of all the Art on 4 th Street
• Christmas Festival
• Website – highlighting the many fine and diverse shops in the area

"Carry out studies to determine the BRZ trade area and / or changing socio-economic characteristics of the marketing area"

• Pedestrian Survey 1993
• Area Demographic Review
• Parking Study 1997
• Inner City Transportation Study, 2000

Respond to issues that affect businesses

• Hired Panhandling Outreach Worker summer 1997
• Monthly newsletter for membership
• Participation in Inner City Transportation Study
• Provide input into the Holy Cross Redevelopment
• Submitted concerns and solutions to small business tax problem to Calgary Tax Review Committee in 1996
• Working relationship with the Calgary Police Service to address area concerns
• Group insurance for small businesses with W.F. Morneau