It’s a town that takes quiet pride in what it’s built, with a strong arts scene, easy access to nature, and a small-town warmth that has a way of making newcomers feel like they’ve always belonged.
If your business is located within the Sidney BIA district, you are automatically a Sidney BIA member, contributing through a levy collected via commercial property taxes. This investment supports a coordinated approach to economic development, providing access to business services, strategic marketing, and programs that drive foot traffic, increase visibility, and strengthen the local economy. Through these efforts, the Sidney BIA works to position Sidney as a welcoming destination and a prosperous place to shop, dine, and do business. Explore how to make the most of your Sidney BIA membership in our Member Guide.
If your business is located in Sidney but outside the downtown Sidney BIA district, you can still access Business Development Services through a partnership between the Sidney BIA and the Town of Sidney, at no additional cost. This initiative is designed to support business growth across the broader community, offering guidance, resources, and strategic support to enhance visibility, strengthen operations, and contribute to a resilient local economy. Explore the Business Development Services Guide to learn more about the tools and support available to help your business succeed.
Sidney’s Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT), implemented on August 1, 2025 at a 3% rate, was established through a coordinated effort between the Sidney Hotel Group, the Sidney BIA, and the Town of Sidney, with strong support from local accommodation providers and Council. The intent is to ensure that overnight visitation directly contributes to tourism marketing and destination development, with funds retained and used locally.
MRDT investment is focused on increasing overnight stays, with a clear emphasis on strengthening shoulder and off-season demand, improving year-round business stability, and expanding how Sidney is positioned as a destination. Funding is directed toward targeted marketing, and destination development aligned with Sidney’s strengths, including its waterfront, walkability, and independent business mix. The approach prioritizes attracting overnight visitors who stay longer, spend locally, and engage across multiple sectors.
The Sidney BIA is the designated recipient of funds, with allocation guided by a managing committee of local accommodation providers and governed through annual planning and reporting to Destination BC. MRDT is not a replacement for existing funding. It is a dedicated, visitor-generated revenue stream that supplements current investment and enables targeted initiatives that would not otherwise be achievable within existing structures.
Visitor services in Sidney are supported through a separate, collaborative funding model that includes contributions from the Town of Sidney, Destination British Columbia, and matching investment from the Sidney BIA through its tax levy. This funding supports the delivery of visitor-facing services such as the Sidney Information Centre, in-market support, local experience promotion, and initiatives that enhance the overall visitor experience.
Together, these programs ensure that once visitors arrive, they are well-supported, informed, and encouraged to explore more of what Sidney has to offer—helping convert visitation into meaningful economic benefit for local businesses while reinforcing Sidney’s reputation as a welcoming destination.
