FAQs
Looking for help with Bizmap? Here are answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Who can benefit from using Bizmap data?
Bizmap’s core data is useful to a wide range of users, including:
- Business owners and managers
- Businesses looking to locate, relocate or expand
- Property owners, realtors and developers
- Special event planners
- BIA boards and staff
- Members of the public
- Government and economic developers
What are the enhanced features of the new BizMap?
The 2009 iteration of Bizmap consisted only of static PDF reports. The new Bizmap offers an interactive tool for easy data comparison in a user-friendly, infographic format and platform that’s easily navigated and searchable via keyword. Bizmap has the potential for comparison of data profiles with other cities and business districts, as well as trend-based analysis once future data updates are complete. If you are interested in getting your city or neighborhood involved, contact us.
What are the sources used for Bizmap and how current is the data?
Bizmap aggregates data from a wide variety of sources. We use the most recent 2016 Census Canada data (released December 2017), as well as 2017 and 2018 data from a variety of other sources. Some historical data is also used. Please refer to the Data Page for our for a full listing of sources.
How often will the data be updated?
The national census in Canada is conducted every five years. The next Canadian Census is planned to take place in 2021, but the use of estimates may be used in the meantime. Other data sources may be refreshed more frequently depending on availability.
What is the purpose of comparing neighbourhoods?
The ability to compare market data across neighbourhoods is one of the most important aspects of Bizmap. It helps business owners and managers to understand customer characteristics for marketing and product selection. It can help business owners or agents to determine the most suitable location for their businesses. It can help to promote sustainable communities by minimizing vacancies and facilitating investment in commercial renovation and development. Finally, it can help BIAs by attracting clients to host community events, and better understanding neighbourhood trends to aid short and long-term decision making.
What is a Business Improvement Association (BIA)?
A BIA is a non-profit association of business owners that joins together to promote and improve the economic vitality of their business district. A Business Improvement Area (BIA) develops and undertakes programs to improve, enhance and revitalize the Improvement Area. These upgrades may include activities such as tree planting, flower boxes and street furniture, helping to promote the districts and their members, encouraging increased foot traffic and stimulating the local economy. In British Columbia, there are currently fifty-eight active BIAs. In other areas of North America, BIAs may also be called Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) or place management organizations.
What is the difference between a BIA boundary and a market area/catchment area boundary?
BIA market areas (or catchment areas) represent custom geographic boundaries, as determined by the BIA, from which they pull customers – Market areas are unique to each BIA and will either represent a specific mapped area determined by the BIA or a one-kilometre radius around the business district. The majority of data shown under PEOPLE comes from the market area boundaries.
represent the commercial district that encompasses the businesses included in the BIA membership. Each commercial property within the boundary is taxed in proportion to its total taxable value. The majority of data shown under the DOING BUSINESS HERE comes from the BIA boundaries.
If you are interested in obtaining more information on market areas, please contact us.
Why is the demographic data the same for Downtown Vancouver, Gastown and Robson?
Downtown Vancouver, Gastown and Robson BIAs all use the same market/catchment area, the entire Downtown Peninsula, for their demographic data.
How do I find out more about a BIA, or locating my business in their neighbourhood?
Contact information for our partner BIAs can be found here.
Do I need to be a BIA to participate in Bizmap?
No. Bizmap profiles can be created for any commercial business district or “Main Street” as long as data sources are available. Contact us through our Request to Add a Neighborhood page if you are interested in getting Bizmap for your city, town or community.
What does is cost to get Bizmap for my community?
Bizmap profile development involves customized research and analysis. contact us to obtain a quote for your area. Final costs will depend on availability of data, number of profiles to be developed and custom requests for information.
Where can I get training, or find a demo on how to best use the site?
Please refer to this [blog post] on how to use the Bizmap data comparison tool.
Are sponsorship opportunities available? How do I place an ad on the Bizmap site?
If you’re interested in becoming an advertising or sponsorship partner of Bizmap, please contact us for more information.
How do I get my real estate listing included in the neighbourhood list?
Real estate listings are aggregated from live Spacelist listings in each neighbourhood.
How can I contribute to the blog?
Where can I find further details on the data?
Participating BIAs are best source to provide further clarification and up-to-date information related to trends and neighborhood activity. Their contact details can be found here. If you need further clarification on any of the data points found in Bizmap, you may also contact us.
