EXPERIENCE MIMICO BY THE LAKE

ABOUT MIMICO BY THE LAKE

The Mimico by the Lake BIA was established in 1985 with an objective to introduce new businesses to our area, attracting residents and organizing events to help cultivate a lively vibe and harbour community spirit among the locals.
Running from Allen Ave to Alexander St., the Mimico by the Lake BIA is home to over 75 vibrant, unique, and Canadian owned businesses. A stone's throw away from the downtown core, our little stretch of Lakeshore moves just a little bit slower. Our days are filled with long afternoon walks along the Waterfront Trail and inspired conversations with our neighbours.

Annual events, including the Pumpkin Parade, Summer Music Series, and Winter Tree Lighting, unite our community through every season and create an ever-changing, always improving adornment of our streets and parks. 

Mimico-by-the-Lake is truly a place to call home. Come visit us and see why it's cooler by the lake.

MISSION

To attract pedestrians to our various independent businesses and to organize events for the enjoyment of all our residents.

VISION

To bolster our thriving and vibrant lakeside neighbourhood by encouraging local commerce, community involvement, partnerships and continuous growth.

VALUES

Community.
We are a thriving community hub where residents and businesses connect, create, and cultivate.
Growth.
We prioritize the growth of our local economy, our relationship with Mimico's various outdoor spaces, and the continued enrichment of our resident's daily lives.
Culture.
We celebrate our diverse population and develop events to be engaging, inclusive, and representative of all.

BOARD MEMBERS

Alex Rodrigues

Chair 
Owner of 24HR Coin Laundromat & Seaway Plaza

 Maureen Henderson

Board member
Owner of Kingsway Health By The Lake

Mark Johnson

Secretary 
Owner and operator of Ed's Real Scoop

Alison Juda

Coordinator

Common Questions

  • What is a BIA?

    A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a municipally approved not-for-profit business group that serves local businesses. BIAs work to enhance the social, cultural, and economic prosperity of the neighbourhood they call home,  doing everything from advocacy to beautification to promotion.


    Toronto BIAs are also members of an umbrella organization called the Toronto Association of Business  Improvement Areas (TABIA). TABIA encourages and facilitates the exchange of information, experiences,  and ideas among BIAs; advocates on behalf of BIAs to influence government policy; helps obtain funding for programs and services for BIAs; and offers discount and savings programs for its members, such as the commercial Façade improvement program. 

  • How does a BIA work?

    A BIA is run by a volunteer Board of Management, elected from its members. The Board is nominated at  an Annual General Meeting and, once approved by City Council, serves a four-year term concurrent with  the term of Council. The Board works on behalf of its BIA and meets regularly to develop budgets, set  priorities, implement capital improvements, plan festivals and promote its business area.

  • Where & how can I attend meetings?

    The MBTL BIA meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 7pm. A week before each meeting,  members will receive details for the upcoming meeting and an agenda along with minutes from the previous meeting. Questions or concerns can be submitted prior to the meeting and added to the agenda or brought up under new business.

  • How do I become a member?

    If you own a business within the Mimico by the Lake BIA’s boundaries, you are already a member.  


    Member businesses can benefit from the BIA’s initiatives and activities in many different ways. As the BIA works to make the business area beautiful, organize events and make strong community partnerships, it will result in more visitors, increased awareness, and increased customer retention.


    Learn more about membership by contacting our Coordinator at info@mimicobythelake.com.

35+years

as a BIA

70+

business members

40+

business categories