🇯🇲 EST. 1981

About the Little-Jamaica BIA

200+ businesses · Eglinton Avenue West, Marlee to Dufferin · future LRT

About the BIA

Since 1981, the Little-Jamaica Business Improvement Area has represented the 200+ businesses and property owners in the commercial district along Eglinton Avenue West between Marlee Avenue and Dufferin Street. It is one of the oldest BIAs to be recognised and approved by the City of Toronto.

The BIA strengthens the economic health and livability of the neighbourhood through strategic investment in the public realm, cultural programming, brand awareness and advocacy on behalf of all members. We are part of the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) and the Ontario Association of Business Improvement Areas (OBIAA).

Boundary

The Little-Jamaica BIA serves the commercial district along Eglinton Avenue West between Marlee Avenue and Dufferin Street, and along the north side of Dufferin to Whitmore Avenue. Often called the commercial backbone of the city, it is easily reached by TTC and by Highway 401 via the Allen Expressway.

BIA boundary
  • Eglinton Avenue West (core) — Marlee Avenue to Dufferin Street
  • North side of Dufferin Street to Whitmore Avenue
  • Future Oakwood & Fairbank Eglinton LRT stations

Membership

If you are a business or commercial property owner located within the BIA boundaries, you are automatically a member of the Little-Jamaica BIA. Members receive regular print and email communication. Email info@littlejamaicabia.com to be added to the distribution list.

Explore membership

Vision & Mission

Vision. We envision a Little-Jamaica that is economically successful, welcoming and attractive — both for the local community and for visitors from elsewhere.

Mission. To enable this vision, the BIA provides responsive and transparent leadership through business support, promotions and advocacy, and continues to deliver safety, maintenance and beautification initiatives.

Our values

  • Supportive of local businesses in the area
  • Responsive to the needs of businesses in the area
  • Collaborative with businesses, community organisations, government and the private sector
  • Inclusive of diverse ideas and opinions in decision-making
  • Innovative in considering new and out-of-the-box ideas

Board of Management

The BIA is governed by a volunteer Board of Management drawn from local businesses and property owners.

Jason McDonaldBoard Chair
NANick AlampiVice Chair
Gennetho GordanChairman
Diana LalorTreasurer
JJJada JacktoSecretary
CTClaude ThompsonDirector
HKHaris KayaniDirector
Joe BorelliDirector
Marjorie RenwickDirector
MJMartin JefferyDirector
MMMasani MontagueDirector
Michael RamirezDirector
Roland BeggsDirector
SLSophia LindsayDirector
Syed Fahad MunawwerDirector
Yvette SpencerDirector