The North Bay Downtown Improvement Area was created by By-Law No. 144 in 1977. The Mission Statement "To preserve and develop the heart of North Bay" was adopted by the DIA in 1995 and remains their primary objective. The Downtown Improvement Area works to achieve this goal.

The DIA concentrates on tourism, business retention and expansion, and promotions. Festivals and special events are held at various times throughout the year in an effort to increase traffic levels, enhance the profile of the downtown and strengthen investor confidence in the downtown core.

The Board of Management operates through the Executive Director who operates through three primary committees. These include:

• Promotions Committee
• Economic Development and Policy Committee
• Beautification Committee.

The DIA partners include FedNor, NECO Community Futures Development Corporation, North Bay Economic Development Commission, North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce, City of North Bay, Community Waterfront Friends, Communities In Bloom, Heritage Gardeners and the local service clubs.