From June 11 to July 19, 2026, Vancouver will be one of 16 host cities for the FIFA World Cup 26™, the largest and most-watched international sporting tournament in the world. With seven matches at BC Place, hundreds of thousands of global visitors will be coming to our region to celebrate.

Business Info Session – September 24
Join the City of Vancouver’s World Cup 26™ Host Committee for a business-focused information session.

Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm

This is your opportunity to:

• Ask questions directly to the Host Committee.
• Learn about transportation changes around the stadium.
• Understand how your business can prepare for tournament impacts and opportunities.

Register Online Here

Road Closures & Access Restrictions
To support this global event, temporary road closures and “local traffic only” restrictions will be in place around BC Place on match days.

View Maps Here

Key Notes for Businesses:

• Businesses can remain open, however, some access restrictions may apply on match days.
• Walking and wheeling access will generally be maintained with some exceptions.
• Emergency services such as police, fire and ambulance will still be able to access all affected roads.

Resources for Businesses 

• Community Activation Playbook: Ideas and guidelines for celebrating, hosting events, and public viewing opportunities.
  • Download the Playbook
• Contact: For specific questions not addressed through the resources above, feel free to contact the Host Committee team at fwc26inquiries@vancouver.ca.

Yaletown BIA FIFA Planning Committee
As Yaletown prepares to welcome the world during the FIFA World Cup 26™, the Yaletown BIA is committed to ensuring our neighbourhood shines on the global stage. In the coming weeks, we will be reaching out to form a FIFA Planning Committee consisting of local businesses. 

This is your opportunity to:

• Share your ideas, priorities, and creative input.
• Help shape how Yaletown showcases its community spirit.
• Collaborate on ways to attract visitors and create a vibrant experience for everyone.

If you’d like to get involved, please reach out to Sarah Vallely.

In Case You Missed It

• FIFA Licensing Opportunity – BC businesses can apply to become Official Local Licenses, creating and selling FIFA-approved merchandise that reflects Vancouver’s culture. Apply here.
• Why it Matters – This program offers exclusive branding, creative freedom, and opportunities to increase visibility during the tournament.

The post FIFA World Cup 26™ – What You Need to Know appeared first on Yaletown BIA.

778.683.1293 (Kevlar Security)

1. State that the matter is related to the Yaletown BIA
2. Provide the address for which the service is required

or

Download ‘Signal Messenger’ for enhanced communication and faster response

1. Register with your phone number.
2. Verify your phone number with the code sent to you via SMS.
3. Create a PIN for your account for added security.
4. Set up your profile by entering a [first name/business name]
5. Join the Yaletown BIA Group

Learn more about our Security Services with Kevlar Security.

Contact

Consider this...

1 ) Join the Trespass Prevention Program - Vancouver Police Department (vpd.ca)

2 ) CCTV System Enhancements: Consider upgrading your CCTV system to include motion sensors. These sensors can alert you to any movement on your property, allowing you to react quickly by contacting security and the VPD.

3 ) If something seems unusual or out of place, follow your instincts and report it to the police. Suspicious activity could include:

• Someone is peering into cars and windows
• A stranger who looks to have no purpose for being in the neighbourhood

4 ) If you encounter someone experiencing an episode, please maintain distance and contact the appropriate number. DO NOT engage - we understand that these cases can be problematic, but we do not wish you to put yourself in potential harm's way. Let the professionals & specialists handle the situation.

5 ) If it is life-threatening, dial 9-1-1; otherwise, contact Paladin Security or the "non-urgent" line.

6 ) Always report! If you encounter a distressed situation but dismiss it, someone else becomes the victim.

Thank you!

The post Neighbourhood Security Services (24/7) appeared first on Yaletown BIA.

1. Member Registration Form – fill out this form to be applicable
2. Be the owner or tenant of a business or property in Yaletown, renting or owning a Class 5 or Class 6 commercial space. Home-based businesses and businesses located outside of the YBIA boundary DO NOT qualify.
3. Be a member in good standing

Scroll down to view the grants

WHAT IS THIS PROGRAM?

In response to the pandemic impact and the economic downwind, the YBIA team created a menu of grants to provide your business (or commercial property if you are a property owner in Yaletown) assistance with specific cost recoveries or business strategy development.

TYPES OF GRANTS

Enhanced Storefront & Patio

Beautification Grant [CLOSED]

Security Enhancement Grant 2.0 [CLOSED]

Check out the BEFORE and AFTER impact our grants have made on our grant users.

QUESTIONS?

We are available on weekdays from 9:00 to 17:00

The post Yaletown Grants [closed] appeared first on Yaletown BIA.

We partnered with various local light suppliers to work with our members (property owners) to light up our heritage building so that we can brand it as a visible landmark.

If you wish to light up your building, please let us know so that we can help you with the project! All the light projects installed at the heritage buildings in our neighbourhood were funded by the Yaletown BIA.

The post Building Lighting Projects appeared first on Yaletown BIA.

Christmas lights add warmth to shorter days, and inflatables are a fun way to activate your storefront.

If you’re interested, please contact us.

*Limited inventory. Please return items clean & undamaged. Damaged items will be billed.

Some examples below

The post Borrowing Holiday Inflatables appeared first on Yaletown BIA.

The YBIA team has created a safe outdoor public space to host events, install art pop-ups and allow everyone who visits to enjoy. As a member of the YBIA, we wish to invite you to host your programs outdoors. If you wish to use the plaza for your business, please contact us and let us know what your plans are.

WHAT CAN I HOST?

WHAT’S NOT ALLOWED?

WHAT DO I NEED?

The post Summer Activation Plazas appeared first on Yaletown BIA.

Member Survey [CLOSED]

We invite you to participate in completing our survey so we can share what’s important to you. Before you complete the survey, please review what we have accomplished and what we’re up to. Thank you for participating in our questionnaire and submitting your input.

Open House, Member Networking and AGM

Discuss how you want to shape Yaletown’s Next Five Years (2024-2028) where you will have the opportunity to influence how the BIA funds are spent over the next 5 years. Voice your thoughts, concerns and ideas to improve Yaletown so that we can help turn the neighbourhood into a more vibrant, safe and welcoming district for businesses, employees and visitors.

We are hosting two open houses and an opportunity to have coffee with the Executive Director and Board Members to get your perspective, and priorities and hear your concerns.

Looking Back 2019 – 2023

Yaletown BIA Strategic Plan from 2019 – 2023. Looking back over the last five years, the Yaletown BIA has endeavoured to support the community through various initiatives to keep the neighbourhood clean, safe, and welcoming for businesses, staff and customers alike. The YBIA team stepped up to meet the changing needs of the community during these unprecedented times with frequent patrols of the area checking in on businesses and offering support on various levels. Other pandemic responses are noted below along with some of our program accomplishments over the last few years.

Looking Forward to The Next 5 Years

Programs in the works

This is your opportunity to share ideas and comments and help shape your neighbourhood over the next 5 years. We appreciate your time and your feedback.

The post The NEXT 5 YEARS (2024-2028) appeared first on Yaletown BIA.

STOP GRAFFITI FROM SPREADING—The best way to stop is to paint over it as soon as it appears. That’s why Vancouver’s graffiti by-law requires property owners to have graffiti removed within 10 days after receiving a notice from the City.

Do not wait for graffiti to accumulate or to receive a notice from the City. Everyone is responsible for managing graffiti by maintaining their property as best as possible.

Graffiti that remains after being reported on a building by a City Property Use Inspector will be removed at the property owner’s expense.

Do you have any ideas for something we can add or improve?

The Yaletown BIA is always open to projects that will improve our “curb appeal”, and make our neighbourhood welcoming for your clientele, family, friends and tourists.

The post Graffiti Removal Assistance for Property Owners appeared first on Yaletown BIA.

Visit LOCO BC to learn more about why Shopping Local benefits you and the community.

How can I participate in campaigns to promote local?

You can be involved in several ways:

1. #BCBuyLocal. Be a part of the BC Buy Local Week campaign – download campaign materials.
2. #ShopLocalOften. Utilize the campaign toolbox of marketing assets to promote your business – download campaign materials.
3. Connect with the Community. Promote your local business and connect with people. Let them know who you are and what you stand for. Consumers come back to your business because of the values your business showcases.

* No cost for you.

The post Why Shop Local? appeared first on Yaletown BIA.

A business improvement area (BIA) is a specially funded business district, operated by a non-profit group of property owners and businesses, whose goal is to promote and improve their business district. There is 22 BIAs in Vancouver representing 1000’s commercial property owners and local businesses! The first BIAs were formed in 1989 – Gastown and Mt. Pleasant.

In forming a BIA, businesses propose the municipal council to be designated as a “BIA”, whereby the business community would undertake activities to improve the area, with an annual budget contributed by its members. All commercial property owners and businesses within the proposed boundary would be consulted with and a special bylaw would be approved to form the BIA.

Throughout Canada, many BIAs have formed merchant associations. It starts with a dedicated group of merchants that volunteer their time to enhance the area. A BIA provides greater resources, as all commercial property owners and businesses within the BIA boundary would be members of the BIA – and contribute and benefit from the area’s success.

How is a BIA funded?

The City collects a levy from commercial property owners (usually derived from tenants) within the BIA boundary and provides it to the BIA. Members provide input to shape the budget and vote on the budget annually at the AGM. Budgets vary in different areas – ranging from approximately $100,000 to $2 million. Each commercial property owner’s contribution to the BIA is a fraction of their total tax contribution. The BIA levy is usually a nominal amount of the area’s total commercial property taxes.

What does a BIA do?

A BIA can make things better by enhancing and promoting the area – making the area safer, beautiful, vibrant, and connected – which will benefit businesses and the community. Valuable projects from various BIAs can include banners, street lighting, marketing (business directory brochure, website, social media), events, business updates and advocacy to support small businesses. BIAs consult with businesses for input to implement initiatives that will enhance the business area.

Value & Representation

The cost to be part of a BIA is nominal in relation to the many benefits businesses will receive. This is possible because businesses collectively contribute to an organization that represents the entire business area and is accountable to each business. A BIA is a valuable tool that will maximize resources and connect merchants, customers, community and government – working together to make things better.

Accountability & Inclusivity

Businesses have a say in what the BIA does. A BIA is led by a volunteer Board of local businesses and commercial property owners, elected by local businesses. A BIA consults with members throughout the year: there are monthly meetings to plan and develop initiatives, and an annual general meeting to approve a draft budget and elect Board members. Participation and input are welcome!

The post BIA 101 appeared first on Yaletown BIA.