Pandemic response to help our businesses withstand the downturn includes;

effective lobbying of the Provincial and Federal Governments in getting loan programs and recovery grants launched to help our members, successful in having many City fees (i.e. patio fees) waived during the pandemic and have continued to lobby the City for more efficient permit processes.

Property tax relief minimizing members’ tax bills with a 2% tax shift from businesses to residents.

By providing tools to leasing agents and property owners vacancy rates have dropped from 5% to 1% making Yaletown an attractive destination to have a business. Most recently after years of lobbying and planning with BC Hydro successful removal of BC Hydro poles. Our power supply is no longer vulnerable to weather events, helium balloons and other debris.

the BIA doubled the clean team days on the street (litter patrol & pick up), increased the number of murals on buildings, and added decorative lighting on buildings to improve Yaletown’s curb appeal and highlight the look and feel of the heritage district. In response to the pandemic public art was created and installed in public spaces creating an attractive space for employees and customers and two public plazas were activated to host programs for businesses and invite the public to lounge.

Yaletown doubled private security during the pandemic to patrol the area and reduce street disorder, added grants for security improvements to aid members in developing safe and secure workplaces for staff and enhanced area lighting to improve safety for all of us.

Events and marketing inherently attract new customers, and generate new business and revenue which helps our businesses thrive. To attract more visitors and customers to the area Yaletown hosts the following events; CandyTown, Pet-A-Palooza, Let’s Hear it for Yaletown, Cherry Blossom Festival, Illuminate Yaletown and Lumiere Festival. Marketing Campaigns include Taste of Yaletown, Yaletown Loves Runners and KISSMAS. The BIA also engages in Trade Show marketing and an enhanced YBIA mobile site showcasing daily offers and special deals delivered by Yaletownfree WiFi.

Developing a strategy to reduce waste and costs.

Zero Waste means working towards producing less waste in the first place through prioritizing waste reduction, as well as reuse, resource efficiency, and recycling with the ultimate goal of closing that loop. YBIA is in the process of hiring a Waste Management Consultant to prepare a report on the best methods to achieve zero waste and reduce costs to members.

The YBIA is looking to work with Commercial Building Owners and Managers to reduce its carbon footprint to become a net zero carbon building. An increase in overall building efficiencies will reduce costs to operate and maintain the building. Commercial buildings that are certified will also have a distinct advantage when it comes to attracting and retaining tenants.

Our ‘Illuminate Yaletown’ program to showcase Yaletown as an attractive destination to visit, work and play is moving forward with additional building façade lighting. This is a cost-sharing initiative between the Yaletown BIA and the Property Owner to install permanent light fixtures on our heritage buildings that bring a vibrant and sophisticated look to the district.

The YBIA is offering substantial grants of up to $5,000 for businesses to enhance ground-level storefronts & patios or for security improvements such as security cameras, steel gates & blinds. This is a great opportunity for businesses to create a new look for their business and make a lasting impression or make security improvements to protect their establishment and ensure it is a safe and secure workplace.