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Announcements

Call for Nominations 2026

June 8, 2026by SBIA0 comments

SAVE THE DATE

The Strathcona BIA Annual General Meeting takes place on Thursday, September 17th, 2026.

We hope you’ll join us. Details on the AGM will be sent to all members in August in time for the AGM. We look forward to seeing our members there!

Call for Director Nominations

The Strathcona BIA Board of Directors actively works to build a thriving, mixed-use and resilient local economy here in Strathcona. 

Who we’re looking for

We are currently seeking business members with particular experience and skills in governance and marketing. Members with a diversity of experience and interests in areas like placemaking, local economic development, community safety, HR, and a passion for Strathcona, are also encouraged to apply.

How we work

The Board can have between 8 and 12 directors. The Board is currently made up of 12 board seats. All directors must meet the needs and expectations of the role and responsibilities as outlined in the Election Guidelines. There are three director seats up for election in 2026 (two directors have terms ending in 2026 and there is one vacancy on the board).

How to apply

Interested members can download the SBIA Candidate Package online here or call the SBIA office to request a paper package for mail out. All candidate packages must be completed and received either by email or dropped off in person at the SBIA offices, no later than noon on July 19, 2026. All candidates are subject to the Election Guidelines (as laid out in your candidate package). Candidates are also required to comply with the procedures governing the nominations as set by the Elections Committee. The Elections Committee is requiring that all candidates meet with a member of the Elections Committee and the SBIA Executive Director over Zoom or in-person in order for their nomination to be valid.

The length of a term for an SBIA Board Director is two years. Our meetings take place monthly for one and half hours over lunch and are currently hosted in person. Board Members can be property owners, business tenants or an authorized representative of an SBIA member property or business. Property owners must make up the majority of the Board per SBIA bylaws.

This year the AGM takes place on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Details on the AGM will be sent to all members in August in time for the AGM. We look forward to seeing our members there!

SBIA Office: 1220 East Hastings

Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday

Email: info@strathconabia.com

Phone: 604-258-2727

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AGM, Events

Annual General Meeting 2020

August 28, 2020by SBIA0 comments

Dear Strathcona BIA members,

The 2020 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will go virtual this year on Thursday, September 24th, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. The virtual meeting lobby will open at 9:45 am. AGM programming will start at 10:00 am.

To help us follow physical distancing measures and provincial health guidelines, members are being asked to participate in this year’s AGM virtually by phone or online using a computer/tablet. The virtual AGM will be hosted on the online platform, GoToWebinar. Once we’ve received your completed membership application form, you’ll receive an email with details about how to use the meeting platform, including how to test and troubleshoot any technical issues on your computer, tablet, or phone prior to the AGM. We strongly suggest members test our online platform prior to the AGM to ensure they can participate fully during the meeting.

If you plan on attending the AGM, please complete and submit your membership application form to the SBIA by Thursday, September 17th at 10 am as this determines your eligibility to vote. You can also submit a hard copy application through mail, fax, or in-person. Hard copies of the application form can be downloaded here.

In your AGM Package you will find:

  • AGM Official Notice and how to participate
  • Letter from the Board
  • Proposed Budget for the 2021/2022 fiscal year
  • Special member resolutions
  • Membership Application Form

To download a copy of the materials above please click here. Since we’re not able to meet in person this year, all members are also receiving a mailout version of their AGM package, so look out for hard copy materials in your mailbox.  

In addition to the materials above, the following are available for download:

If you didn’t receive hard copies of any of the documents listed above, please contact the SBIA office at info@strathconabia.com or call 604-258-2727. We hope to see you (virtually) on Thursday, September 24th!

In kindness, calmness, and safety,

Your SBIA Board of Directors and SBIA Staff

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AGM

2020 AGM FAQ

August 28, 2020by SBIA0 comments

Strathcona BIA 2020 AGM Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Hello members and welcome to the SBIA 2020 AGM FAQ. Over the course of a year, we receive questions and inquiries from members in person, through email, or social media regarding how the BIA works. We’ve collected some questions and responses and posted them below. This is a living document and will be updated periodically (we’ll post newer content towards the top.) Eventually, it will transition to a permanent FAQ page on the new SBIA website. Thank you for your interest in the SBIA!

For details on how to participate in this year’s virtual AGM on September 24th please visit the 2020 AGM Package here.

How many properties are there in Strathcona versus how many businesses?

There are 435 businesses as of July 31, 2020 operating in Strathcona across 422 properties.

Approximately how many employees work in the district of Strathcona?

According to 2016 census data, we know there to be approximately over 6500 different people who work in our district.

What does it mean to be a member of the SBIA?

Technically, there are two types of members of the Strathcona Business Improvement Association:

You will often hear us refer to you as “our members.” These are property owners, authorized representatives, and business owners and tenants alike, all of whom pay a levy to the city, whether it’s directly through your tax payments or indirectly through your rent. As levy-paying members of the Strathcona BIA, you benefit from the programs and services we provide. To be a levy-paying-member-in-good-standing means you are the property owner of a class-5 or class-6 commercial property or are a tenant in a class-5 or class-6 property with a valid business license within the Strathcona BIA boundaries.

The Strathcona BIA is a non-profit organization accountable to the British Columbia Societies Act. Members in-good-standing of the society of the Strathcona Business Improvement Association have formally registered and/or renewed their annual registration which entitles them to vote at our AGM. This is where members can help determine who serves on the board and provide considerations to the board when it comes to the annual budget and levy.

How does the Levy work?

All Business Improvement Associations are funded through a special tax levy applied to each property. Each commercial property within the boundary is taxed in proportion to its total taxable value. This means that if a property is worth 1% of the total value of the area then that property pays 1% of the BIA levy. Individual member levies in a given year are based on a combination of three things:

  1. The total BIA levy
  2. If your property value has increased or decreased compared to other properties
  3. The overall total property value of the area.

The Strathcona BIA operates within a 7-year levy and funding cap of $7,449,000 approved by the membership at our 2016 Renewal. This means from 2017 – 2024, the SBIA cannot collectively levy its members more than $7.449 million dollars.

If you were to add up all the property values across the district, how much would it be?

$1.7 Billion Dollars (as of June 30, 2020)

What is the role of the City of Vancouver with a BIA?

The City of Vancouver is involved with the annual funding process, monitoring of BIA budgets, and acting as a liaison between the BIA and City departments. It helps ensure the BIA is operating in compliance with the Vancouver City Charter. BIAs are not City departments or arms of the municipal government.

What are the details behind the Tax Shift that occurred in 2019?

On April 29th, 2019, Vancouver City Council voted in favour of a 2% tax shift from commercial property tax to residential over the next three years. The tax roll shifted one per cent in 2019, 0.5 per cent in 2020 and is scheduled to shift another 0.5% in 2021. Businesses that own or are a tenant in an average commercial property likely experienced an approximate savings of $508 in 2019. Currently, businesses shoulder 42% of the property tax burden while consuming only 23% of City services. Vancouver has not seen a tax shift like this, from commercial to residential, since 2012, and the shift was the result of coordinated and dedicated advocacy by Vancouver BIAs on behalf of their members.

How does the SBIA Board of Directors build its budget?

The SBIA Board of Directors, with support from staff, begins consideration of the following year’s budget in March of each year. This marks the end of one fiscal year and the beginning of the next. Building a budget one year out requires the Board to make multiple considerations. First and foremost, the board considers the needs of members – both property owners and business tenants alike – across the commercial district. It takes into consideration the strategic plan and vision for the district, as well as the cost of running the organization year over year. It confirms whether there is a surplus and any internal requirements to maintain a contingency in the budget. For the past several years, our budgets have passed unanimously among our members who attend the AGM:

  • 2017/2018: Unanimous Member Approval at AGM
  • 2018/2019: Unanimous Member Approval at AGM
  • 2019/2020: Unanimous Member Approval at AGM

The $7.449 million levy cap was also passed by unanimous member approval at the 2016 AGM.

Who is eligible to vote at the AGM?

In order to cast a vote, you must be a member in good standing of the Society of the Strathcona BIA. This membership is achieved by registering for the AGM using the form provided in the annual AGM package each year prior to the meeting. You must also be a property owner of a class “5” or class “6” property, and/or must be tenants of a property owner of a class “5” or class “6” property within the Strathcona Business Improvement Association’s boundaries for six months prior to the date of registration as shown on the current City of Vancouver Tax Assessment Roll or have signed a lease for an unexpired term of no less than six months from the date of the application.

How does the SBIA make decisions regarding vendor contracts and expenses?

The SBIA Board is responsible for establishing and maintaining a Procurement Policy that governs contracts, purchasing, and staff expense decisions. This policy is an active document that outlines thresholds and conditions for which expenses and contracts can be undertaken by staff and identifies where board oversight rests. The Policy governs supply and expense decisions and is reviewed by the board annually.

Our organization depends on consistent and on-going programming. This requires on-going service and benefits from a policy that ensures the board maintains line of sight while providing the tools we need to discern and identify the top benefit to our members. The SBIA Procurement Policy directs the board and staff on how to consider and administer requests for proposals and the required number of quotes/bids from potential vendors while managing any conflicts of interest, real or perceived. To the fullest extent possible and when reasonable, the SBIA makes its best effort to source purchases from within the SBIA membership.

Why does the City’s version of the SBIA budget look different than the budget presented to members at the AGM?

Prior to the start of a BIA’s fiscal year, Vancouver City Council approves all 22 BIA budgets. The organization and content of the 22 BIA budgets can vary considerably due to differences in governance and approach, and it was difficult for City Council to compare the various budgets presented in the annual BIA Budgets Council report (this is usually presented early in the calendar year after BIAs have all hosted their AGMs.) To address this, all 22 BIAs use a standard template provided by the City for the annual Council report only, which requires re-categorizing their revenues and expenses for comparison purposes. Each year BIAs populate this template and city staff use it to create a document for the Council report so that Council members can easily review to compare the generalized expenditure categories. The original member-approved AGM presentation budgets are still attached, unaltered, to the Council report for reference as appendices. While each BIA practice is different, the Strathcona BIA takes time to note down our thinking and decisions for allocating and restating our budgets with the City. We share our work with City staff so they better understand how we arrived at the re-categorized budget.

Who is eligible to serve as an SBIA Board Director?

Per our by-laws, in order to serve as an SBIA director, members must be a property owner of a Class 5 or Class 6 property located within the Strathcona Business Improvement Association Area or be a tenant who leases, sub-leases or rents a Class 5 or Class 6 property within the boundaries. If you are a tenant business member, you must hold a valid City of Vancouver business license. A member must also be a member in good standing and have submitted a society membership application at least six months prior to the close of nominations, in order to be eligible to serve as a director.

Are there more property owners on the SBIA Board? Or business tenants?

Per our bylaws, the SBIA Board of Directors maintains a majority of Property Owners on the board.

How many staff currently work at the SBIA?

The SBIA employs three full time staff: One Executive Director and two managers. Our Community Safety team works on contract and reports directly to staff.

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Important Info

COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program

August 27, 2020by SBIA0 comments

We’ve launched a pilot COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program to support businesses and property owners that have been affected by the pandemic.

We want to help your business navigate COVID-19 through the fall of 2020. This program is intended to help our members manage unexpected expenses, reduce the financial burden of COVID-19, attract customers and guests to the area, invest in placemaking improvements, and to help businesses invest in their own staff.

A funding pool of $35,000 has been allocated to help businesses and property owners keep their doors open through this period of uncertainty. Grants are open to all eligible SBIA members. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received, and will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications will be accepted till December 31, 2020 or until the funding pool has been fully allocated.

Each member is eligible for a matching reimbursement grant of up to 50% for all SBIA approved project/supply costs to a maximum of $1,000. Members can apply for multiple grants up to a maximum of $1,000 per member across all grant areas. All grants will be paid after the work or supplies have been completed or purchased. Recipients will not need to repay the funds at any time. Approved grantees must provide the SBIA with an invoice for work completed no later than March 31, 2021.

To help you navigate the challenges of COVID-19 and to promote a safe, supportive and clean area for employees, community members and customers, we’re offering grants in the following areas:

To help you safely operate your business for both customers and employees. Grant recipients will receive 50% of the cost of the project, or supplies up to $1,000 for:

  • Personal protection supplies
    • Hand sanitizer, gloves, face masks, face shields, gowns, etc.
  • Social distancing infrastructure
    • Plastic barriers, line queuing, floor and wall decals, etc

To attract customers, improve private property amenities and exterior property improvements. Grant recipients will receive 50% of the cost of the project or supplies up to $1,000 for:

  • Exterior building improvements
    •  Façade, lighting, signage, murals, etc.
  • Public and private property infrastructure
    • Sidewalk cafe, patios, benches, small gardens, etc.

To improve the security and outside sanitation of your business or property. Grant recipients will receive 50% of the cost of the project or supplies up to $1,000 for:

  • Safety infrastructure
    • Cameras, or fencing
  • Sanitation and cleanliness
    • Power washing, smell disinfectant, scrub treatments, etc.

To assist businesses in developing, training, implementing, and promoting inclusive practices within their business or organization. Grant recipients will receive 50% of the cost of the project or supplies up to $1,000 for:

  • Training
    • Workshops and sessions with business/organization employees and management
  • Expert support
    • Developing and implementing inclusive practices and policies

Eligibility Requirements

  • The Applicant must operate or own a business/property in good standing located with the SBIA catchment area
  • The Applicant must be the business owner, property owner, or designated representative
  • For business applicants, a valid business license must be held
  • All funding requests must be used to support and strengthen business activities
  • In cases of building improvements/property improvements, the property owner must be notified and agree to the to proposed improvements
  • Applications must be received and approved by the SBIA in advance of any work in order to receive a grant. Grants cannot be applied retroactively to work already completed.

Ineligible Costs

  • Operating or regular maintenance costs
  • Staffing costs and/or time that is incurred to implement the project
  • Improvements and upgrades made prior to the date of application approval
  • Marketing and promotions (online promotions, ads, billboards, bus stops etc.)

The grant program will be open until Dec. 31st, 2020 or until the funding pool of $35,000 has been allocated to members.

How to Apply for the COVID-19 Recovery Grant:

  1. Confirm that you meet the Eligibility Requirements listed above.
  2. Fill-out the SBIA COVID-19 Reopening and Recovery Grant application form below.
  3. Within the application: provide a quote for any placemaking, safety & sanitation, and diversity and inclusion grant applications including cost estimates of proposed work. Recovery grant applications don’t require quotes prior to approval.
  4. Within the application: Provide a written statement in 200 words or less on what you intend to do, why this grant will help, and the impact it will have on your business/property. In this statement please demonstrate the need and what you will be using the funds for.

Next Steps After You Apply for a Grant:

  1. A SBIA team member will review your application.
  2. Within 7-14 days you will receive a decision from the SBIA about your grant application
  3. If applicable, a SBIA team member will schedule a Zoom meeting or phone call to review and discuss your application.
  4. Successful applicants will be required to sign a contract between the applicant and SBIA that includes: terms of the grant, grant amount, and project details before beginning work on their project.
  5. Approved grantees must provide the SBIA with the agreed-upon documentation including all receipts, records of expenses, and before/after pictures, if applicable.
  6. Approved grantees must provide the SBIA with an invoice for work completed no later than March 31, 2021.
  7. The SBIA may ask for a testimonial related to the grant application and to confirm that the grant funding was used in accordance with the agreed-upon criteria.

 

Apply For Grant Today
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Announcements, Programs

Introducing The Crap Trapper

August 19, 2020by SBIA0 comments

Let’s talk crap.

Yes, we are talking about crap. It’s as real as issues come. We’re continuing to advocate for public washrooms, however, our neighbourhood needs to be kept clear of bio-waste while discussions about longer-term solutions are ongoing. Up until now, no service has existed for human and animal waste pick-up and removal. Usually businesses are on the hook to deal with it on their own.

That’s where Mark and Elwood’s new social enterprise The Crap Trapper comes in. They saw a need in the community and, in partnership with the Strathcona BIA, have stepped up to provide this valuable bio-waste pick-up service. And we couldn’t be happier about it…

Here’s Mark and Elwood during the first week of the pilot program. Equipped with all the proper safety and sanitation equipment, and a scooter to boot!

We’re launching a 3-month pilot program.

We’re proud to be partnering with The Crap Trapper to bring our members this valuable service. Several days a week, Mark and Elwood will be biking and scootering around the community, inspecting the hardest hit alleys and streets in the district. They’ll be picking up human and animal waste, sanitizing and deodorizing affected areas, and tracking all of the data. They’ll make sure all waste materials are properly disposed of.

On-call picks ups:

SBIA members can now request one-off pick-ups and clean-ups of human and animal waste, seven days a week, 8am-4pm.

To request a pick-up, call the SBIA patrol team at 604-789-4143. The Crap Trapper team will provide the pick-up service within 48 hours.

This pilot program is running until October 2020.

In their first four days of the pilot, The Crap Trapper team made 303 pick-ups which amounted to 139 pounds of waste collected. Next time you see Mark and Elwood out in the streets, give them a smile and a thank-you for the tough job they’re doing in service to this community!

Support for Mark and Elwood’s social enterprise comes through Embers Eastside Works, Employ to Empower, and Co-llective Marketing.

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Important Info

A Different Kind of Place

July 6, 2020by SBIA0 comments

An update on where we’re at with the new Strathcona business district brand. 

Last fall the Strathcona BIA set out to refresh the Strathcona business district brand. 

We were thrilled when local Railtown agency, Will Creative, answered the call to help develop our new brand. They brought on Stormy Lake Consulting, experts in public consultation and facilitation, to deliver a one-of-a-kind engagement event in the early stages of our process.

We want our new brand to be embraced by all people who work, live, and play in Strathcona.

Strathcona is a truly unique neighbourhood, and so we turned to the community to help define, preserve, and amplify that uniqueness. 

As we approach our brand launch, we’re taking a look back at the pivotal community engagement outcomes that helped build the foundation for our new commercial district brand. 

Who did we engage?

We put a ton of effort in to get the word out about our November 4th Dinner and Dialogue event.  We filled the room with over 55 people representing many diverse groups across Strathcona. This included business members in varying sectors, property owners, developers, partners from the arts community including Powell Street Festival, Vancouver Mural Festival, and Eastside Culture Crawl, community centres including RayCam and Vancouver Japanese Language School, community organizations including Embers Eastside Works, Exchange Inner City, and Coast Mental Health, Strathcona residents, and City of Vancouver planning staff. 

Different groups were well spread out ensuring each table had a diverse mix of perspectives.

Over three hours, Stormy Lake Consulting led the table groups through a series of thought-provoking exercises and questions. Participants were offered a number of unique ways to engage ranging from writing, drawing, and storytelling. 

What we heard

Community full of contrasts.

Strathcona reflects a deep and diverse history of cultures and people. It’s also a place brimming with extreme contrasts. Strathcona’s is a story of contrasts and tension between perspectives, identities, ideas, status, and districts.

What emerged is that the Strathcona BIA is in a unique position to build a bridge between these opposites, allowing each to maintain what makes them distinct while providing support for them to co-exist, grow, and thrive together. We can see these contrasts not as collisions but as opportunities for interconnection. 

Strathcona is raw.

There is something evocative and visceral about Strathcona. Participants spoke about it being raw, unpolished, gritty, and rough around the edges- all of which bring forth a sense of tangible texture. This texture and tarnish is what makes Strathcona resilient, authentic, and human. It’s embraced by the community and it must stay.

Strathcona is hardworking.

This community is industrious, adaptive, and persevering. Strathcona is built on a foundation of sleeves rolled up and getting work done. People have always come here to build something, whether it’s their home, their rights, their business, or their community. Even as the neighbourhood evolves, there will always be a working class spirit that thrives here. If you’re here you’re living and working damn hard. 

Strathcona embodies diversity.

Here, people are encouraged to be human, to expand their worldview, and challenge their preconceived notions. It’s why a major food distributor and a just-out-of-school maker can both feel they belong here. People from all backgrounds and walks of life are able to coexist. While this level of diversity is a source of tension and contrasts, our diversity is one of our biggest strengths. When we connect, combine, support and strengthen one another without sacrificing what makes us individually unique, this allows us to grow and thrive as a community. 

Strathcona thinks differently. 

Strathcona is home to those who don’t quite fit anywhere else. Strathcona is a complex, diverse, and challenging place that attracts those who are curious, inventive, non-conformist, and truly creative. Strathcona has always been and continues to be a centre for criticism of powerful institutions – a place of rebellion and resistance. 

Strathcona is described as an attitude and way of being. It’s not “I’m from Strathcona”, it’s “I am Strathcona”.

What’s happened since then?

We took everything we heard from the community and got to work. Following our community engagement event, additional stakeholder interviews with SBIA members took place. Building on the sentiment and findings from all of the community engagement, the Strathcona BIA Board of Directors took part in a full-day Brand Definition workshop. From there, we worked with Will Creative to build out a brand strategy and an amazing new visual brand that we can’t wait to share soon.

Consultation with First Nations

The Strathcona BIA operates on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Their cultures and economies have shaped the community since time immemorial and remain an integral part of the Strathcona community. As part of our district placemaking work, we are eager to explore opportunities for place-based Indigenous storytelling related this land and for bringing attention to Indigenous place names within Strathcona. To help guide us in this work, we sought the expertise of Khelsilem, a Squamish First Nation Councillor and resident of Strathcona. We are so grateful to Khelsilem for providing us with a clear road map on further engagement and relationship building that needs to take place with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, before the inclusion of Indigenous history, identity, and presence can be incorporated into placemaking opportunities stewarded by the Strathcona BIA. This is a crucial step in the start of our journey towards truth and reconciliation, and how we can play a part in bringing Indigenous histories and stories forward in the district of Strathcona.

What’s next?

We’re working on all the ways in which this new commercial district placebrand will come to life, in the streets, and across digital platforms. We’re getting close to being able to share it with our members, our community, and the world – and we are so excited. We can’t wait to engage our membership and wider community in brand activation opportunities. We can’t wait to bring Strathcona to the hearts and minds of people across the lower mainland and showcase our district. And we really can’t wait to replace our community banners with a look and feel all of Strathcona can get behind.

We acknowledge that this work of place branding and placemaking is never neutral. To the best of our ability we will try to center community-based sentiment and knowledge from the full diverse spectrum of Strathcona community members to drive our placemaking work for the Strathcona commercial district. If you want to connect with us to talk about this or about any of the engagement leading up to our brand launch, please be in touch with johanna@strathconabia.com.

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Important Info

Appeal for Action in Strathcona Park

June 26, 2020by SBIA0 comments

We’re sharing a letter prepared by the Strathcona Residents Association, Strathcona Business Improvement Association, Produce Row Business Committee, Strathcona Community Safety Association, and Strathcona Community Policing Centre regarding the current homeless encampment at Strathcona Park. Jointly representing over 850 businesses and over 16,000 residents in Strathcona, these organizations have come together share our views with Municipal and Provincial Leaders.

June 25, 2020

Honourable John Horgan, Premier, Province of BC
Honourable Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Province of BC
Honourable Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Province of BC
Honourable Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, Province of BC
Mayor Kennedy Stewart, City of Vancouver
Vancouver Park Board Comissioners, City of Vancouver
Vancouver City Councillors, City of Vancouver

Re: An Appeal for Immediate Action in Strathcona Park

On behalf of organizations representing the residents and businesses of Strathcona, we are asking for urgent support and attention from the BC Provincial Government, the City of Vancouver, and the Vancouver Park Board to immediately clear Strathcona Park of its current encampment and identify a permanent site for campers, therefore bringing the cycle of displacement to an end.

As representatives of over 850 businesses and 16,470 residents living in and operating across the district and community of Strathcona, we must work to strike a balance between the needs and safety of both the campers themselves and the community that surrounds them. Our organizations operate with sincere respect and compassion for our city’s current homeless situation and all those impacted by it, and with continuing mission commitments to serve the disadvantaged and underprivileged in our midst.

Strathcona Park is unambiguously the wrong place for government, through inaction, to seemingly encourage and endorse acceptance of this ad-hoc campground. Our collective community experiences from Oppenheimer Park show us that, with even the best intentions demonstrated by community organizers and the campers themselves, violence, sexual assault, and crime are inevitable outcomes of a community constantly facing displacement under the lagging attention of all levels of government. The businesses and residents who directly surround Oppenheimer Park carried the costly burden of these community impacts and our concern is that this cycle is set to repeat itself at Strathcona Park. 

Strathcona has long been deeply underserved in greenspace compared to other districts and communities in Vancouver. With Oppenheimer Park still out of commission, and summer arriving amidst a global pandemic, the need for greenspace has never been greater. This will be all the more critical as we approach BC’s Phase 3 of pandemic reopening and the July 1st beginning of the city’s recreational sports programming. The current encampment will inevitably grow beyond the bounds of any partition within Strathcona Park, and beyond the capacity of any internal, external or collaborative effort to manage it safely for all concerned. This will cripple opportunities for residents, employees of local businesses, gardeners, dog walkers, sports teams, children’s daycamps and anyone seeking to enjoy the park space. Distancing guidelines mandated by the Office of the Provincial Health Officer underline the need to have large, accessible, local outdoor spaces available to community residents, employees, and visitors. 

The issues are complex. So are the solutions – we acknowledge that safe, supportive housing is what’s ultimately required and will not be quickly found or created. But this cycle of displacement of temporary encampments in our public parks must and can end with a city-sanctioned site for campers, where resources and support can be directed and the surrounding community can be mobilized to ensure the best outcomes for all those involved. 

The community of Strathcona, which is in many respects part of the Downtown Eastside, is under no illusions regarding its responsibility to our city’s most vulnerable citizens. We know we will be called upon to support our homeless community, time and again. We know that more housing is needed to support those who seek refuge in our city parks. We are asking our provincial and municipal government leaders not to shirk their formal responsibility in this matter. With appropriate will and resolve there are much better places to facilitate a stable, sustainable encampment until more enduring solutions can be implemented.

We await your response, as well as your action.
Sincerely,

Strathcona Residents Association

Strathcona Business Improvement Association

Produce Row Business Committee

Strathcona Community Safety Association

Strathcona Community Policing Centre

Contact:

Theodora Lamb

Strathcona Business Improvement Association

theo@strathconabia.com

604-258-2727

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Important Info

Reopening Your Business

May 14, 2020by SBIA0 comments

BC’s Restart Plan: What you need to know

The BC Restart Plan outlines the careful reopening of the economy in a four-phased approach. We are currently in Phase 1, during which “essential services” have been able to operate. 

If your business has been ordered to close by a provincial or regional health order you cannot open before the order is officially lifted. BC will enter into Phase 2 from mid-May onward, which allows industries including the retail sector, hair salons, art galleries, and restaurants and cafes (with sufficient distancing measures) to reopen, among others. At the bottom of this post we’ve listed which industries will be able to open during the different phases. 

Once you are able to reopen, businesses will be required to develop a COVID Safe Plan. Businesses that have operated as essential services during Phase 1 of the pandemic may need to update their COVID Safe Plans to fit with updated guidelines and best practices. WorkSafeBC won’t be reviewing or approving individual plans, but businesses could be subject to a WorkSafeBC inspection where employers will be asked about the steps they have taken to protect their workers. 

How to develop and communicate your COVID Safe Plan

Employers preparing to resume operations must develop plans to reopen safely, which includes assessing the risk of COVID-19 transmission in your workplace, and developing measures to reduce these risks.

A guide developed by WorkSafeBC is a starting point for developing your COVID Safe Plan. It covers the following steps:

  1. Assess the risk at your workplace
  2. Implement measures to reduce the risk e.g. cleaning and hygiene, maintaining physical distance
  3. Develop policies e.g. who can be at the workplace, how to address illness that arises
  4. Develop communication plans and training
  5. Monitor your workplace and update your plans as needed
  6. Assess and address risks from resuming operations

In addition, WorkSafeBC is currently working with industry stakeholders to prepare industry-specific protocols that employers can use to help develop their individual plans.

Additional Resources

Good News for the Restaurant Sector

  • On May 13th the BC government announced B.C. restaurants will be able to purchase liquor at wholesale prices and get expedited provincial approval for expanded outdoor liquor service. This will help ensure restaurants that want to extend patios don’t face significant delays from the province.
  • Also on May 13th, the City of Vancouver Council passed a motion for “Flexible, Innovative & Expedited Patio Permitting” in order to help move dining outside when restaurants reopen. More information will be available soon.

The Phases of BC’s Restart Plan

Phase 1 enabled industries designated as “essential services” to operate including:

  • Essential health and health services
  • Law enforcement, public safety, first responders and emergency response personnel
  • Vulnerable population service providers
  • Critical infrastructure
  • Food and agriculture service providers
  • Transportation
  • Industry and manufacturing
  • Sanitation
  • Communications and information technology
  • Financial institutions
  • Other non-health essential service providers

BC will enter into Phase 2 from mid-May onward. During Phase 2 the following industries are allowed to carefully reopen:

  • Restoration of health services
  • Re-scheduling of elective surgery
  • Dentistry, physiotherapy, registered massage therapy, and chiropractors
  • Physical therapy, speech therapy, and similar services
  • Retail sector
  • Hair salons, barbers, and other personal service establishments
  • In-person counselling
  • Restaurants, cafes, and pubs (with sufficient distancing measures)
  • Museums, art galleries, and libraries
  • Office-based worksites
  • Recreation and sports
  • Parks, beaches, and outdoor spaces
  • Child care

Phase 3 takes a staggered approach to reopening. The following industries are set to reopen during this time:

  • Hotels and Resorts (June 2020)
  • Parks – broader reopening, including some overnight camping (June 2020)
  • Film industry – beginning with domestic productions (June/July 2020)
  • Select entertainment – movies and symphony, but not large concerts (July 2020)
  • Post-secondary education – with mix of online and in-class (September 2020)
  • K-12 education – with only a partial return this school year (September 2020)

The timeline for British Columbia’s Phase 4 is currently unknown.

As directed by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, our province can only move to Phase 4 when one of the following conditions is met:

  • Widespread vaccination against COVID-19
  • “Community” immunity
  • Broad successful treatments

Activities/Industries Reopening under Phase 4

  • Conventions
  • Live audience professional sports
  • Concerts
  • International tourism
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Announcements

Businesses Open in Strathcona

April 3, 2020by SBIA0 comments

The following Strathcona businesses are still open and offering take-out, delivery, or other services. All are doing their best to support measures to help flatten the curve and prevent the spread of COVID-19 while still providing much needed provisions at this time. Let’s support these amazing local and independent businesses that call Strathcona home.

Agro Roasters

Clark Dr.Order freshly roasted organic coffee through their new online shop which offers home delivery. Choose your coffee type and select your grind. Free shipping over $40.  ????:@agroroastersShop Coffee Online

Ask For Luigi 

305 Alexander St.

Take-out menu of salads & starters, Luigi’s famous pasta, and desserts available for pick-up Tues-Sun 4pm -9pm. Order by phone at 604-428-2544 or online. 50% off list price for all wines. Delivery also available through Uber Eats.  ????:@askforluigiTake-Out Menu

Axum Restaurant

1279 E Hastings St

Open for take-out from their delicious Ethiopian food menu between 1pm-7pm. Order for pick-up or delivery at 604-253-2986 or through their website. Delivery is also available through foodora or skipthedishes. All meals include their famous injera. ????: @_joycengTake-Out Menu

Belgard Kitchen

55 Dunlevy

Retail store is open for beer, wine, + cider off-sales Wed-Sun 4pm-6pm. Order ready to go meals and meal kits by 2pm for same day pick-up or delivery to your home. Option to pay for a meal for someone in need.  ????:@belgardkitchenStaff Meal Menu

Container Brewing

1216 Franklin St.

Open for take-away in person from 1pm-7pm seven days a week. Order online before 1pm for same day delivery. Minimum online order $30. Delivery window is 2pm-6pm daily.  ????:@containerbrewingOrder Beer Online

Dixie’s BBQ

337 E Hastings St.

Known for authentic Central Texas BBQ, Dixie’s take-out menu is available for delivery by UberEats and DoorDash Thurs-Sun 4pm-9pm. Menu includes amazing burgers and sammies, hot dogs, and sides. Direct delivery coming soon. ????: @meatatdixiesDelivery MenuDosanko Restaurant

566 Powell St.

Offering a delicious Japanese comfort food take-out menu. Available for pick-up or delivery by Uber Eats Tues-Sat from 11:30am to 7pm. Local craft beer and local wine available for purchase with your meal. Can be reached at 604-251-2020.  ????:@dosankorestaurantTake-Out Menu

Eclipse Awards

614 Alexander St.

Open from 9am-3pm. Eclipse Awards can help you recognize everyday heroes in your community with their eco-friendly timeless awards, trophies, & plaques. Orders can be placed online or by email to sales@eclipseawards.com ????: @eclipseawardsShop Awards

Landyachtz Bikeshop

1146 Union St.

Store is open 10am-6pm daily. Set up with lot’s of sanitation measures and to help one person at a time. Bike service can be booked by phone 604-253-2005 or by email bikeshop@landyachtz.com. Online store offering free delivery of ready-to-ride new bikes in the Lower Mainland.  ????:@landyachtzbikesShop Online Store

les amis du FROMAGE

843 E Hastings St.

Open daily from 10am-6pm. Maximum 6 people in the store at once and allow a safe distance between shoppers. Card payment only and no reusable shopping bags. Plentiful selection of cheese, charcuteries and pantry staples like pasta and tomato products.  ????:@cheese_ladfPlace Email OrderLiquids and Solids

901 E Hastings St.

Take-out menu of fresh soups and sandwiches available for pick up from 8am-4pm Mon-Fri or by delivery through Uber Eats. Pre-packaged 750ml soups also avialable for delivery, look for the Soupetc! brand.  ????:@liquids_and_solids_yvrTake-Out/Delivery Menu

Lita’s Mexican Foods

Available in several stores

Lita’s makes delicious and natural Mexican style flour tortillas. Find them in several grocery storesin Vancouver. They also make award-winning vegan taco meal kits that are now available to order for home delivery here.  ????:@litasmexicanfoodsOrder Vegan Taco Meal Kit

Luppolo Brewing

1123 Venables St.

Open for to-go only 3pm-7pm Fri-Sun. Delivery is available by beervan.ca. Free delivery on orders over $40 otherwise a $5 delivery charge. Same day delivery for orders placed before 2pm.  ????:@luppolo_brewingOrder Beer Online

Pallet Coffee Roasters HQ

 395 Alexander St.

Retail coffee beans and brewing equipment available for purchase 10am-4pm Mon-Fri. Card payments only and one person at a time. Online shop available, now including Oat Milk. Coffee is roasted fresh to order and shipped via Canada Post.  ????:@palletcoffeeShop Coffee Online

Paragon Food Equipment

760 E Hastings St.

Open by phone, email, & website 8:30am-5pm all weekdays. Paragon supplies commercial kitchen equipment to essential services such as restaurants, hospitals, hotels, and social service providers. Free delivery within Metro Vancouver or pick-up at 604-255-9991 or info@paragondirect.caShop Kitchen Products

Railtown Cafe

 397 Railway St.

Take-out meal program available for pick-up from 8:30am-6pm. Order through the Railtown Cafe App. Delivery available through Door Dash. Large individual heat and serve portions. Buy five meals and get the sixth free.  ????:@railtowncafeTake-Out MenuSavoury ChefNew home delivery menu available with chef prepared meals and DIY meal kits. Order online or call 604-357-7118. Order before 12pm for next business day delivery.  ????:@savourychefHome Delivery Menu

Strathcona Beer Company/ Superflux

895 E Hastings St.

Open for take-out beer and pizza 12pm-8pm everyday. Beer delivery available in partnership with Superflux Beer Compnay. Minimum order $35. Deliver to Vancouve and North Van.  ????:@strathconabeerOrder Beer Online

The Garden Strathcona

868 E Hastings St.

Take-out menu available for pick-up 9am-3pm daily or by delivery through Door Dash. Offering personal shopping and free shipping on all local products for sale at the retail store. Saviour Cookie dough available online as well.  ????:@thegardenstrathconaTake-Out Menu

The Heatley

696 E Hastings St.

Open for takeout and beer, wine, and cider pick-up Fri, Sat, & Sun 4pm-9pm. Check out their takeout menu here and call 604-336-3958 to place an order. Pick-up is via their side door on Heatley Ave. ????: @theheatley696Take-Out Menu

The Mackenzie Room/ Say Mercy

4298 Fraser St.

#StaffMeal take-out menu with sister restaurant Say Mercy. Healthy, affordable meals and the opportunity to donate to someone in need. Order Tues-Sat 8am-2pm for same day pick-up 4:30-6:30pm at Say Mercy. ????:@themackenzieroomStaff Meal Menu

The Uncommon Cafe

477 Powell St.

Open 9am-2pm Monday to Friday for pick-up. Order from their menu of delicious home-made food online. Delivery available through Door Dash or Foodora. ????: @theuncommoncafeTake-Out Menu

Top-Valu Foods

575 E Cordova St.

Top-Valu Foods specializes in making delicious noodles, fortune cookies, and wonton wraps. Now offering sales to retail customers. Call 604-253-4558 to order, pick-ups can be made Mon-Fri 9am-4pm via their back alley entrance. 10% of sales donated to Union Gospel Mission.Visit Website

Union Food Market

810 Union St.

Open 9am-4pm Tues-Sun. Implementing social separation rules of 2-3 people maximum in the store. Offering pick-up and delivery service options for people with special needs. You can reach the market at 604-255-5025.  ????:@unionfoodmarketVisit website

VV Tapas Lounge

957 E Hastings St.

VV Pasta take-out menu available by phone at 604-336-9244, or delivery available by Door Dash. Date Night Dinner for Two option includes perfect meal for two, wine, and dessert. BC beer, wine, and cider sold at cost with the purchase of a meal.  ????:@vv.tapasloungeTake-Out Menu

Wilder Snail

799 Keefer St.

Open 10am-6pm Mon-Sun. Implementing social separation rules of 4 people maximum in the store. Specialize in local organic produce and products.  ????:@wildersnailVisit Instagram page

Other ways you can show your support:

  • Share this blog post with your networks
  • Purchase gift cards or merchandise from businesses
  • Engage with your favourite local businesses on social media
  • Write a positive review online for your favourite businesses

Are you open in Strathcona and want to be added to this list? Please reach out to johanna@strathconabia.com.

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