Year In Review: Safety & Sanitation
We remain as committed as ever to delivering on programs that improve cleanliness and sanitation across the district. Helping to keep our streets clean and safe, and buildings graffiti-free is part of our core services to the Strathcona community. In the past year this has become more challenging, as the district continues to experience rising rates of graffiti. Advocating for more resources and new solutions was an important part of our work on these issues.
Street Cleaning
We partner with Coast Mental Health, United We Can, and Mission Possible Maintenance to provide street cleaning services in the Strathcona BIA district. These impactful partnerships create inclusive job opportunities for local people in our community. Between all program partners, team members have picked up over 1000+ bags of litter and 2960 needles across the entire district in the last year, working over 2411 hours or an average of 46 hours per week. Our teams are here to keep the area clean and support members each day.
Clearly, street litter is a big problem. Through advocacy efforts by the BIA’s, City Council approved additional funding for street cleaning programming city-wide, and allocated $2.1 million in funding for the 2021 Street Cleaning Grant Program. For the Downtown Eastside and Strathcona neighbourhoods this has resulted in an additional 18 micro-cleaning shifts per week. This allowed us to shift more resources towards specific areas of the district as well as our Private Property Debris Pick Up program. We helped complete 70 private property debris pick-ups this last year and make daily reports to VanConnect for debris in lanes and on public property, saving members over $10,000 in removal fees, plus their valuable time.
From Strathcona Pilot to City Service
A big point of pride for us this year was supporting the launch of the social enterprise, The Crap Trapper. Initiators Mark and Elwood saw a need in the community and stepped up to provide a valuable bio-waste pick-up service with support from the Strathcona BIA. Before this, no dedicated service existed for human and animal waste pick-up and removal, often leaving businesses on the hook to deal with this tough task on their own. The Strathcona BIA was a key player in identifying this need and called attention to this from the City. Since then, the program has not only expanded, but is now a City-provided and funded service that members can access through 3-1-1. Mark and Elwood joined forces with Mission Possible to continue to deliver the service, and Strathcona is benefitting from patrols, removals, and on-call service. While advocacy for more public washrooms continues, this has been a big win in improving sanitation across the district in 2021.
Graffiti Removal
Members have access to a comprehensive graffiti removal program through our contract with Goodbye Graffiti Vancouver (a Strathcona business!). In the last few years, the overall size of a graffiti tag within the SBIA district has increased by 70%. The number of calls Goodbye Graffiti receives from the SBIA and members for graffiti removal has doubled in the past 1.5 years. Through our program, we have removed 7,386 graffiti tags in the district over the last year. SBIA members receive unlimited removals of tags 12 feet and under. The program also helped to remove 4,595 square feet of high level tags, a new service being offered through the program. It takes Goodbye Graffiti around 30 minutes to remove a tag the size of a small car from a painted surface. For porous surfaces, a graffiti tag the size of a small car takes around 45 min to remove. All labour, supply, and removal costs are covered within the scope of the program. These time and money savings add up for our members! This program also helps prevent City bylaw infractions and potential fees for our property owners and businesses.
In partnership with other BIA districts across Vancouver we successfully advocated for and secured more funding to handle this challenging issue. We received $35,000, one of the highest amounts from the City of Vancouver, for additional graffiti removal services. This funding will enhance our ability to target graffitti and leverage your levy contributions even further. As always, we also continue to think outside the box on solutions for the rise in graffiti tagging, with initiatives like meaningful mural art with respected local artists, working with the VPD to allocate more preventative resources, and connecting with other community partners to raise the impacts that graffiti has on our members, especially small businesses.
Community Safety
Members can call 604-789-4143, seven days a week from 8am-8pm to reach our safety patrol team who dedicated 6,126 hours to keeping members, customers, and the community safe over the past year. Everyday our compassionate patrol team is on the ground in the district, responding quickly to member needs and connecting with community members. The safety team is our most used program and we are consistently working towards ensuring our approach to community safety is responsible, valued, and holistic. With this in mind, we launched our first annual safety survey this year to better understand how Strathcona BIA members feel about safety in the neighbourhood. Advocacy, Environmental Safety, and Patrols emerged as the priority areas for investment. We received 64 completed surveys, representing 113 businesses and properties across Strathcona. We’re excited to build on this feedback and future engagement to develop a new and strong community safety model for the Strathcona BIA. Stay tuned for updates!
Advocacy is an enormous part of our work in all of these areas. For more on our advocacy efforts and impacts read our advocacy report.
Live Events You Can Attend in Strathcona This September
Live music and events are back in Strathcona.
We’re thrilled to see some of our neighbourhood businesses opening up for live music and events again and we want to give you an extensive list of Strathcona’s upcoming special events and live shows.
In our diverse little community, you can find a plethora of in-person events ranging from DJs, live music, comedy and even a full-on festival this September.
While we recognize that proof of vaccination requirements will begin to take effect on September 13th, we urge readers to consult the Government of BC website for the most up-to-date information before purchasing tickets or heading out to restaurants, pubs and other live events. Make sure to follow COVID-19 health and safety precautions in place at events and establishments.
Skip ahead to the next section to find a breakdown of some of Strathcona’s weekly live music and larger-scale events happening this month!
Lana Lou’s
There’s a reason they call this iconic space the Rock N Roll Eatery. Lana Lou’s is no stranger to the live music scene and has hosted her fair share of local and touring artists. You can always count on Lana cooking up delicious comfort food in the kitchen and a full schedule of artists, comedians and more taking the stage on any given night.
For an up-to-date schedule of upcoming events visit Lana Lou’s on Facebook.
Luppolo Brewing
Luppolo Brewing is a staple for pizza and craft beer in Strathcona and they’ve recently announced that they have added live music back to their roster. Every Wednesday you can catch a rotation of artists from 7 – 9pm while enjoying delicious eats and drinks on their patio! It is recommended to arrive early as seats fill up quickly.
Visit @Luppolo_brewing on Instagram for performance info and updates.
The Heatley
If you’re looking to experience the best of local live bands and DJs look no further than The Heatley. You’ll find a variety of music several times per week with a uniquely curated roster of musicians and Djs setting the vibe. Make sure to order one of their famous burgers while you’re there enjoying the atmosphere, you won’t be disappointed.
Visit @Theheatley969 on Instagram for updates on their live music and DJ schedule.
Monstercat Compound
Compound is a FREE one-day outdoor block party, taking place outside Monstercat HQ in Railtown on Saturday, September 18th from 2pm to 9pm. Compound is a celebration of the local Vancouver community, providing a platform for local companies and performers alike.
Featuring two stages of music, art installations, apparel, food and drinks, beer gardens, music education, live art, gaming and more! This is an all ages event, with something for everyone to enjoy.
The dual stage lineup includes Vancouver-based headliners The Funk Hunters, Tony Romera and more.
It’s a Big Year For Public Art in Strathcona – Here’s Where You Can Find New Murals.
Vancouver Mural Festival 2021
It’s one of our favourite events of the year and we’re thrilled to see the Vancouver Mural Festival back for their 2021 event. Celebrating creativity, diversity and bringing our communities together through art, VMF has over 60 new murals in the works throughout Vancouver plus live shows, tours, public talks and more.
Adventure through 11 Vancouver neighbourhoods, including Strathcona, to see the beautiful murals come to life through personal, cultural and historical storytelling. Find daily Mural Tours, Talks and Workshops, and 40+ Live Shows at outdoor, licensed venues!
We’re excited to welcome several new murals to the Strathcona neighbourhood, including four projects sponsored by the Strathcona BIA. These include Benjamin Stone’s new work at Container Brewing, a mural by Sitji Chou at Noble, the addition of the Black Strathcona Resurgence Project led mural by Sasha Mbabazi near Powell St. and Princess St. plus over a dozen tree-planter murals designed and ready to be painted by Zac George. Public art has the power to help strengthen the connections between all who share space here, and we are so proud to be a part of supporting more public murals for all to enjoy.
To learn more about Vancouver Mural Festival’s community projects this year, check out: Blanketing The City IV, Black Strathcona Resurgence Project, and Punjabi Market or for an overview of the entire 2021 festival you can visit vanmuralfest.ca. Be sure to download their app for an up-to-date map of murals throughout the city.
VMF 2021
Here’s where you can find new Strathcona Murals.
Les Amis Du Fromage (843 E Hastings alley)
Artists: Jerry Whitehead and Take5
The work is titled Remember Us. Both artists hope their work will “start community conversations about the path of reconciliation, and develop meaningful relationships in [their] communities” (as shared on this VMF blog).
Container Brewing
Artist: Benjamin Stone
The piece is titled No Arrival.
Noble (1001 Venables St.)
Artist: Sitji Chou
This piece is called Ripple. The mural faces a senior’s home and was created in the hopes to bring joy to the residents who will see it most. The artist hopes the waves, lilies, and koi mingling inbetween will instill a sense of tranquility and whimsy (as shared in this VMF blog).
Black Strathcona Resurgence Project (603 Powell St.)
Photo of mural in progress.
Artist: Sasha Mbabazi
Bike To Shop is Back This August and These Are The Deals You Can Score in Strathcona
Bike To Shop returns this summer from August 7 – 22nd.
Hub Cycling’s Bike To Shop event is back this summer kicking off on August 7th – 22nd. Local businesses in 20 neighbourhoods across Metro Vancouver are offering free coffee, snacks, sweet discounts, and more to people who visit their shop by bike.
Get on your bike and come join the Bike to Shop movement with us! As always, registration is 100% free.
Register before July 30 for a chance to win a $50 Compass Card from TransLink so you can explore even more Bike to Shop neighborhoods this summer.
Register here and find the full schedule including all participating businesses here..
#BIKE2SHOP
Visit these Strathcona businesses during Bike To Shop for great deals and delicious freebies.
VV TAPAS LOUNGE
Free glass of wine or nonalcoholic cocktail with the purchase of food.
HARKEN COFFEE
One free coffee to those who participate and ride to the shop.
CONTAINER BREWING
Free pork crisps, happy hour beer pricing ($2 off full pours), 10% off any take-home orders. Enter a draw to win a $100 gift card.
ENTERPRISING WOMEN MAKING ART (EWMA)
Free coffee/iced tea and/or button. Plus enter to win an original art item from the EWMA Store with each purchase.
LUPPOLO BREWING
15% off pizza with purchase of a beer (DINE IN ONLY), $10 Margherita with purchase of a 4Pack (TO-GO ONLY).
LIQUIDS AND SOLIDS
Free 10 oz Soup with purchase of a sandwich or an entrée salad.
COASTAL EDEN CAFE
One free baked good with a purchase of any drink. Until sold out.
STRATHCONA BEER
Buy a pint of beer and get an order of our garlic bites for free. While quantities last daily.
LANDYACHTZ
Free air & oil, plus high fives and bike advice all week.
Register at bikehub.ca/biketoshop
Tours You Can Take In Strathcona This Summer
Hello, summer!
What better time to take advantage of our beautiful Vancouver weather than to plan a tour through some of Strathcona’s historic and colourful neighborhoods.
For moments when friends or family visit from out of town or you’re craving to do something a little different without going too far, we have a list of some self-guided and guided tours for you to choose from. Find a few of our favorites below!
Curated Tastes - Gallery Tour
Did you know Strathcona is home to 6 leading art galleries? The artists of today and tomorrow are being supported by these galleries behind doors that many of us walk past or are too intimidated to open.
Curated Tastes is Vancouver’s first and only art mediation company that creates fun and engaging tours for anyone looking for something different to do in Vancouver. No previous art knowledge or experience is necessary!
Discover Strathcona’s art community and fall in love with it. In this tour you will:
- Discover 2 art galleries in Strathcona
- Learn about contemporary art
- Learn how to appreciate and talk about art
- Meet curators, artists and gallerists
- Discover a new face of Strathcona
- Make new friendships over a sample beer or wine (depending on route) at one of Strathcona’s iconic breweries.
This is a walking tour led by an art mediator who will introduce you to Vancouver’s art scene, give you context about the exhibitions on view and help you understand the artworks on view.
- Price per person: $ 33 (early bird) / $36 (regular)
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Saturdays 12pm-2pm
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Social distancing and masks in indoor spaces are recommended
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Groups will be limited to 12 attendees + 1 tour guide
Art exhibitions are constantly changing. Please visit https://curatedtastes.art/
For private tours and/or tours in Spanish or French, please contact: contact@curatedtastes.art
Powell St. Walking Tour
Uncover the hidden history of Vancouver’s pre-war Japanese-Canadian community.
It is not common knowledge that prior to the Incarceration, Displacement and Dispossession of 1942, the Powell Street corridor was once the home to 8000 Japanese Canadians and over 400 Japanese-owned businesses. Today, there is an abundance of remaining history and architecture that tells the story of a community that thrived in this unique area of Vancouver!
- $10 for the general public | Free under 18
- Masks and socially distant spacing will be required.
- Groups will be limited to 8 attendees + 1-2 tour guide(s)
Tours can be offered in Japanese.
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/historic-powell-street-walking-tours-vancouver-bc-tickets-152774682187
Mural Tour
If you’re looking to plan or head out on a spontaneous self-guided mural tour Strathcona is the perfect start. The Strathcona neighbourhood is filled with the city’s second-highest concentration of murals within walking distance of each other, with a few delicious stops on the way. Head East on Cordova St. towards Campbell Ave. to catch some great street art then loop around to Hastings to stop for a cold drink or bite at Strathcona’s favourite The Heatley.
There are also some special guided tours happening this year as part of the Black Strathcona Resurgence Project (BSRP). The Black Strathcona Tour runs 10am Friday, Saturday, and Sunday every week from Aug.4-22. Discover the BSRP Year 1 murals and the cultural history of the Hogan’s Alley neighbourhood led by Vancouver DeTours guide Alasdair Butcher, BSRP Curator Krystal Paraboo, and a special guest expert from the Black community. Tours are by donation.
Sunday August 22, the BSRP Bike Tour is happening. Jump on your wheels and experience the magic of murals produced by Black artists across the city on a special bike route. There will be multiple group riding slots throughout the day and an opportunity to learn about the history of the Strathcona neighbourhood.
Download the Vancouver Mural Fest app or visit their website for a full map of murals throughout Strathcona and the remainder of the city.
Brewery Tour
Are you really experiencing Strathcona if you haven’t taken in one of our many breweries? We have you covered. Get your squad together and take a tour to a few (or all) of our fabulous breweries – there are a total of five to choose from!
To plan your own self-guided tour through Strathcona’s breweries visit our website for a full list of locations
For a guided tour through Strathcona Brewing and Luppolo Brewery and a few other East Vancouver breweries visit Canadian Craft Tours.
We’re Hiring A New Executive Director
About the Strathcona Business Improvement Association
The Strathcona Business Improvement Association (SBIA) is a not-for-profit society that plays an important role in business development, marketing, safety, and street enhancement in Vancouver’s historic Strathcona district through innovative programs, sustainability, advocacy, and strong partnerships. We view our work through a community economic development lens, aiming to innovate, explore, and expand beyond the work of a BIA, to support businesses to thrive in our commercial district, and improve the community for all.
The SBIA represents over 840 business and commercial property owners in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and Strathcona neighbourhoods. Spanning 44 city square blocks, the SBIA designated area is roughly bound by Gore Avenue, Clark Drive, Railway Street, and Venables Street. The SBIA is a unique BIA in that over 60% of our members are industrial. Our vision is for Strathcona members to thrive in a mixed-use, inclusive, resilient and prosperous local economy. It is our mission to promote a strong local economy through advocacy, cultivating relationships, supporting business participation in the community, delivering innovative programs and fostering community leaders.
Strathcona is a place for everyone who does things differently. It’s a place that celebrates humanity, expanded worldviews, and challenging preconceived notions. We encourage the people and places that make up our community to maintain their distinct character, while understanding and appreciating what makes each other unique. We believe that everyone has a place in Strathcona, especially those who are unafraid to go against the norm. We embrace and advocate for all who establish their lives, identities and livelihoods here.
Learn more about our mission & vision, and programming.
The Opportunity
The Strathcona Business Association is seeking a new Executive Director to lead the organization into a new vision and period of recovery, resilience, and renewal.
The Executive Director will provide leadership and direction toward the achievement of the society’s mission and objectives. Acting as a liaison among members, the board of directors, staff, government, and other community partners, the Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the delivery and implementation of all programs and services, annual budget development, oversight of daily operations, BIA renewal strategy, and takes the lead in member-serving advocacy, community, and government relations.
The Executive Director’s activities include supporting the continuous improvement of Strathcona’s commercial district as a safe and thriving place to work, live, shop, and access entertainment for business owners, property owners, and the public at large.
Responsibilities of the Role
Leadership & Strategy
As the Strathcona BIA’s Executive Director, you will be expected to lead the development of multi-year strategic plans for the Board’s approval based on the needs of the members and the educated projections of the future business and financial requirements of the Association. The organization is currently in Year 3 of a 5 Year Strategic Plan, and Year 5 of a 7 Year Renewal Period with the City of Vancouver. You are responsible for leading the development and ensuring the effective implementation of the strategic plan within the restraints of the approved budget under a fixed 7-year funding cap. You will oversee the development of policies and programs that meet the interests of members and the public at large. You will be continually challenged to develop and modify programs which address the issues and concerns of a diverse business and property owner membership.
Advocacy & Relationship Management
As the Executive Director, you will be the principal spokesperson for the Association to the media, stakeholders, government partners, and on behalf of members on all matters relative to the ongoing activities and programs of the SBIA. You will work closely with and take policy direction from the Board of Directors and you will be effective at representing the interests of the SBIA and its members, with credibility, knowledge and influence.
Governance & Operations
As Executive Director you will provide direction and coaching to your managers as part of your operational oversight including personnel decisions, tactical implementation of policies, programs and project initiatives, and contractual commitments within the approved budget constraints.
About You
You are driven, forward-thinking, and dedicated to developing and advancing an innovative suite of programs and advocacy. You thrive as a leader in a busy and challenging but rewarding environment. You understand how businesses work, know how to run a good meeting, give a great media interview, and form relationships with people from all walks of life.
You have a passion for sustainable community economic development, a knack for building bridges across people and communities that don’t always see eye to eye, and you have your finger on the pulse of Vancouver.
Key Qualifications & Skills
The right person for this role will embody the dynamic, creative leadership qualities we’re looking for, share in the SBIA’s values and vision, have at least 5 years’ experience working in the not-for-profit sector in an executive or senior role, have a completed university degree and/or equivalent career & life experience, and understands fiduciary responsibility and comfortable working through financial strategy.
Compensation
Salary is $90,000 to $110,000 and is reflective of the scope of the position, market awareness, and will be subject to assessing each candidate on an individual basis. In addition, the SBIA offers an attractive benefits package.
Who Should Apply
The Strathcona Business Improvement Association values diversity, and encourages applicants of all gender identities or expressions, sexual orientation, colour, race, age, ability, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, or family/marital status. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
How to Apply
Please email your resume, cover letter, and total remuneration expectations to:
Allan Welyk
President & Director
ELEVATE Search Group
6th Floor – 777 Hornby Street
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1S4
Email: allan@elevatesearchgroup.com
Web: www.elevatesearchgroup.com
Follow Elevate: www.twitter.com/ElevateSearch
People. Solutions. Culture. Results.
Elevate Search Group collaborates and partners with companies to identify, recruit, and retain top-tiered professionals within all levels of leadership and non-leadership careers within business development, sales, marketing, operations, human resource, and supply chain management. Our client profiles range from local, regional, national, and global organizations.
We thank all applicants who are interested in our current posting as Executive Director, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The deadline to apply is July 23rd, 2021.
4 Strathcona Businesses to Hire For Your Next Small Event
We can’t wait for celebrations again.
It’s been a challenging year for Vancouver and the rest of the world. One that has kept us distanced from almost everyone we know and missing the times when we could get together, eat, laugh and celebrate with our family and friends.
A year of doing our part to flatten the Covid-19 curve has left nearly every planned event resulting in cancellation. Weddings and birthdays were reduced to small bubbles or postponed all together, baby showers and other accomplishments were and still are being celebrated virtually. As vaccines roll out and we hope to slowly get back to our normal lives we’re keeping our spirits up for an end to restrictions on gathering with loved ones.
Strathcona is home to a number of companies that work to help special events of all sizes look and feel their best. Whether you’re planning a small celebration with your close circle or a big, fat, post-Covid bash these four businesses can help bring the “wow” to your upcoming festivities.
Check out our list below to learn more about these local Strathcona businesses.
Please remain aware of B.C’s current restart plan and restrictions before attempting to plan an event or celebration outside of your bubble. All businesses mentioned are currently operating while following B.C’s mandated health and safety measures.
Four Strathcona Businesses to Hire for your Next Small Event.
The Flowers
Meyer’s Floral Company
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about taking any celebration decor to the next level is flowers. And as most of us can agree that the foundation of every special event is the decor.
Meyer’s Floral Company has been distributing wholesale flowers to Vancouver and the lower mainland for over 30 years. Located in Strathcona at 1209 Adanac Street in Strathcona, Meyer’s creates some of the most beautiful bouquets we’ve seen on this side of the viaduct. Consider this Strathcona small business when planning the flowers for your next wedding, celebration or other event.
The Venue
The Garden Strathcona
A hidden gem in the heart of Strathcona, The Garden is a cozy and lush space to host your next local small event.
A 1200sft space with large, bright windows that can be rented with amenities such as sound system, banquet tables, chairs, catering and more. The studio can also be rented alongside the accompanying downstairs cafe for small weddings, events, film shoots and more. A unique space to rent for your next event or just to grab a coffee and take in the vibes.
The Food
Cocktails & Canapes
The star of the show at any event is almost always the food, so impress your guests with some of the yummiest catering Strathcona has to offer. From canapes, to food stations, to fine-plated dinners, Cocktails & Canapes specializes in creating a culinary experience with their world-class cuisine that’s sure to elevate your next celebration. To extend their business offerings during COVID they now also feature a delivery brunch box for special occasions like Mother’s Day.
The Plan
Debut Event Design
Take your event dreams and bring them to reality.
Debut Event Design is a Strathcona-based business and a must-have for the design of your next celebration – big or small. If you’re planning a wedding then you’re in luck, Debut Event Design insists on creating a unique and memorable design that you’ll never forget. If you’re just looking for help with rentals such as furniture, backdrops, and more they do that too. There is no limit to the event goals you can reach with this Vancouver company.
Call For Nominations 2021
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. 2021 marks the third year of a five year strategic plan for the organization and the Board of Directors is currently focused on balancing the pressing needs of its members through challenges brought on by COVID-19.
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 a maximum of 12 directors and all directors must meet the needs and expectations of the role and responsibilities as outlined in the Election Guidelines. There are seven director seats up for election with four incumbent directors running for a new term.
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 on Zoom. 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.
How to apply
Interested members can download the SBIA Candidate Nomination & Election Guidelines Package here or call the SBIA office to request a paper package for mail out. All nomination packages must be complete and received either by email or dropped off in person at the SBIA office, no later than noon on July 15, 2021. All candidates are subject to the Election guidelines (as laid out in your nominations package). Candidates are also required to meet with a member of the Elections Committee over Zoom to be eligible for election.
SBIA office: 1220 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC, V6A 1S6
Hours: 9:30AM – 4:30PM Monday to Friday
Email: info@strathconabia.com
Phone: 604-285-2727
Contributions From Our Executive Director
A New Chapter.
This summer, the Strathcona Business Improvement Association will say goodbye to our Executive Director, Theodora Lamb. On behalf of the Strathcona BIA Board of Directors and staff, we want to express our thanks, gratitude, and appreciation for all of Theo’s hard work these past three years. We hope our members will join us in wishing her warmth and well wishes as she embarks on a new professional chapter!
Under Theo’s leadership over the last three years, the SBIA has enjoyed significant progress and innovation in advocacy, placemaking, and community development on behalf of our 840+ members.
Some of her contributions include:
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Advocacy to municipal staff and elected leaders on issues including commercial taxation, vacant storefront activation and policy, municipal policing, permitting, transportation and mobility, homeless encampments, rising graffiti rates, industrial land protection, and COVID-19 policy relief measures
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Developing a new district commercial brand through community consultation which resulted in a new Strathcona placebrand identity
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Developing a new partnership between the City of Vancouver, Vancouver Police Department, and other social service organizations to address issues of public drinking and its impact on community-serving retail
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Navigating COVID-19’s impacts on members through targeted, rapid communications, webinar events, matching grants, a safety patrol partnership with the Gastown and Hastings North BIAs, and participation in the COVID Community Response Network
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Launching a district-wide engagement campaign on safety and security across the district, capturing member priorities and preferred economic trade-offs
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Launching Crap Trapper, a social enterprise pilot project designed to address issues of human waste clean-up
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Expanding the SBIA sponsorship portfolio to build better relations with equity-seeking and social serving organizations based in Strathcona including the Eastside Culture Crawl, Indigenous Wellness Fair, and the WISH Drop-in Centre serving sex workers in the DTES
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Identifying and activating vacant storefront space in Vancouver society buildings as part of the SBIA and City of Vancouver partner-funded Chinese Benevolent Society Buildings and Community Serving Retail Study
- Creating the Strathcona Tax Empowerment Program (STEP) designed to help members navigate the property assessment appeal process and lighten the tax burden on business and commercial properties
Strathcona business leaders remain among the most creative, innovative, and resilient people I’ve ever had the honour of working alongside” reflects Theo. “I know the Strathcona BIA will continue to be led by strong and effective governors and that member needs remain in the capable hands of SBIA managers Sam Hamilton and Johanna Lauyanto.
Theo is moving on to new leadership opportunities with a well-recognized non-profit organization serving the Lower Mainland region.
“It has been a privilege to work with Theo and we are saddened to be losing her as our ED, but we know she’s moving on to accomplish great things in service to community” says Emma Carscadden, President of the Strathcona BIA.
In the meantime, the work to secure our next Executive Director is well underway and the Strathcona BIA Board of Directors looks forward to sharing more news regarding this soon.
Our vision is for Strtathcona members to thrive in a mixed-use, inclusive, resilient and prosperous local economy. Our mission is to promote a strong local economy through advocacy, cultivating relationships, supporting business participation in the community, delivering innovative programs, and fostering community leaders. As our members continue to run their businesses, oversee their properties, and navigate the challenges that COVID-19 continues to pose, the Strathcona BIA is here to support you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to info@strathconabia.com or phone us at 604-258-2727.