The Holiday Gift Auction You Don’t Want to Miss
Vancouver BIA’s are partnering with the Mayor’s office to give back to the community through the #StockJoy charity gift auction.
Fourteen neighbourhoods have curated incredible stockings full of unique gifts featuring the distinct flavours, goods, and services from local businesses in their district.
The stockings are being auctioned off until December 20 in support of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. It’s a special way to bring joy to a loved one (or yourself!), support local businesses, and give back to a worthy cause this holiday season.
Head to the Vancouver BIA Partnership auction website to view the stockings. When you’re ready to place your bid, you’ll be asked to register. If you are the winning bidder you’ll be contacted on December 21st and provided with your #StockJoy holiday stocking.
Here’s what you’ll find in the Strathcona Dreamers and Makers stocking.
Strathcona is where makers come to fulfill their dreams. Our diverse community is home to makers of all kinds working hard to share their wonderful gifts with the world. From craft breweries to jewelry makers you’ll find that there’s something for everyone. Enjoy our #StockJoy holiday stocking with the following items, totaling over $250 in value:
– Strathcona Beer T-shirt
– Dosanko Koji Salt
– Container Brewing Mug
– Pallet Coffee Roasters Benchmark Coffee Beans
– 3 Living Lotus Chocolate bean-to-bar Chocolate Bars
– Dream Catcher by Swallow from Enterprising Women Making Art
– Necklace by Grace Machine from Enterprising Women Making Art
– Tea Towels from Flax Home
– $50 gift card to Liquids & Solids
– $30 gift card to Rise Up Marketplace
From all the participating small business communities, thank you for supporting local.
10 Places You Can Give Back in Strathcona This December
Strathcona is home to many socially-minded organizations that work year-round to support our community members.
Consider giving back to one of the organizations below and make a huge impact this holiday season.
We’re inspired by #GivingTuesday, a global generosity moment that follows Black Friday and puts a positive focus on some of the world’s most giving organizations.
There are so many incredible community organizations in this neighbourhood making a difference for those in need in our community. It’s important to support them year-round, but in particular during the winter months we encourage our audience to give a little extra where you can.
Giving Back
The number of great community-serving organizations in Vancouver and in and around Strathcona means there are a lot of opportunities to make a difference with your dollars, especially during the holidays.
If you’re looking for a local organization to donate to this year take a look at the places below that are doing amazing work to serve those in need in our community. Click on the organization names to learn more about their missions.
- note that this is not an exhaustive list and if you think another local organization should be added to this list, please get in touch with us!
Atira Women's Resource Society
Atira Women’s Resource Society is dedicated to supporting women and children affected by violence by offering safe and supportive housing and by delivering education and advocacy aimed at ending all forms of gendered violence. Donate here.
Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House
Mission: To provide opportunities for residents to meaningfully engage with and contribute to their community in an equitable atmosphere of sharing and learning. To provide a dignified welcoming space that creates and supports an improved quality of life for the DTES community. Donate here.
Embers Eastside Works
Our mission is to create economic and employment opportunities for people living on low incomes. Over the past 18 years, EMBERS has helped thousands of people facing barriers to work lead productive, fulfilling lives. Donate here.
H.A.V.E Culinary Training Society
HAVE Culinary Training Society is a culinary training school that provides food service job training and work opportunities to individuals in Vancouver who experience barriers to employment. HAVE students are youth and adults facing mental and physical disabilities, poverty, addiction and homelessness.
Donate here.
Lookout Health and Housing Society
Lookout Health and Housing Society provide housing and a range of support services to adults with low or no income who have few, if any, housing or support options. Because the people we serve have challenges meeting basic needs and goals, we place minimal barriers between them and our services. Donate here.
Mission Possible
Mission Possible supports individuals who are challenged with poverty to navigate their journey to a sustainable livelihood. We do this through supporting individuals with employment training and individual coaching in our Employment Readiness Program, and through offering supportive, transitional work opportunities in our social enterprises. Donate here.
Union Gospel Mission
UGM is determined to restore the God-given dignity of people by sharing and demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ, providing without discrimination:
- Meals, shelter, outreach and chaplaincy services that relieve suffering and renew hope
- Life recovery programs that offer freedom from addictive lifestyles
- Education and job preparation that equip for successful living
- Affordable housing that fosters community and personal contribution
- Preventative programs that build healthy families
Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society
Located in the Downtown Eastside, Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society’s mission is to improve and promote the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of individuals, focusing on the urban Indigenous community in Metro Vancouver. Donate here.
Watari Counselling & Support Services Society
Our mission is to facilitate meaningful change and provide a bridge to healthier possibilities through innovative, community driven and supportive programming. Community programs include the Individualized Community Outreach Program, S.T.A.R. Program for Kids, Migrant-to-Migrant, and Community Addicitions Counselling Team, among many others. Donate here.
WISH Drop-In Centre Society
Mission: To improve the health, safety and well-being of women who are involved in Vancouver’s street-based sex trade. Critical services and resources WISH provides, include its 24-hour drop-in centre where they serve over 9000 meals a month, its emergency shelter, its Mobile Access Project Van, as well as capacity-building programs. Donate here.
Dine Strathcona 2021
Dine Strathcona returns November 17 to 30
Show support for Strathcona’s small businesses while raising funds for HAVE Culinary Training Society.
The Strathcona BIA is bringing back Dine Strathcona from November 17 to November 30. The neighbourhood’s beloved independent restaurants, cafés, and breweries are once again coming together to offer a lineup of specialty and favourite menu items to raise money in support of vulnerable community members within Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
First launched in 2019, the two-week community festival invites locals and visitors to savour special promotional dishes at several food and drink hotspots in the vibrant neighbourhood, including The Mackenzie Room, Superflux, Strathcona Beer Company, Dosanko and The Garden Strathcona. 19 businesses will be participating in this year’s event and $5 from the sale of each Dine Strathcona menu feature will be donated directly to the festival’s 2021 community partner, HAVE Culinary Training Society, with the goal to raise $5000.
Guided by a philosophy of Hope, Action, Values, and Ethics, HAVE Culinary Training Society is a not-for-profit organization that provides accessible food service training and employment opportunities to members of the community who face barriers to employment such as poverty, homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. Over the past 14 years they have successfully trained 1,200 students with over 75% of them gaining steady employment in the tourism and hospitality industry. Since March 2020, the kitchen at HAVE’s on-site café has been utilized to prepare over 1,000 meals per day for at-risk individuals who have experienced food insecurity due to the pandemic.
“For the third year in a row, the Dine Strathcona festival gives diners the chance to support a worthy cause while discovering the incredible culinary talents and community spirit that make Strathcona such a unique and special neighbourhood,” says Johanna Lauyanto, Manager, Communications & Sustainability at the SBIA. “The money raised during this year’s event will provide funding to enroll new students in HAVE’s culinary training program and help secure job placements for new graduates in Metro Vancouver restaurants.”
In a short video produced by the Strathcona BIA, HAVE’s Executive Director, Amber Anderson, shares about the life-changing impacts of their the programming and the positive ripple effects that are made throughout the community as a result.
This year’s Dine Strathcona participating locations and featured dishes:
Ask For Luigi
305 Alexander St │ Mon-Sun 5pm-10pm │ Sat-Sun brunch 10am-2pm
Fried Cauliflower & Chickpeas $17
Fried cauliflower and chickpeas with spicy aioli, fresh herbs, lemon, grana padano
Reservations to dine in can be made through their website.
Axum Ethiopian Restaurant
1279 E Hastings St │ Mon-Sun 12pm-10pm
Vegetarian Combo $15
Combination of yellow split peas, red lentils, cabbage & carrot and spinach simmered in a mild and spicy sauce
Dine in or order for pickup online through their website.
Belgard Kitchen
55 Dunlevy Ave │ Mon-Fri 11:30am-late │ Sat-Sun 10am-late
Wagyu Bolognese $23
Pappardelle, shaved parmesan, olive oil
Reservations to dine in can be made through Open Table.
Coastal Eden Cafe
643 E Hastings St │ Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm │Sat 8am-2pm
Mortadella Sandwhich $8.95
Thinly sliced mortadella, pickled egg plant, fresh basil and arugula, mustard, & spicy mayo on focaccia bread drizzled with virgin olive oil
Dine in or order for pickup or delivery through Uber Eats.
Container Brewing/Burdy
1216 Franklin St │ Food Hours Tue-Thu 3pm-8pm │ Fri 3pm-9pm │Sat 1pm-9pm
Chicken Parm Sandwich $12.50
Tomato sauce, house-made basil (or spicy) mayo, parmesan and mozzarella cheese on a toasted potato bun
Dine in during Burdy Food Truck hours. Brewery hours are Sun-Thur 2pm-10pm, Fri 2pm-late, Sat & Sun 12pm-late.
Dosanko Restaurant
566 Powell St │ Tues-Sat 11:30-2:30, 5pm-9pm
Wild Mushroom Doria $23 (or $35 3-course-meal)
Foraged wild mushrooms (chanterelle, lobster mushroom), roasted garlic white sauce, onion, rice
Dine in or order for pickup through their website.
Harken Coffee
338 Powell St │ Wed-Fri 10am-4pm │ Sat & Sun 10am-5pm
Pour Over plus 40g of wholebean coffee $7.50
Feature coffee comes from a Colombian farm owned by farmer Luz Dary, part of Harken’s Wish Foundation series to support women farm owners
Dine in or order to go. Coffee beans available to order online.
LanaLou's Restaurant
362 Powell St │ Thu-Sat 8pm – 1am
Empanadas $10
Corn empanadas filled with pulled pork & cheddar, served with a side of fresh salsa
Dine in or order for pickup or delivery through Door Dash.
Liquids & Solids
901 E Hastings St │ Mon-Sat 8:30am-6pm
Heavenly Pesto Chicken Sandwich $10.95
Roasted chicken topped with aged cheddar, spinach, tomato, & pesto aioli, grilled on sourdough bread
Dine in or order for pick-up through their website.
Luppolo Brewing Company
1123 Venables St │ Tue-Thu 2pm-9pm │ Fri & Sat 12pm-11pm │ Sun 12pm-9pm
Campo D’Inverno Pizza $21
Fior di latte, brussel sprouts, guanciale, and parmigiano reggiano DOP
Dine in or order for pickup online through their website.
Pallet Coffee Roasters
395 Alexander St │ Mon-Fri 8am-3pm
Pour Over plus a 100g of wholebean coffee $7.50
A pour over coffee made using one of Pallet’s specialty coffees (choose from a list of their current offerings), plus a sample of roasted coffee beans
Dine in or order to go. Coffee beans available to order online for pickup or delivery.
Prototype Coffee
883 E Hastings St │ Mon-Fri 8am-4pm │ Sat & Sun 9am-5pm
Honduras Buena Vista (whole bean coffee) $18
Fresh and vibrant, showcasing notes of toffee, orange, and almond. Sourced in partnership with Honduran farmer Arlex Casco and the Honduran Coffee Alliance
Purchase at their cafe or order online through their website.
Railtown Cafe
397 Railway St │ Mon-Fri 8am-6pm │ Sat & Sun 10am-4pm
The Winter Kale $14
Baby Kale, Black Rice, Shaved Apple, Roasted Yams, Red Onion, Feta, Dried Cranberries, Egyptian Dukkah, Aged Sherry Vinaigrette
Dine in or order for pickup online through their website.
Strathcona Beer Company
895 E Hastings St │ Sun-Thu 12pm-9pm │ Fri & Sat 12pm-11pm (10pm last call)
Hawaiian Pizza $23.10
Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Fior de Latte, Capicola, Pineapple, Jalapeno cream, Padano, and Pistacios
Dine in or order for pickup at 778-379-9050.
Superflux Beer Company
505 Clark Dr │ Sun-Tue 12 – 9pm │ Wed-Thur 12pm-10pm │ Fri-Sat 12pm-11pm
Napa Salad $13
Napa cabbage, gala apple, roasted carrots, radish, toasted pumpkin seeds, fresh herbs, with a ginger, organge & miso dressing
Dine Strathcona feature dish available for dine in only.
The Heatley
696 E Hastings St │ Sun-Thu 4pm- 11pm │ Fri-Sat 4pm-12am
Beef Burger $17
63 Acres organic house-made beef patty, house BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion, dill pickles & spicy sriracha mayo, served with fries or house salad
Dine Strathcona feature dish available for dine in only.
The Mackenzie Room
415 Powell St │ Wed-Sun 5:30pm-1opm
Chicken of the Sea $20
Sea urchin parfait, burnt onion nectar, poached pears, hazelnut butter, squid ink brioche
Reservations to dine in can be made through their website.
The Garden
868 E Hastings │ Mon-Sun 9am-4pm
Mushroom Bowl $12.50
Mushrooms, peas, wild rice, brown rice, black kale, pickled beets, pickled carrots, pickled mushrooms, pumpkin seeds, black sesame. Vegan & gluten free
Dine in or order takeout. Delivery available through DoorDash.
VV Tapas Lounge
957 E Hastings │ Tue-Sat 4pm-10pm
Flat Iron Steak $27
Green mango chimichurri slaw, burnt honeyed almonds
Reservations to dine in can be made on their website.
Welcome to Our New Executive Director
Introducing Strathcona BIA’s New Leader.
The Strathcona BIA is privileged to have a long history of strong and dynamic leadership, a history that we are continuing to build upon. We are thrilled to announce that Vincent Kwan will be joining the Strathcona BIA as our new Executive Director starting November 1.
Vincent joins us following the departure of our former Executive Director Theodora Lamb, who took on a new challenge as the Executive Director of Quest Food Exchange. Your Board of Directors and staff undertook a comprehensive search over the summer to find the Strathcona BIA’s new leader. The role attracted significant interest and many strong candidates, and the Board led a robust and thorough hiring process to find the right fit for the unique role of the SBIA’s Executive Director.
It is a tremendous honour for me to join the Strathcona BIA as the new Executive Director. To me, Strathcona has always been a community known for its creative energy, entrepreneurial spirit and hard work. It is also a community that takes pride for being diverse and inclusive. I can’t wait to roll-up my sleeves and start working with all SBIA members, the Board, staff, and volunteers to continue to build a resilient local economy that can both thrive with confidence and adapt with agility.
Vincent is the former Executive Director of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens in Chinatown, and comes to us from the City of Vancouver where he has been a Planner on the Chinatown Transformation Team. Vincent is deeply connected to the local community through his experience in the area. He brings significant experience in not-for-profit leadership, business development, programming, strategic planning, and governance. Vincent’s thoughtful demeanor, analytical approach, and business acumen will make him a strong advocate for Strathcona and the issues that matter to our members.
His experience working across cultures and business sectors has laid the groundwork for him to be an excellent bridge-builder between community and business. Vincent brings the skills and experience that are needed to help lead our district through the next steps of the pandemic and we are excited to see where his leadership takes Strathcona.
Please join us in welcoming Vincent Kwan to the Strathcona BIA!
What You Need To Know About BC’s Vaccination Cards
British Columbians now have access to the province’s vaccination card platform. Here’s what you need to know.
Beginning on September 13, 2021, British Columbians will be required to show proof of vaccination province-wide to enter specific establishments and events including:
- Indoor ticketed sporting events
- Indoor concerts, theatre, dance and symphony events
- Licensed restaurants and restaurants that offer table service (indoor and patio dining)
- Pubs, bars and lounges (indoor and patio dining)
- Nightclubs, casinos and movie theatres
- Gyms, exercise facilities/studios, pools and recreation facilities
- Businesses offering indoor group exercise
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Indoor adult group and team sports for people 22 years old or older
- Indoor organized events with 50 or more people. For example: Wedding receptions, organized parties, conferences and workshops
- Indoor organized group recreational classes and activities like pottery, art and choir
- Post-secondary on-campus student housing
The BC Vaccine Card comes with a unique QR code that can be accessed though your computer or smart phone. You can save the digital version to your phone or tablet or print a paper copy to carry in your wallet. Both options will be accepted.
Note: Proof of vaccination is not required to vote in-person in the September 20 federal election or at advance polling places.
How to register.
- Log-in here with your date of birth, personal health number and dosage amount.
- Save or print your QR code. Digital copies can be saved to tablets or smartphones.
- Show your card when required with your government ID.
Key dates
September 13 – partial vaccination required (at least 1 dose)
October 24 – fully vaccinated (2 doses required)
Those who still need their vaccination can register here.
Resources for Businesses
Starting September 13, businesses requiring to verify proof of vaccination can download the free BC Vaccine Card Verifier app which will be available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
The app will allow you to scan a QR code from a digital vaccination card or paper vaccination card. Businesses can also confirm proof of vaccination visually.
Read the BC Vaccine Card Guide for Businesses for a step-by-step breakdown of verifying vaccination cards.
Print-Ready Posters for businesses
Proof of Vaccination Required Poster
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.
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.
Must-try Doughnuts In Strathcona
There are new doughnuts in town and they’re popping up in Strathcona.
An Interview with Plates By Payts
Meet Plates by Payts, Vancouver’s fresh new sweets vendor who, since the early pandemic, has been improving the lives of Vancouverites one delicious doughnut at a time. If you’ve been lucky enough to catch his pop-up at Strathcona’s Sunrise Market you’ll know that Payton’s Vegan Sourdough Doughnuts (with rotating flavours) are super popular with locals. The lineups have been known to pile up to the back of the store, and the doughnuts are well worth the wait.
We caught up with founder, Payton Lum, about his creative process and where we can get our hands on his unique offerings. Read along below!
How did Plates By Payts begin and grow to such rapid popularity?
It all started during quarantine. I have always had a passion for baking and had previous experience making sourdough loaves. It wasn’t until last year when I made my first ever batch of sourdough doughnuts. Since then, they are all I could ever think about and I have been hooked on perfecting the recipe and developing the flavours. All in all it really has been the most humbling experience, knowing that so many people love my creations and continue to support me.
What do you think makes your doughnuts stand out from the rest?
A few things…
– The slight tang in the dough. Making products using a sourdough starter as the only leavener provides a naturally sour taste and long fermentation that can be finicky and not as reliable as products made with yeast.
– Free of any animal products. Most doughnuts are made using eggs, milk, and butter. The idea behind Plates By Payts is for everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy these doughnuts.
– Weekly flavour lineups. This is one of my favourite parts where we get to brainstorm different flavour ideas and combinations that work in unison. The goal is to keep everyone excited about new upcoming flavours.
Where can we find Plates By Payts?
Plates By Payts will mainly be doing pop-ups at Sunrise Market (300 Powell Street). You can find me doing spontaneous pop-ups or supplying doughnuts at different retailers around the lower mainland. All of the details of my weekly location can be found on my Instagram @platesbypayts.
Do you have plans to start a retail shop/kitchen of your own?
I’ve been on the hunt for a retail shop, I just haven’t found the perfect spot. I definitely want to continue growing my business and have lots of new, unreleased products and ideas I want to share with my supporters soon (hint… a new dough recipe!).
How do you decide what types of flavours and ingredients to feature?
I am always inspired by flavours coming from my Asian background and try to incorporate those unique flavour combinations to some of my products. I also like to have different themes to my weekly flavours based on upcoming holidays while using ingredients that are fresh and in season.
What’s your favourite part of the doughnut making process?
I love the behind the scenes when I’m in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes and playing around with new styles of doughnuts.