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HxBIA has added our support for Councillor Lisa Dominato’s request for a Nighttime Economy Strategy.  We believe great potential exists to further activate Vancouver’s nighttime economy. Here in HxBIA and the Downtown Eastside more broadly, particular consideration should be given to examine how a Nighttime Economic Strategy could benefit businesses, residents, and community members. HxBIA looks forward to participating in future discussions and will work on behalf of our members to ensure this strategy can bring benefits to our district.  Read more about the motion here

Vancouver City Council has passed a 2% tax shift from commercial to residential after significant advocacy from Vancouver’s BIA’s and other experts.  In a time when commercial properties are facing drastic increases in assessments and massive tax increases, this tax relief is much needed. “Business Improvement Associations made their case to council Monday, with the West Broadway BIA telling councillors that it had seen 75 businesses close since 2015 — many citing rising tax bills.” Read more here:​https://globalnews.ca/news/5219084/vancouver-property-tax-shift/https://globalnews.ca/news/5219084/vancouver-property-tax-shift/

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/opinion-other-side-of-downtown-eastside ​Written for Daily Hive by Brennan Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Hastings Crossing Business Improvement Association. In his recent Globe and Mail article, Marcus Gee’s description of his visit to the Downtown Eastside is certainly a common narrative we hear from many visitors to this unique part of our city.He isn’t wrong with regards to what can be witnessed when walking down our streets and alleyways. He’s not wrong that governments have failed to adequately address the complex challenges that exist here nor provide for the most basic needs of some of our country’s most vulnerable citizens.And he’s not wrong that the situation is unacceptable.But allow us to showcase what else you will see and do on any given day in