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Vancouver embarks on Step 2 of B.C. reopening plan

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A glimmer of hope seemed to be bouncing off Science World’s reflective dome back in March as attendance levels were experiencing a “big uptick,” recalls Tracy Redies.

But with the public health orders enacted that month, the Vancouver-based non-profit sunk back down to 20% to 25% attendance compared with the pre-pandemic era, according to Redies, its CEO. 

Redies, who joined Science World last September, is feeling hopeful again as B.C. transitions to Step 2 of its reopening plan. 

“It feels very spacious now,” she said, adding that as many as 5,000 people might have entered the science centre on a typical day prior to the COVID-19 crisis.

“So we’re definitely looking forward to a wider reopening, but our first priority of course is the safety of our visitors and our staff.”

Transitioning to Step 2 of the province’s four-step plan,  unveiled late last month , was dependent on at least 65% of adults in the province getting jabbed with their first COVID-19 vaccine dose as well as a continued decline in cases and hospitalizations.

Such benchmarks were quickly achieved in the three weeks since provincial officials outlined the reopening plans. The next phase of the plan was give the green light on Tuesday — the earliest date possible under its guidelines.

Within Step 2, restaurants are able to extend liquor service to midnight from the present 10 p.m. cut-off time, cinemas and banquet halls can reopen at limited capacity of 50 people and intra-provincial tourism will be permitted.

Meanwhile, provincial officials will be engaging in a consultation process to prepare for larger indoor and outdoor gatherings with safety protocols.

Vogue theatre

While Redies anticipates Science World increasing visitor capacity during Step 2, she said her team is still grappling with whether to resume events and receptions that frequently drew additional guests inside.

“Our preference is to be on the cautious side,” she said.

Sunil Khanna, co-owner of the Fraserview Banquet Hall in south Vancouver, said his team has been at work scrubbing every dish, washing tablecloths, replacing spices and pressure-washing much of the property in anticipation of being able to hold indoor events for up to 50 people.

“The hall was really hurt over that year and a half,” he said, adding it can host as many as 1,000 people. “With 50 people you kind of break even, don’t really make money on it, but at least you get the hall going and slowly, slowly, I think they’ll [the province] increase the numbers in July, August and September. It just depends on how things go.”

Khanna said employees are eager to return, albeit only for small weddings, luncheons and receptions.

But he added that summer 2022 is expected to be extremely busy at Fraserview Banquet Hall, owing to all the customers who postponed large events over the past year.

Jeff Guignard, executive director of the Alliance of Beverage Licensees BC (ABLE BC), told BIV  last month the extension of liquor-serving hours beyond 10 p.m. is significant for the industry because, depending on the establishment, 30% to 60% of liquor sales come after that hour.

“Little things like that can be a massive difference for industry,” Guignard said, adding that nightclubs likely wouldn’t be doing much business anyway if alcohol sales ceased at 10 p.m.

The reopening of nightclubs is not on the table until at least July 1 with the potential arrival of Step 3.

In the meantime, Step 2 may not usher in a dramatically different landscape for some of Vancouver’s most notable indoor attractions.

The Vancouver Aquarium ceased its public programming temporarily last September due to its inability to draw revenue from visitors during the pandemic.

Then in April it announced it was transferring ownership from Ocean Wise Conservation Association to Herschend Enterprises.

Programming has not resumed since then, and Clint Wright, the aquarium’s executive director, said in a statement that his team is “reviewing our operational plans and [looks] forward to welcoming everyone back soon.”

The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia remains open with safety measures in place, but rentals of the museum’s Great Hall and the surrounding grounds remain suspended this year and next as seismic upgrades are underway.

The Vancouver Art Gallery did not respond to inquiries from BIV regarding how Step 2 might affect its reopening plans.

The Museum of Vancouver (MOV), meanwhile, will be transitioning to the new normal.

“With the loosening of restrictions, our summer wedding booking clients are now able to move forward with greater certainty and have been putting together more extensive plans,” Greg Fruno, the museum’s director of operations and visitor experience, said in an email. “This includes larger numbers of guests for indoor bookings as well as expanded plans for outdoor events including catering and higher guest counts.

“As we move through June and July, we hope to see some sector-specific guidance on further loosening of operating restrictions. Over summer months, we’re planning for the return of in-person group activities, as well as guided tours and public programs offered onsite at MOV.”

Redies, meanwhile, is hoping for additional support from the province as Science World deals with a $2 million loss resulting from the pandemic.

Victoria is offering up to $1 million to “anchor attractions” across the province as part of a $50 million grant program at the same time Science World is embarking on a new fundraising campaign this month.

“We believe that it could be really important for the government to have a plan to help the attractions get back on their feet, because we know gate-attendance tourism is not going to come back all at once,” Redies said. “It’s going to take some time.”

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Reopening B.C.: Travel ban extended, indoor dining allowed under first step of four-part plan

Phase 1 means sports teams can play games outside and diners can eat inside restaurants, but you’ll have to wait to throw a big party or go see a movie in a theatre

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British Columbians can now host a dinner party with up to five other people, attend an outdoor event or wedding with up to 50 people, participate in outdoor recreation and sports, and dine indoors at a restaurant in parties no larger than six people.

Tuesday marked the first of B.C.’s four-step reopening plan, which is tied to first-dose vaccination rates and envisions a return to normal life expected by early September. (See bottom of this story for a breakdown of the four steps.)

Reopening B.C.: Travel ban extended, indoor dining allowed under first step of four-part plan Back to video

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As long as vaccinations continue at a steady pace and COVID-19 cases continue to decline, people will be allowed to enjoy a movie or play in a theatre again by mid-June, gamble at a bingo hall or casino, dance in a nightclub or attend a summer fair by the beginning of July, and attend a large concert or stadium sporting event by the second week of September.

The travel restrictions that require people to stay within three defined regions of the province except for essential reasons, punishable by a $575 fine , will remain in place until June 15. However, Premier John Horgan said the “stay local” recommendation is no longer in effect, meaning people can plan a road trip as long as they remain in their health region. For example, someone from Vancouver can now visit Whistler or someone from Victoria can go to Tofino.

In the mid-June second step, people would be allowed to travel throughout the province. And by July 1, the intent is to give British Columbians the green light to travel across Canada.

“We have made tremendous strides with our vaccination program, and we are now in a position where we can move forward with a plan to slowly bring us back together,” Premier John Horgan said. “We will be closely following the guidance of public health and supporting people and businesses as we take the next steps in putting this pandemic behind us.”

With 64.6 per cent of adults 18 and older in British Columbia vaccinated with their first dose as of Tuesday — 2.7 million people — provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said it’s safe to gradually allow larger gatherings, events and recreational activities. The vaccine rollout has caused the seven-day average daily COVID cases to rapidly decline from a peak of 1,135 on April 12 down to to 289 cases reported May 25.

Indoor seated gatherings of less than 10 people can take place as of Tuesday and indoor religious gatherings with limited capacity can resume this week.

Step 2 of B.C.’s plan, if all goes well, kicks in June 15 if at least 65 per cent of adults have received a first dose of the vaccine. Movie theatres, arts venues and live concert halls will reopen with a maximum of 50 people seated indoors. Those venues have been closed since November. And people will be allow to host outdoor personal gatherings such as birthday parties or graduation parties with up to 50 people. Banquet halls will also reopen with limited capacity and clear safety plans.

Rabbi Dan Moskovitz of Temple Sholom, who has been regularly speaking to health officials about when religious services could resume, said the plan means 50 people can gather inside houses of worship as of June 15. Moskovitz said the restrictions on indoor religious gatherings, in place since November, have been difficult for Jews who have postponed bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs, weddings and are missing social contact before and after prayers.

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“So after all of those things that have been put off, all the celebrations that we so desperately need, this is just an answer to our prayers,” he said. “The light at the end of the tunnel is bright.”

High-intensity indoor fitness such as spin classes will also resume June 15 with reduced capacity, outdoor sporting events will welcome a maximum of 50 spectators and sports teams will be allowed to play indoors with no spectators.

The 10 p.m. cutoff for liquor service at restaurants will remain in place until June 15, after which restaurants and pubs can serve booze until midnight. By July 1, there will be no limit on how many people can gather at one table in a restaurant.

By Canada Day — Step 3, which is based on 70 per cent first-dose vaccination — there will be increased capacity for indoor and outdoor events which means summer fairs and festivals could resume. Bingo halls, casinos and nightclubs can reopen with limited capacity. This step also marks a return to normal indoor and outdoor personal gatherings, so there will be no limit on how many people you can host at your home.

Indoor fitness classes will be allowed to increase their capacity by July 1 and a limited number of spectators will be allowed to watch a sporting event indoors. Masks will still be mandatory indoors and physical distancing in effect until July 1. After that date, masks will be recommended, but not required, and directional arrows common in grocery stores and many businesses can disappear.

Sept. 7, the start of Step 4, marks a return to post-pandemic life when masks will be a personal choice, physical distancing won’t be required and larger concerts and sports competitions with a large number of spectators such as a Canucks game can resume. At that point, health officials expect more than 70 per cent of adults will have received their first dose of the vaccine.

Henry stressed that the dates are the earliest predictions for reopening and could be pushed back if the province has a sudden jump in case numbers or hospitalizations.

“To be successful in this next phase of the pandemic, we need to keep COVID-19 low and slow,” she said. “To do that, we need to be slow and measured in our approach, gradually turning up the dial on how we spend time together whether that is socializing with family, going to work or visiting friends.”

Daniel Coombs, a University of B.C. epidemiologist, said the province’s plan, including the goal of returning to large events without masks by September, is feasible as long as people continue to get vaccinated and follow up with their second dose.

“I think it’s critical to go slowly, to have this sort of graded approach and have some flexibility built in,” Coombs said. “But what I think really the most important thing is for everybody to understand that we only get this because of vaccination.”

Bridgitte Anderson, CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, said the information provided by the province Tuesday lays out a clear framework that allows business owners to safely reopen and gives British Columbians clarity on what’s to come in the summer and fall.

“Now that we understand the targets, metrics, and the path forward, we can begin to plan in earnest for a strong economic recovery in both B.C. and the country more broadly,” Anderson said in a statement.

On Tuesday, restaurateur Nigel Pike welcomed the sight of patrons eating inside his Main Street establishment, El Camino’s, which hasn’t been possible since the province suspended indoor dining March 29 in the midst of the third wave.

“It’s a good day for everybody” in the hospitality sector, said Pike, who also owns The Union, The Cascade Room and Main Street Brewing Co. “Everybody’s been hit so hard by this whole situation.” The reopening plan gives restaurant and bar owners a level of certainty they haven’t had for months, he said.

Offices that have encouraged employees to work from home can begin gradually welcoming workers back to the office effective Tuesday. By June 15, colleagues can gather at small indoor meetings. By July 1, seminars and larger meetings can be held and by September, the province expects fully reopened offices and workplaces.

Asked when people can safely hug again, Henry said individuals can judge for themselves what they’re comfortable with based on their vaccination status or health conditions that might put them at higher risk. However, she quipped that she’s pitched to Horgan the idea of the province marking “B.C. hug day” sometime in July.

Henry said while vaccine passports will likely be required for international travel, people will not be required to show proof of vaccination to attend a concert, sporting event or to access public services since such a requirement would exacerbate inequities among people who cannot be vaccinated for health or personal reasons.

Since November, people have only been allowed to socialize indoors with their immediate household but in March, Henry said people could gather outside with up to 10 people.

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B.C.’s restart plan: What can you do when?

Here is a breakdown of the four steps:

Step 1: May 25

  • Maximum of five visitors or one household allowed for indoor personal gatherings
  • Maximum of 10 people for outdoor personal gatherings
  • Maximum of 10 people for seated indoor organized gatherings with safety protocol
  • Maximum of 50 people for seated outdoor organized gatherings with safety protocols
  • Recreational travel only within travel region (travel restrictions extended)
  • Indoor and outdoor dining for up to six people with safety protocols
  • Resume outdoor sports (games) with no spectators, low-intensity fitness with safety protocols
  • Start gradual return to workplace
  • Provincewide mask mandate, business safety protocols and physical distancing measures remain in place
  • Return of indoor in-person faith-based gatherings (reduced capacity) based on consultation with public health

Step 2: mid-June (June 15 earliest date)

  • Maximum of 50 people for outdoor social gatherings
  • Maximum of 50 people for seated indoor organized gatherings (banquet halls, movie theatres, live theatre) with safety protocols
  • Consultation process to prepare for larger indoor and outdoor gatherings with safety protocols
  • No B.C. travel restrictions check local travel advisories
  • Indoor sports (games) and high-intensity fitness with safety protocols
  • Spectators for outdoor sports (50 maximum)

Step 3: Early July (July 1 earliest date)

  • Provincial state of emergency and public health emergency lifted
  • Returning to usual for indoor and outdoor personal gatherings
  • Increased capacity for indoor and outdoor organized gatherings, with safety plans
  • Nightclubs and casinos reopened with capacity limits and safety plans
  • New public health and workplace guidance around personal protective equipment, physical distancing and business protocols

Step 4: Early September (Sept. 7 earliest date)

  • Returning to normal social contact
  • Increased capacity at larger organized gatherings
  • No limits on indoor and outdoor spectators at sports
  • Businesses operating with new safety plans

— with files from Tiffany Crawford and The Canadian Press

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From nightclubs to cinemas: B.C. businesses offered path forward with reopening plan

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B.C. nightclubs, casinos and concert halls have faced 15 months of sitting either partially closed or outright shuttered amid the pandemic. And frequently shifting restrictions have plagued efforts from gyms and restaurants to maintain steady business during the health crisis.

But a path forward is emerging for businesses across the West Coast, with the province on Tuesday unveiling a reopening plan that will lean on reaching specific thresholds rather than specific dates.

B.C. is presently in the first step of its plan, where 60% of the adult population has received at least one vaccine dose and COVID-19 cases are declining. Indoor dining at restaurants with up to six people is currently permitted as of Tuesday with the lifting of circuit-breaker restrictions introduced in March amid surging case numbers.

“We'll be monitoring the data and we’ll be giving dates. But this will be based on the data, not the dates, and we'll be learning as we go,” B.C. provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said.

The province’s four-step plan will see as many as 50 people permitted to gather for seated indoor events at banquet halls, cinemas and live theatres as early as June 15. That date is dependent on the province reaching at least 65% of adults getting their first COVID-19 vaccine dose while the number of cases and hospitalizations continue to decline.

Restaurants will be able to extend liquor service from the present 10 p.m. cut-off time to midnight when step No. 2 potentially arrives in mid-June.

Meanwhile, provincial officials will be engaging in a consultation process to prepare for larger indoor and outdoor gatherings with safety protocols.

Intra-provincial tourism would also presumably increase during this period with restrictions on recreational travel being lifted (British Columbians are currently only permitted to travel for recreational purposes within specific zones in which they live).

Henry encouraged British Columbians to take a weekend to explore the province in June, adding she expects Canadians from other provinces will begin visiting the West Coast in earnest again in July.

But Premier John Horgan said international travel, which would bring in throngs of foreign tourists, will have to wait for federal direction.

Reaching step No. 3 will depend on at least 70% of the adult population receiving at least one vaccine dose, while COVID-19 case counts remain low and hospitalizations continue to decline.

The earliest date that could arrive, July 1, would usher in no group limits for indoor or outdoor dining as well as the reopening of casinos, nightclubs and bingo halls — albeit at limited capacity — after those businesses were sent into stasis over the past year.

Even the directional arrows lining the aisles of grocery stores and retail shops will be lifted as the province implements new safety plans that are currently under development with sector associations.

Offices will also be given the go-ahead to hold larger seminars and meetings within their walls during step No. 3, while summer fairs and street festivals will be able to resume.

Gyms will also be able to hold indoor fitness classes at increased capacity by this period.

Step No. 4 could come as early as September 7 but it will depend on more than 70% of the adult population receiving at least one dose, while COVID-19 case numbers and hospitalizations remain low.

By then, large concerts will be permitted for the first time since the onset of the pandemic, while teams like the Vancouver Canucks could also see the opportunity to welcome in more fans into the stands when the NHL season resumes in the fall.

Horgan said he and Henry have been talking to the Vancouver Whitecaps and BC Lions about bringing fans back into BC Place this summer.

But the premier did not comment on the likelihood the stadium would be filled with spectators during what would be step No. 3 in the reopening plan.

“We’re confident that we’re a positive place to prep [a reopening] in a measured way based on data,” Horgan said, in response to concerns the province might be opening up once again too quickly.

“If we find that there are parties of 50 or more that are taking place before we get to the next step, you can expect law enforcement will be there to give you a bit of a presence to start on your second step.”

Jeff Guignard, executive director of the Alliance of Beverage Licensees BC (ABLE BC), said the reopening plan delivers a “massive sigh of relief” for liquor-serving establishments across the province.

“What’s been frustrating about this is we've never known what we're working towards,” said Guignard, whose industry group advocates on behalf of bars, clubs, private liquor stores and cannabis retailers.

“It doesn't really matter what the timing is, what the protocols are, [as long as] we know what they are. Then we can plan and we can become partners in this.” He said the extension of liquor-serving hours beyond 10 p.m. is significant for the industry, owing to the fact 30-60% of liquor sales come after that hour, depending on the establishment.

“Little things like that it can be a massive difference for industry,” Guignard said, adding the long-ailing nightclub sector likely wouldn’t be doing much business anyway if alcohol sales ceased at 10 p.m.  

Story continues below

B.C.'s four-step reopening plan

While moving up from step No. 1 to step No. 4 will depend on the province hitting minimal immunization thresholds, British Columbians will not be required to show proof of vaccination when entering businesses that are reopening at capacities not seen since prior to the pandemic.

“There is no way that we will recommend inequities be increased by use of things like vaccine passports for services like public access here in British Columbia,” Henry said.

“I do think it will be necessary to support international travel.”

Surrey Board of Trade CEO Anita Huberman said her members are “keenly interested” in what’s ahead for border and international travel restrictions.

“The key moving forward is to have consistent and timely communication to businesses and organizations so that they can update their health and safety plans and prepare for the staff and supplies that they need. Every step should have an announcement with significant lead time,” she said in a statement.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade said it welcomed the province’s reopening plan.

“Now that we understand the targets, metrics and the path forward, we can begin to plan in earnest for a strong economic recovery in both B.C. and the country more broadly. We are all eager to gather with friends and family, and for businesses to rebuild after an extremely challenging 15 months,” CEO Bridgitte Anderson said in a statement.

Kate Ladyshewsky, managing director of Vancouver arthouse theatre and film institute The Cinematheque, said her team is feeling “very hopeful” about the province’s plan.

“[The Cinematheque’] looking forward to re-opening the cinema at a reduced capacity when the PHO [provincial health officer] confirms the transition to Phase 2 of B.C.'s Restart Plan. We cannot wait to welcome audiences safely back to the theatre,” she said in an email to BIV.

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BC Just Revealed Its Official Reopening Plan & Here’s What You Need To Know

Step 1 has officially begun!

BC Just Revealed Its Official Reopening Plan & Here’s What You Need To Know

On Tuesday, May 25, Premier John Horgan announced that the official four-step B.C. reopening plan would be kicking off and he revealed what each of the steps will entail.

Moving through each of the steps will be dictated by the number of adults who are vaccinated, COVID-19 case counts in the province, and hospitalization and death numbers. There are approximate timelines for each of the steps, though they are subject to change based on the aforementioned metrics.

Below we've detailed when each step is expected to kick off and what public health restrictions will look like at that time.

Step 1: May 25

As of now, Step 1 is underway as a result of 60% of B.C. adults having received their first vaccine dose and COVID-19 case counts and hospitalization numbers remaining stable.

This means that British Columbians can now host gatherings of up to five visitors or one household inside their homes. For outdoor personal gatherings, up to 10 people are allowed. Seated indoor gatherings can be up to 10 people with safety protocols. Meanwhile, seated outdoor gatherings can have up to 50 people with safety protocols.

As for travel restrictions, they have been extended for the time being. This means that people in B.C. can only travel within their own health regions unless for essential reasons. Indoor and outdoor dining will resume for up to six people per table with safety protocols. Outdoor sports (with no spectators) and low-intensity fitness may also resume.

There will be a gradual return to the workplace and the provincewide mask mandate, business safety regulations and physical distancing will be sticking around. Finally, indoor faith-based gatherings can return with reduced capacity.

Step 2: June 15 At The Earliest

When 65% of the adult population in B.C. has received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are declining, the province can move into Step 2.

In Step 2 up to 50 people will be allowed to gather outdoors, up to 50 people can gather for seated indoor organized gatherings, and there will be a consultation beginning to prepare for large indoor and outdoor gatherings.

There will be no more travel restrictions within B.C. In addition, indoor sports and high-intensity fitness will be able to resume with safety protocols. Spectators will also be invited back for outdoor sports, with a 50 person maximum. The mask mandate, business safety protocols and physical distancing measures will still remain in place.

Step 3: July 1 At the Earliest

Step 3 can begin when 70% of adults have their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, cases are low, and hospitalizations are still declining.

During this step, the provincial state of emergency will be lifted and locals can return to normal for indoor and outdoor personal gatherings. There will also be an increased capacity for organized gatherings, both indoor and outdoor.

Nightclubs and casinos will be allowed to open with capacity limits, and new public health and workplace guidance will be issued around mask-wearing, distancing, and business protocols.

Step 4: September 7 At the Earliest

Now, in the final step, over 70% of adults will have to have their first dose, cases must be low and stable and hospitalizations must be low.

Reaching Step 4 would mean returning to normal social contact, increasing capacity for large organized gatherings, no limits for sports spectators and new safety plans for businesses.

This step would basically be the loosening of all regulations. Naturally, there are a number of caveats to reach each step and these dates are the earliest possible dates to move into each step.

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COVID-19 news today: B.C.’s next step in safe restart plan includes provincial travel, indoor activities

This article was published more than 2 years ago. Some information may no longer be current.

b c reopening plans

B.C. Premier John Horgan will hold a news conference later today to announce the next steps in B.C.’s plan to safely restart the province. CHAD HIPOLITO/The Canadian Press

Health restrictions will be eased on indoor gatherings, group activities and travel within British Columbia on Tuesday as COVID-19 immunization rates rise and case counts decline, Premier John Horgan says.

The province will take the next step forward in its restart plan announced last month, which aims to allow life to return to pre-pandemic times after Labour Day, he told a news conference on Monday.

Horgan said the plan is careful and safe, adding that the province will monitor COVID-19 case data and take guidance from provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry as it approaches Canada Day, when the third step in the reopening plan is scheduled to take effect.

“Dr. Bonnie Henry’s modelling shows we’re on the right path,” he said. “Case counts are declining, hospitalizations are stabilizing and vaccine rates are climbing at a positive rate. What we need to do now is take the next careful steps forward.”

Henry said the reopening is based largely on B.C. exceeding targets for minimum vaccine levels, with more than 75 per cent of residents now having received their first shot. Health officials had set a 65 per cent first-dose vaccination rate to move to the second step of the reopening plan, she said.

COVID-19 news: Updates and essential resources about the pandemic

The second step means indoor seated gatherings to a maximum of 50 people are permitted at venues including movie theatres, banquet halls and live theatre performances, Henry said. High-intensity indoor fitness classes can resume and bars will be able to serve liquor until midnight. Indoor faith gatherings to a maximum of 50 people or up to 10 per cent of the capacity of a place of worship will also be permitted.

But Henry said safety protocols, including mask wearing indoors and physical distancing, remain in place. Health officials will monitor COVID-19 case data as the date approaches for the next step in the reopening plan on July 1.

“We may need to slow going forward depending on what happens, and this next couple of weeks will be very key for that and right now the public health orders are still in place,” she said.

Henry said she is confident B.C. will move onto steps three and four in the plan, but she will monitor COVID-19 transmission rates just in case.

“There are always things that are unknown,” she said. “We are watching very carefully. I don’t expect, with what we know now, we’ll have to go back.”

B.C. recorded 277 new cases over a three-day period, including 68 new infections on Monday, a case count not seen since last August. There were four more deaths, for a total of 1,734 fatalities since the start of the pandemic.

A joint statement released Monday from the provincial health officer and health minister said the government’s target immunization rate is 100 per cent.

Henry said as first-dose vaccine rates reach 85 per cent and higher in B.C. and second shots also increase, the province will continue to better manage the virus and the return to normal will get closer.

“I am absolutely optimistic about our brighter days ahead,” she said. “This will be our summer of hope and healing.”

Daily case count continues to drop in Manitoba’s battle with COVID-19

Manitoba daily COVID-19 case count continues to improve, although the drain on hospitals remains high.

Health officials are reporting 124 new cases, well below a peak of 603 last month, and two deaths.

The percentage of people testing positive continues to drop as well.

The pressure on intensive care units remains strong and 26 COVID-19 patients are still receiving care in other provinces in order to free up bed space.

Manitoba’s chief public health officer says it could be another two weeks before hospital numbers get closer to normal.

Dr. Brent Roussin says the overall situation will continue to improve as more people get vaccinated.

Two cases of COVID-19 at Iqaluit school

Nunavut’s chief public health officer says two COVID-19 cases at Iqaluit’s middle school came from household transmission and the risk to other students is low.

With an outbreak ongoing in Iqaluit, the Aqsarniit school has split students into two groups, each group attending classes on alternating days.

Dr. Michael Patterson says the infected students are in the same group, so the school will stay open for students in the other cohort.

Contacts and classmates of the two infected students are being tested for COVID-19 and Patterson says that later today he will reassess whether the school should stay open.

The territory’s Health Department says it is also working with Agnico Eagle Mines to get residents back to work at its gold mine in central Nunavut after being sent home with pay when the pandemic began in March 2020.

There are nine active cases of COVID-19 in Nunavut, all in Iqaluit.

Nova Scotia reports one new COVID-19 death, eight more virus cases

Health officials in Nova Scotia are reporting one death related to COVID-19 today and eight new cases of the virus.

They say a woman in her 80s has died in the Halifax area, bringing the total number of deaths in the province since the pandemic began to 90.

All of the new cases are in the Halifax area, with three being close contacts of previously reported cases, two related to travel and three still under investigation.

Meanwhile, people who received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on or before April 24 can now reschedule their appointments for booster shots.

Anyone who has received a first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine can now choose a second dose of either vaccine, while anyone who received a first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine can now receive a second dose of AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna.

Nova Scotia has 124 known active cases of novel coronavirus, with six people in hospital, including four in intensive care.

Quebec lowers pandemic alert for some regions, including Montreal and Quebec City

Quebec will reopen its border with Ontario on Wednesday, the province’s Public Security Department said Monday.

Travel from Ontario to Quebec has been restricted since April 19, due to concerns about the transmission of COVID-19 variants.

Travellers from Ontario will now be subject to the same COVID-19 restrictions as Quebec residents and a requirement that people travelling from Ontario to Quebec to return to their primary residence quarantine for 14 days has been lifted.

Quebec reported 123 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, a ninth consecutive day with fewer than 200 new infections, as the province once again relaxed COVID-19 restrictions.

Authorities reported one additional death linked to the disease Monday, which took place within the preceding 24 hours.

The Health Department said the number of hospitalizations declined by one from the day before, to 214, and 54 people are in intensive care, a decline of four.

The province reported 75,533 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine were administered yesterday. Sunday was the fifth consecutive day that the number of second doses administered in the province was higher than the number of first doses, according to data from the province’s public health institute.

According to the Institut national de sante publique du Quebec, 78.8 per cent of Quebecers over 12 have now received at least one dose and 13.2 per cent of all residents are adequately vaccinated.

Montreal reported the most new COVID-19 cases with 48. It was followed by Laval, north of Montreal, and the Monteregie region, southeast of the city, both of which reported 14 new cases. No other region in the province reported more than nine new cases.

As of Monday morning, all Quebec regions that were previously classified as orange zones on the province’s pandemic alert system have been downgraded to yellow.

Those include Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Monteregie, the Laurentians, Lanaudiere, Estrie, Outaouais and parts of Bas-St-Laurent.

The change means people from two different households can gather indoors, outdoor team sports can resume and more people can attend weddings, funerals and religious services.

Premier François Legault said the province may relax public health measures further in the coming days, but any changes need to be implemented gradually to avoid another bump in cases.

More Ontarians now eligible for earlier second dose of COVID-19 vaccine

More Ontarians will be able to book an accelerated second dose of COVID-19 vaccine starting today.

Those who received a first jab of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine can now book their second shot after eight weeks.

The Ontario government had previously set a minimum wait time of 12 weeks for people who took a first dose of AstraZeneca.

They can choose whether to get a second dose of AstraZeneca, or switch to an mRNA vaccine made by Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna .

People who live in regions where the Delta variant of COVID-19 is spreading and who received their first shot on or before May 9 can also now make an appointment for their second dose.

The strategy is focused on Toronto, Peel, Halton, Porcupine, Waterloo, York and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph.

Health Minister Christine Elliott says there are 110 new cases in Toronto, 61 in Peel Region and 56 in Waterloo.

She says there are also 39 new cases in the Porcupine Health Unit and 29 in Durham Region.

Today’s data is based on nearly 13,600 tests completed.

The Ministry of Health says 384 people are in hospital because of COVID-19 but notes that more than 10 per cent of hospitals did not submit data over the weekend.

Ontario says that 135,574 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine were administered since Sunday’s report, for a total of over 11.3 million.

Alberta opens COVID-19 lottery; 48,000 more first doses needed to lift health rules

Premier Jason Kenney says 48,000 more Albertans must step up for a first dose of COVID vaccine to fully lift health restrictions, and hopes his new lottery plan will be that incentive.

“The more people we can get vaccinated more quickly, the safer we all are,” Kenney said Monday while announcing details of three $1-million lotteries, which will roll out this summer.

Kenney said he asked Health Minister Tyler Shandro a month ago to devise an incentive plan, knowing that demand for first doses would drop off.

“We knew a point would come when we would run out of low-hanging fruit in terms of people who were eager to get the jab, and we reached that point about a week, two weeks ago,” said Kenney.

“I asked [Shandro’s] team to start getting creative about shaking the trees for that last 10 or 15 per cent [of the eligible population].

“Now is the time, exactly the right time, for us to start being creative, offering these incentives.”

Almost 69 per cent of those eligible have received at least one dose of COVID vaccine.

Once 70 per cent is reached, and the vaccines have two weeks to take full effect, the province plans to lift all but a handful of health restrictions, essentially returning the economy and community to its pre-COVID state.

The first $1-million lottery draw will be held on the day the restrictions lift, likely at the end of June or early July.

Every Albertan 18 years and older who has received at least one vaccine dose will be eligible, but must sign up online ahead of time.

Registrations began Monday.

The winner must also show proof they got the shot before the registration cutoff date, in order to avoid someone signing up and winning the lottery, then running out to get vaccinated only after their name is drawn.

The next two lottery draws will be at the end of August and the end of September — also $1 million each — and will be open for those over 18 who have had two doses.

There will also be other non-cash incentive prizes between now and the end of September, with details yet to be finalized.

Members of the Alberta legislature and their families are not eligible to win.

Opposition NDP health critic David Shepherd said he supports any effort to get more people vaccinated, including a lottery.

“But let’s remember that this government is still failing to do the simple things to motivate Albertans,” said Shepherd.

“An announcement that all members of the UCP government caucus have been vaccinated wouldn’t cost taxpayers a dime.

“An earlier and more aggressive campaign of temporary clinics would probably have helped as well.”

Manitoba has already announced a vaccine lottery, holding two lottery draws this summer with $100,000 prizes and $25,000 youth scholarships.

Alberta has 3,089 active cases of COVID-19. There are 270 people in hospital with the illness and, of those, 73 patients are in intensive care.

Health officials reported 115 new cases and no new deaths Monday.

The province is now in the second stage of its reopening plan, the most ambitious reopening program in Canada.

Museums, libraries, movie theatres, casinos and other entertainment venues reopened last week to limited capacity after being shuttered for months.

Restaurants can now have diners indoors as well as on the patio.

Kenney has said he would like to see Alberta fully reopened by early July so people can take part in signature festivals such as the Calgary Stampede.

Also Monday, Stampede officials announced the event, expected to run from July 9-18, would keep its attendance at half capacity. They said attendees could be required to show proof of vaccination or undergo rapid testing to enter some venues.

Staff and volunteers will also be required to wear masks and have rapid COVID-19 testing.

Ontario’s staged reopening started Friday with patios busy with diners enjoying eating together but with extra space between tables. Restaurants say they hope this is the start of continued reopening for the province.

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B.C. enters step one of a four step restart plan

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VICTORIA, B.C. – The province says indoor and outdoor dining is permitted for up to six people after announcing the four-step restart plan Tuesday.

Indoor seated events of up to 10 people and outdoor seated events of up to 50 people are allowed in step 1 of the reopening plan.

The tentative plan for each step is June 15th for step 2, July 1st for step 3, and September 7th for step 4. That is the earliest possible date to move forward to each step.

The province has identified four foundations for a successful restart: more people are getting vaccinated, case counts are declining, fewer people are being hospitalized, and the vaccine supply has increased.

Criteria for opening requires stable case numbers, stable hospitalizations, and a minimum of 60 per cent of people with at least one vaccine dose.

Masks will still be mandatory for indoor public spaces, continued physical distancing, and stay home and get tested if feeling sick.

Personal gatherings of up to 10 people outdoors and five people indoors, and seated organized indoor gatherings of up to 10 indoors or 50 outdoors are permitted in step.

Recreational travel is permitted within local health zones only, and non-essential travel between health zones is still restricted.

Step 1 includes a return to outdoor sports games and practises for all ages, while indoor fitness is restricted to low intensity.

Businesses can allow indoor and outdoor dining service up to six people, liquor service until 10 p.m., and a continuation of WorkSafeBC safety plans.

There will be a gradual return to offices in step 1, with existing WorkSafeBC safety plans in place.

Criteria for step 2 includes a declining case count, declining hospitalizations, and a first-dose vaccination rate of 65 per cent of British Columbians over 18.

Outdoor gatherings can increase to 50 outdoors, but indoor gatherings stay at a maximum of five.

Organized gatherings indoors can have a maximum of 50 people indoors or outdoors.

British Columbians can enjoy travel throughout the province in step 2, with BC Transit and BC Ferries service increases as needed.

High-intensity indoor fitness can resume in step 2 with physical distancing, indoor team games for all ages, and up to 50 spectators can enjoy outdoor sports.

Liquor service will be extended until midnight, banquet halls reopen with limited capacity, and sector consultations will be completed to determine next steps for reopening.

Small in-person meetings can resume in workplaces in step 2.

Criteria for step 3 include low case numbers, declining hospitalizations, and a minimum 70 per cent vaccination rate among British Columbians over 18.

A return to normal indoor and outdoor social gatherings can be expected. Children can resume having sleepovers.

Organized gathering capacity increases for both indoor and outdoor events, and festivals and fairs can resume in step 3.

All indoor fitness classes can resume with increased capacity, spectators can start enjoying indoor sports, and increased capacity for spectators at outdoor sports in step 3.

There will be no group limit for dining. Bingo halls, casinos and nightclubs can reopen with limited capacity, while operating under new safety plans.

Offices can resume seminars and larger meetings, and new safety plans will be implemented for workplaces in step 3.

In step 4, normal social contact is permitted for personal gatherings.

An increased capacity at large gatherings like concerts will be permitted.

Travel will be opened up nationwide.

Indoor and outdoor sport spectator increases, and a return of normal sports competition is planned.

Businesses will continue to operate based on safety plans, and offices can fully reopen for regular business.

For steps 1 and 2, restaurants, bars, pubs, and indoor fitness facilites will be allowed to return to the safety protocols in place before the circuit breaker.

The accommodation sector can accept bookings from inside the regional zone in step 1, and province-wide in step 2.

Other sectors will follow the existing safety protocols already in place.

Associations representing each sector will continue to work with public health officials and WorkSafeBC to update safety plans ahead of step 3.

In steps 3 and 4, new public health guidelines will be in place.

All workplace safety plans will be updated by July 1st, based on updated sector guidelines.

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Greater Vancouver Board of Trade

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  • Border reopening plan welcome news for B.C. business

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The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is proud to announce the launch of our newest initiative, the Community Spotlight Series. As part of our mandate to champion and celebrate businesses in the Greater Vancouver region, we, as a non-profit ourselves, want to use our platform to shine a spotlight on our non-profit members.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade President and CEO, Bridgitte Anderson, has issued a statement in response to the appointment of Vince Ready as a special mediator in the transit labour dispute:

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is deeply concerned about the looming possibility of a system-wide shutdown of bus and SeaBus service next week in the Lower Mainland.

The Canadian Survey on Business Conditions data from the fourth quarter for Metro Vancouver shows the predicted economic slowdown is taking place with financial pressures persisting and higher interest rates lowering demand for goods and services. Consequently, business pessimism in Canada has reached its highest point in two years.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade appointed its 2023-24 board of directors today during its 136th Annual General Meeting.

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The Scale-up Centre for SME’s (SCS) at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 Business Distinction Awards, which were presented to recipients at an in-person ceremony at the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront on Oct. 25, 2023.

On October 11, 2023, the World Trade Centre Vancouver, in collaboration with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Vancouver, the Canada-Korea Business Association, and KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) Vancouver, successfully hosted a market information session that shed light on the immense potential for trade and investment between Canada and Korea.

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The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has announced the recipients of the prestigious Rix Awards for 2024. 

New data from the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions for Metro Vancouver show that financial pressures are persisting while the economy is slowing with inflation, rising operating expenses, and supply chain issues continuing to hamper businesses.

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World Trade Centre Vancouver, a subsidiary of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, is marking a significant milestone as it celebrates its 40-year anniversary. Since its establishment in 1983, World Trade Centre Vancouver has played a pivotal role in connecting local businesses to the global marketplace through a range of educational and training programs.

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The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has released a new report outlining how the cumulative impact of direct costs imposed on businesses in British Columbia is impeding growth, entrepreneurship, and investment in the province in the face of global economic headwinds.

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The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s President and CEO, Bridgitte Anderson, has issued a statement in response to the ratification of a deal to end the port strike.

b c reopening plans

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade President and CEO, Bridgitte Anderson, has issued a statement in response to the news of a second no vote to federally mediated deal to end the port strike.

b c reopening plans

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, in collaboration with Scale-up Centre for SMEs, is pleased to announce the 24 finalists for the 2023 Business Distinction Awards.

b c reopening plans

Earlier today, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) shared their ruling that the ILWU Canada was in violation of the Canada Labour Code by not providing a 72-hour strike notice.

b c reopening plans

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade President and CEO, Bridgitte Anderson, has issued a statement in response to the continuation of the port strike.

b c reopening plans

Greater Vancouver Board of Trade President and CEO, Bridgitte Anderson, has issued a statement in response to the tentative deal ending the port strike:

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Live Port Shutdown Calculator estimation tool to illustrate the significant impact of the labour disruption on Canada’s west coast ports.

b c reopening plans

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is launching a live Port Shutdown Calculator estimation tool to illustrate the significant impact of the labour disruption on Canada's west coast ports. As of 10:30 a.m. on July 12, the Board of Trade estimates that $8.9 billion in trade has been disrupted.

b c reopening plans

On behalf of the Canadian business community, we are writing to express our deep concern regarding the labour dispute at Canada's West Coast ports.

New data from the Canadian Survey of Business Conditions for Metro Vancouver shows financial pressures are preventing many businesses from accessing the funds they need to grow and scale operations.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is sounding the alarm over the potential for a labour disruption that would affect ports in British Columbia, including the largest port in Canada, the Port of Vancouver.

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Last night, the prestigious Rix Awards for 2023 were presented to two remarkable individuals and one iconic local organization for their exceptional contributions to the community.

b c reopening plans

Greater Vancouver Board of Trade President and CEO, Bridgitte Anderson, has issued a statement in response to the B.C. government’s provincial housing plan Homes for People.

Inflation tops the list of expected obstacles for businesses in Metro Vancouver for the next quarter, according to new data from the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and the Business Data Lab at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. 

Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, released the following statement in response to the City of Vancouver’s report on transportation options for Broadway...

b c reopening plans

A new report titled 'A Path Forward for the Gig Economy in British Columbia' details the contributions of app-based work, recommends innovative new approaches to working conditions for app-based workers in ridesharing and food-delivery, and warns against regulatory over-reach that could raise prices and reduce important supplemental income for workers.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has issued a statement in response to the City of Vancouver’s 2023 operating budget, which was approved by council on February 28.

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On behalf of thousands of businesses across the Lower Mainland, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has issued a letter grade of C- for the 2023-24 provincial budget.

b c reopening plans

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has released a new report that lays out ambitious short, medium and long-term steps to address existing labour challenges in British Columbia and fill the staggering number of job openings expected over the next ten years.

New data released by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab found 55 per cent of Metro Vancouver businesses expect rising inflation to be the biggest challenge in the coming months.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade welcomes the news that Vancouver City Council has passed a motion to provide funding for additional police officers and nurses to address public safety challenges in the city. 

Greater Vancouver Board of Trade President and CEO, Bridgitte Anderson, has issued a statement in response to the provincial plan to expand housing supply.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has announced the recipients of the prestigious Rix Awards for 2023. 

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade appointed its 2022-23 board of directors today during its 135th Annual General Meeting.

In an open letter signed by nearly 60 business associations, the Canadian business community is calling on Canada and the United States to restore service to NEXUS and Free and Secure Trade (FAST) applicants as quickly as possible.

The economic environment is increasingly tenuous for many B.C. businesses grappling with rising input costs, a shortage of workers, supply chain disruptions and rising interest rates. B.C. businesses are also concerned the provincial economy is weakening as the global economy shows increasing signs of slowing down.

b c reopening plans

The Scale-up Centre for SME’s (SCS) at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is pleased to announce the winners of the 2022 Business Distinction Awards, which were presented to recipients at an in-person ceremony at the Fairmont Hotel Waterfront on Nov. 1, 2022.

New data released by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab found 65 per cent of Metro Vancouver businesses expect inflation to be the biggest challenge in the coming months.

A new survey of residents, businesses and politicians ahead of the October 15 civic election shows widespread consensus that tackling the affordable housing crisis is the top issue in Metro Vancouver, with growing concerns that affordability and quality of life in the region will continue to get worse over the next four years.  

b c reopening plans

As the industry associations and stakeholder groups representing British Columbia's hospitality, liquor, tourism, accommodation, and cannabis retail businesses, we are relieved to hear that the B.C. Government and the B.C. General Employees Union (BCGEU) will return to the bargaining table to negotiate an end to this damaging strike. We urge you to find a resolution quickly.

b c reopening plans

Today, World Trade Centre Vancouver at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is launching the Digital Transformation Workshop (DTW), designed to help businesses capitalize on all the benefits of a digital reinvention.

Survey finds mounting anxiety as Metro Vancouver businesses face economic uncertainty

Today, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is releasing the results of a survey of our members regarding key issues for the business community in the upcoming municipal elections this fall.

Today, World Trade Centre Vancouver at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is pleased to announce the 2022 Trade Accelerator Program’s (TAP) Export Plan of the Year Award winners. To date, TAP has helped more than 350 B.C. businesses reach over 40 new international markets, increasing average export revenue growth by 23% within 12 months of completing the program.

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On behalf of 23 organizations and our collective membership, we write to express our dismay with changes your government has proposed to the certification provisions of the Labour Relations Code ("the Code"). These changes will have economic repercussions across the province as businesses work to recover from the impacts of COVID-19. They will also needlessly destabilize the labour relations balance in British Columbia.

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The Rix Awards are a special initiative of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, presented in honour of the late Dr. Don Rix, who served as the 2008-09 Chair of The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. The award recipients are chosen each year by a special selection committee and are presented at the Board of Trade's annual Governors' Gala each spring.

b c reopening plans

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s President and CEO, Bridgitte Anderson, issued the following statement today in response to the federal government’s 2022 Budget.

The following associations are surprised by the introduction of amendments to Bill 10 by the BC government, which proposes substantive change to the Labour Relations Code without any meaningful consultation with employers, and at a time when many businesses are still reeling from the pandemic.

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An inaugural class of Metro Vancouver business leaders spanning many sectors are accessing a new training program to put ESG practices into action.

We welcome the nomination of Michel Leblanc, President and CEO, Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, as Chair of the Canadian Global Cities Council (CGCC) and of Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, as CGCC Vice Chair.

In response to the release of the 2022 Budget, Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, made the following statement:

In response to the release of the B.C. Government’s economic plan, StrongerBC, Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, made the following statement.

Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, made the following statement responding to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

b c reopening plans

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) are excited to announce the launch of the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Fundamentals Microcredential, an ambitious and innovative program designed to equip British Columbians with the skills and training to position our region at the forefront of the global ESG movement.

b c reopening plans

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade will present its prestigious Rix Award for Engaged Community Citizenship to Musqueam Indian Band Chief Wayne Sparrow at the annual Governor’s Gala this spring, in recognition of his remarkable accomplishments advancing economic reconciliation and supporting athletic programs for youth.

Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, made the following statement regarding the announcement of an employer-paid sick leave program in British Columbia.

Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, made the following statement. "The events of the past few days have been incredibly challenging for our province. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected."

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade appointed its 2021-22 board of directors today during its 134th Annual General Meeting.

Greater Vancouver Board of Trade President and CEO Bridgitte Anderson has issued a statement regarding the Provincial Government’s plan to defer logging on 2.6 million hectares of forests in B.C.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, through The Board of Trade Foundation and the Rix Centre for Leadership, is pleased to announce the Engaged Leadership Program.

Greater Vancouver Board of Trade President and CEO Bridgitte Anderson issued the following statement today in response to announcements from the Federal Government regarding a national vaccine certification system and changes to financial supports for businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

$4.3 billion industry under threat without meaningful and urgent engagement between governments

Greater Vancouver Board of Trade President and CEO Bridgitte Anderson released the following statement in response to news that restrictions on indoor gatherings will be relaxed on Oct. 25.

Greater Vancouver Board of Trade President and CEO Bridgitte Anderson has released the following statement in response to news that the United States will soon allow fully vaccinated Canadians to cross at land borders.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is pleased to welcome RBC, Canada’s biggest bank, into the circle of Pillar Partners.

Today marks four years since World Trade Centre Vancouver at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade launched the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) in British Columbia, with the goal of increasing the export capacity of small and medium-sized businesses in our province.

In collaboration with Mustel Group, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade conducted a survey of Metro Vancouver residents and the business community to understand the factors that will affect the election.

Today, Premier John Horgan and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the implementation of the B.C. Vaccine Card, which will be required for certain activities, including both indoor and outdoor dining, sporting events, and organized indoor events starting Sept.13.

Today, the Federal Government announced a two-step process for the easing of border restrictions, first for the U.S. and then for all fully vaccinated international travellers.

More than 15 months into the global pandemic, the provincial government has announced that as of July 1, we will be moving to Step 3 of the B.C. Restart Plan.

Today, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is releasing the results of a member survey conducted by Mustel Group to assess the status of the business community's pandemic recovery.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, together with the members of the Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable ("The Roundtable"), is urging the federal government, in collaboration with the provinces, to release an implementation plan based on the recommendations made in the COVID-19 Testing and Screening Expert Advisory Panel (Expert Panel) report.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade welcomes the B.C. reopening plan announced today.

Today, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is releasing the results of the 2021 Transportation Survey. The survey was commissioned to create a better understanding of the impacts of the pandemic on transportation habits across the region and the extent to which those changes will become permanent.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been working with the business community and provincial government since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, calling on the federal government to implement a national sick leave program to address the ongoing public health crisis.

GVBOT report highlights key factors that will determine the future of the sector in British Columbia .

“This year has been incredibly challenging for everyone and unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. We welcome the continued investment of initiatives announced in the fall to support businesses affected by the pandemic as well as additional support to those affected by recent health orders, including tourism and hospitality,” said Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.  

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade welcomes the extension of critical financial supports, including the wage and rent subsidies as well as significant child care funding.

Over a year into the global pandemic, the federal government announced a package of reimbursable supports available to the airline sector and taken up by Air Canada.In response, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade President and CEO, Bridgitte Anderson, released the following statement:

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every aspect of our lives. Since the start of the pandemic, the business community has worked tirelessly to adapt while supporting workers, families and the broader community. Despite the business challenges faced, we know there is no better investment than supporting and nurturing positive mental health in our workplace and community.

The B.C. Government announced today that businesses impacted by the public health orders and guidelines announced on March 29, 2021 will be eligible for support. In response, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade President and CEO, Bridgitte Anderson, released the following statement:

Recently we sent our 2021-22 budget submission to the Government of Canada. Our submission focuses on three things: People, Investment, and Transformation.

Today, the federal government announced $14.9 billion for public transit projects over the next eight years, including $3 billion in permanent funding beginning in 2026-27. In response, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade President and CEO, Bridgitte Anderson, released the following statement:  

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s Scale-up Centre for SMEs (SCS) has announced the 22 nominees for its inaugural Business Reinvention Awards. 

GVBOT survey reveals lost revenues during the holiday season and an uncertain outlook for 2021. 

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is proud to join the Government of Canada's 50-30 Challenge.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade appointed its 2020-21 board of directors today during its 133rd Annual General Meeting.

21% of British Columbians have, or live with someone who has, been tested for COVID-19. That is one of the headline findings of a new survey, that examines the changing nature of health care in the wake of the global pandemic. 

One-in-four businesses in Greater Vancouver do not expect to survive more than 12 months under current economic conditions.

Today, the provincial government unveiled its Economic Recovery Plan. In response, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade released the following statement:

Today, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBOT) announced the Advisory Committee of the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council (DLC) which is an evolution of the Women's Leadership Council (WLC).

Today, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBOT) launched its Economic Recovery Plan, presenting a clear path forward to meet the challenges posed by COVID-19.

The CEOs of Canada's nine largest chambers of commerce – from regions that are home to over half of the country's population and businesses – try and fail to send locally-produced goods, such as alcohol, to each other. Why? Because interprovincial trade barriers prevent it.

While British Columbia has entered phase three of its Restart Plan, two-thirds (65%) of businesses surveyed are using some form of government support. Businesses expect a substantial “second wave” of negative impacts should these programs expire too quickly.

In response, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade President and CEO, Bridgitte Anderson, released the following statement today:

British Columbia's leading business associations representing small, medium and large employers wish to thank Premier John Horgan and Minister of Labour, Honourable Harry Bains, for listening and acting on our collective call for the government to extend the temporary layoff time limits of the Employment Standards Act to August 30, 2020.

Business organizations representing almost all of British Columbia’s 500,000 business are frustrated by Labour Minister Harry Bains refusal to appreciate the severity of current business challenges.

COVID-19 has caused unprecedented economic harm to businesses in Greater Vancouver. Only one-in-four (26%) businesses impacted by COVID-19 feel able to restart and operate profitably with the gradual easing of restrictions.

It is becoming increasingly evident that the prosperity of the region will depend on our ability to effectively manage our post COVID-19 recovery while addressing pressing regional transportation issues and advancing priority projects.

While British Columbia has entered phase two of its Restart Plan, only one-in-four (26%) businesses impacted by COVID-19 feel able to restart and operate profitably with the gradual easing of restrictions.

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We have all worked really hard to help flatten the curve and now it’s time to start understanding the steps we need to take inorder to make our workplaces safe for our employees, guests, and customers. Here are some helpful tips to get you started.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is pleased to announce the evolution of two Signature Programs. The Small Business Council will transition to the Scale-up Business Centre for SMEs. Further, the Women's Leadership Council will transition to the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council. Both programs will launch in August 2020.

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Yesterday, Premier John Horgan announced the Province's four phase plan to re-open our economy. After a very challenging two months, we need a way forward that prioritizes the health of British Columbians while enabling our economy to recover.

British Columbia has done a good job of flattening the curve in the ongoing fight against COVID-19 through the leadership of the provincial government and public health professionals, and because British Columbians have done their part. This Team BC approach has worked to help protect the health of British Columbians. We now need to apply this same approach to advancing economic recovery safely.

The COVID-19 crisis is deepening for British Columbia businesses with four-in-ten (43%) of those surveyed stating they can only continue to operate for up to three months under current restrictions. For businesses temporarily closed, the future is similarly dire, with only half (53%) expecting to reopen once the restrictions are eased on workplace operations, while 38% are unsure, and 8% will not reopen.

The COVID-19 crisis is significantly hurting British Columbia businesses and their employees.  In the past two weeks alone, approximately half of the 1,900 businesses surveyed have experienced revenue decreases of 75% or more, while two-thirds have seen revenues drop by 50% or more. This is according to a survey of the members of the BC Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and the Business Council of British Columbia, and other partners, with the assistance of the Mustel...

The BC business community has announced the creation of the COVID-19 Cabinet, to address the significant impacts on our economy in these unprecedented times.

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We have compiled a list of resources and links to support your business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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A growing chorus of business, Indigenous and community leaders are calling for a commitment to certainty and future prosperity following weeks of economic disruption.

On behalf of thousands of businesses across the Lower Mainland, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has given the 2020-21 Provincial Budget an overall grade of B-.

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The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is thrilled to hear that ridesharing has been approved to operate in the Lower Mainland and Whistler.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade will pay tribute to Joe Segal and CN this June

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is deeply concerned about the looming possibility of a system-wide shutdown of bus and SeaBus service this week in the Lower Mainland.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade appointed its 2019-20 board of directors today during its 132nd Annual General Meeting.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade announced today that Bridgitte Anderson will assume the role of President and CEO beginning next month.

The key to Canada’s long-term economic and social prosperity is unlocking the country’s workforce participation through strategic immigration and investments in lifelong learning, says the Canadian Global Cities Council in the Talent playbook of its Agenda for Growth campaign.

At a news conference this morning in Halifax, the Canadian Global Cities Council called on the campaigning federal parties to support the development of a National Urban Strategy to help cities build the infrastructure they need to support Canada’s economic competitiveness.

VoteLocal poll finds majority of residents believe climate change is an emergency; federal taxes and an increased regulatory burden are the key concerns for businesses

Canada has carved out an enviable position as an innovation powerhouse on the global stage creating business opportunities and jobs, but to rest on our laurels, or backtrack on the gains made is to risk Canada’s future prosperity, warns the Canadian Global Cities Council.

Today the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade released a new report exploring how the federal government can help improve housing affordability and availability in our region.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has sent its pre-budget submission to the B.C. Government, calling on the Province to consider our priority areas and policy recommendations for Budget 2020-21.

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A farewell message from President and CEO Iain Black, as he prepares to embark on the next chapter of his career. 

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade welcomes today’s decision by the federal government to approve the Trans Mountain Expansion Project.

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Are tax increases impacting your organization? Complete our questionnaire and enter to win a pair of roundtrip tickets to anywhere WestJet flies.

Employers can expect significant changes to the BC Labour Relations Code and BC Employment Standards Act to be introduced soon, which would impact many Members of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.

World Trade Centre Vancouver is excited to announce that the Government of Canada has pledged $1.5 million in support of its Trade Accelerator Program.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade's board of directors learned this morning that President and CEO Iain Black plans to leave the organization to commence the next chapter of his career.

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The Government of British Columbia has introduced legislation to complete the fiscal framework for LNG investment in our province.

In Ottawa today, the federal government unveiled its 2019 budget. This was the government’s final budget in advance of a planned election this October.

Earlier today, the National Energy Board released its reconsideration report on the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, which recommends to the federal government that the project should move ahead, given that it is in the Canadian public interest.

On behalf of thousands of businesses across the Lower Mainland, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has given the 2019-20 Provincial Budget an overall grade of "B-."

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has issued the following statement in support of LNG Canada ahead of the 16th Annual BC Natural Resources Forum.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is excited to announce a new Pillar Partnership with Canada’s largest domestic and international airline, Air Canada.

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The 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, is coming to Vancouver for a special event hosted by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade on March 5.

This afternoon it was announced that British Columbians have resoundingly voted in favour of maintaining our province’s first-past-the-post electoral system.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is disappointed by today’s announcement that the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project will be further delayed by at least another two years.

This holiday season, the CGCC and its partners in the beverage alcohol sector are calling on the First Ministers to give Canadians the gift of more robust internal trade at their meeting this Friday.

A group of 13 business and industry associations responded today to recommendations by the BC Labour Relations Code Review Panel.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is pleased to announce the second program offered by its subsidiary, World Trade Centre Vancouver, aimed at permanently increasing the export capacity of B.C.'s small and medium-sized businesses.

Earlier today Canada’s Minister of Finance Bill Morneau delivered the Fall Economic Statement, which included some encouraging news for the business community in British Columbia.

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The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade will honour iconic B.C. company Ledcor as well as Robert and Lily Lee at the 32nd Annual Governors' Banquet next spring.

We are very pleased to announce that World Trade Centre Vancouver and MAPLE Business Council have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote greater bilateral business collaboration between Vancouver and Southern California..

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is thrilled to learn of the historic announcement that LNG Canada will invest $40 billion to build the world’s cleanest LNG facility in Kitimat, British Columbia.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade applauds the successful conclusion of negotiations that have produced a draft agreement to replace NAFTA: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

World Trade Centre Vancouver released new research today on our region’s economy and key export markets around the world for Greater Vancouver’s products and services.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is most concerned that the Federal Court of Appeal has essentially halted the Trans Mountain Expansion Project with its decision earlier today.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade applauds today's Government of Canada announcement that the major credit card companies operating in Canada have agreed to reduce their fees charged to merchants by 10 basis points, to an average rate of 1.4 percent annually, effective in 2020.

The one and only Ellen DeGeneres will be coming to Vancouver for a moderated Q&A conversation on Friday, October 19, Live at Rogers Arena presented by TD Bank and hosted by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is disappointed by today’s announcement that British Columbia will not introduce ridesharing services until Fall 2019 at the earliest.

Earlier today, the Government of British Columbia announced that all public infrastructure projects will be subject to project labour agreements, which require companies to hire only pre-approved unionized workers if they win bids on government projects.

Today, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and Independent Contractors and Businesses Association released an independent survey of business owners on the impacts of the B.C. government’s new Employer Health Payroll Tax, which was unveiled in BC Budget 2018-19.

Jill Earthy and Lois Nahirney honoured for their work on the WE FOR SHE movement to achieve gender equality

Building on the seminal work of the inaugural Scorecard 2016, this year's report includes a comprehensive analysis of how the Greater Vancouver region stacks up against 19 of its competitors on a myriad of social and economic indicators.

More than three dozen World Trade Centers from across the globe officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding on agriculture during the WTCA's 49th General Assembly in Leeuwarden, Netherlands.

Today, the Government of Canada announced it will assert federal jurisdiction through pending legislation and begin discussions with Kinder Morgan on the financial framework for a potential taxpayer-funded investment in the Trans Mountain Expansion Project to mitigate the risk created by the B.C. Government’s continued opposition to the project.

A growing movement of more than 70 business, industry and community groups, representing hundreds of thousands of British Columbians and Canadians, have come together over the last two days to sign a joint letter calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premiers John Horgan and Rachel Notley to resolve the impasse on the Trans Mountain Pipeline project.

In response to the announcement by Kinder Morgan Canada Ltd. that it is suspending non-essential work on the federally-approved Trans Mountain Expansion Project, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade calls on the B.C. government to immediately end its tactics to endanger, delay or block the project.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade welcomes today's announcement by the B.C. government to improve our jurisdiction's competitiveness for bringing British Columbia LNG projects across the finish line.

Upon receiving news that past Board of Trade Chair Janet Austin will be B.C.'s next Lieutenant Governor, Iain Black and Anne Giardini penned a congratulatory letter on behalf of our organization.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has joined 12 other business organizations from across the province in endorsing a joint submission to the B.C. Labour Relations Code Review Panel.

Our Government Budget and Finance Committee takes a deep dive into the 2018-19 Federal Budget.

In a Message to Members, President and CEO Iain Black shares a brief overview of Federal Budget 2018 and four key highlights for the B.C. business community.

On behalf of thousands of businesses across the Lower Mainland, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has given the 2018-19 Provincial Budget an overall grade of "C+.

Our President and CEO Iain Black shares some of GVBOT's priorities ahead of tomorrow's provincial budget.

The B.C. government is supporting the advancement of women in the workplace and the global economy with its involvement in this year’s We for She conference.

The Canadian Global Cities Council, a coalition of Canada’s eight largest urban regional chambers of commerce, is calling for a national urban strategy to advance infrastructure delivery.

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The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade prepared this joint memo with the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce analyzing the potential consequences if NAFTA were to collapse. 

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is concerned that the announcement by the B.C. government of a further regulatory process around spill response may send a chilling signal about British Columbia’s openness for business, attractiveness for foreign investment, and predictability or reliability of our environmental regulatory system.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is excited to announce that the Honourable Rachel Notley, Premier of Alberta, will deliver the keynote address at its 2017 Energy Forum on Nov. 30.

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On behalf of The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (the "GVBOT"), we respectfully make this submission as part of the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations' inquiry into ride-hailing. Our comments reflect the concerns and priorities of the GVBOT Directors and our over 5,000 member businesses from across the Greater Vancouver region.

Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama will take part in a second special event hosted by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. "A Moderated Conversation with Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama" will take place on the afternoon of February 15, 2018. Like the sold-out evening engagement, this event will take place at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver.

Due to overwhelming interest by Members of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, all tickets to this unique conversation with Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama have now been sold. As Members have purchased all of the available tickets, there will be no sale to the general public.

Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama will be in Vancouver on February 15, 2018 for a special event hosted by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade applauds the B.C. government for its decision to proceed with construction of the Site C dam.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade will honour iconic B.C. company Beedie as well as Gordon and Leslie Diamond at the 2018 Governors' Banquet next spring.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is pleased to announce several new additions to its Public Policy and Advocacy team.

The North American Strategy for Competitiveness (NASCO) announced its 2018 tri-national conference will be held in Vancouver next fall, to address issues and discuss solutions to the rapidly changing state of international business and its impact on global trade.

Today, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade calls on all Members of the Legislative Assembly to work together to enable British Columbians to access innovative transportation options.

Earlier today the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade made its formal submission to government regarding proposed tax changes for controlled private corporations.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is pleased to announce the first program offered by World Trade Centre Vancouver aimed at permanently increasing the export capacity of B.C.'s small- and medium-sized businesses.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade represented the interests of its Members and the Lower Mainland's business community at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM in New Brunswick this past weekend.

A message from President and CEO Iain Black at the 2017 AGM of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

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In today's issue of The Province newspaper, Board of Trade President and CEO Iain Black writes about Ottawa's proposed tax changes and the #HitThePauseButton campaign.

Earlier today British Columbia's new government released a budget update in Victoria.

In this Message to Members, Board of Trade President and CEO Iain Black discusses the federal government's proposed changes to business taxes.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has released results from its first post-election Member Survey, which found that businesses across the Lower Mainland are anxious about the province’s economic future given the uncertain political situation in Victoria.

All five resolutions submitted or supported by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade were adopted at the BC Chamber of Commerce's 2017 AGM in Victoria, including a key resolution on the governance of Canada's ports and airports.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade released a new report today on the region’s housing affordability crunch that identifies seven steps local governments can take to help unlock housing supply and improve affordability for residents.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is excited to enter into a $2.5-million partnership with the B.C. Government aimed at permanently increasing the export capacity of B.C.'s small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).

On behalf of its thousands of Members across the Lower Mainland, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has assigned an overall grade of "B" on its 2017 Federal Budget Report Card.

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The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade applauds today's news that the Provincial Government is shifting gears and moving towards the introduction of ridesharing in B.C. and the modernization of the taxi industry.

On behalf of thousands of businesses across the Lower Mainland, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has given the 2017-18 Provincial Budget an overall grade of "A."

With less than 100 days until the May 9 B.C. Election, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has released its 2017 Provincial Election Platform, which outlines key issues and priorities of the regional business community and makes a series of recommendations to the parties running to form the next Provincial Government.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade welcomes today’s announcement that the Province of British Columbia has granted environmental assessment approval to the Trans Mountain Expansion Project and that the Province’s five conditions for the project have been satisfied.

The Canadian Global Cities Council, a coalition of Canada’s eight largest urban regional chambers of commerce, is calling for airport policy reform to align Canada with global best practices, and for our international airports to be factored into transit infrastructure planning by all levels of government.   

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade welcomes today's news that the Federal Government has approved the proposed Trans Mountain pipeline expansion between Strathcona County, AB and Burnaby, B.C.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has announced it will honour Michael Audain, Yoshi Karasawa and Whistler Blackcomb during its 30th Annual Governors' Banquet and Rix Awards on April 3, 2017.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is throwing its support behind Phase One of the 10-Year Vision for Metro Vancouver Transit and Transportation proposed by the region's Mayors.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is once again urging the Provincial Government to make changes to passenger transportation regulations, to allow innovative transportation options such as ridesharing and enhance the competitiveness of the taxi industry.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade welcomes today's announcement that the federal government has approved the Pacific NorthWest LNG project, subject to 190 conditions.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s Company of Young Professionals program is expanding across the region, as part of an exciting new partnership with the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, and the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade had four policy resolutions adopted at the 2016 Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM in Regina this past weekend.

In this Vancouver Sun op-ed, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, Richmond Chamber of Commerce, and Delta Chamber of Commerce outline the economic importance of the Highway 99 corridor and Massey Tunnel replacement to our regional economy.

In this Message to Members, President and CEO Iain Black unveils the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade's five inaugural Pillar Partners.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade applauds the provincial and federal governments for committing $616 million earlier today towards transit initiatives across the region.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s seven policy resolutions were adopted at this week’s BC Chamber of Commerce AGM in Kelowna. The seven resolutions put forward by the Board of Trade address pressing issues identified by the recently released Greater Vancouver Economic Scorecard, including housing, infrastructure, and improved regional coordination.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade welcomes today's news that the NEB has conditionally approved the proposed $5.4-billion dollar pipeline expansion between Strathcona County, AB and Burnaby B.C. Now we urge the Federal Government, following its interim review process for pipelines, to respect the science-based regulatory process of the NEB and approve the project based on the expert opinion of Canada's independent regulator.

Today, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade released a new Greater Vancouver Economic Scorecard ranking for the Greater Vancouver region in relation to 19 other international metropolitan regions on key economic and social indicators. The Scorecard aims to measure Vancouver's strengths and weaknesses in attracting labour and business investment.

In this Message to Members, President and CEO Iain Black discusses the provincial government's decision to increase B.C.'s minimum wage to $11.25 by next fall.

On behalf of its thousands of Members across the Lower Mainland, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has assigned an overall grade of "B" on its 2016 Federal Budget Report Card.

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After nearly 130 years of dedicated service to businesses across the region, our organization has adopted a new logo and name — the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.

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A new paper by the Board of Trade recommends the Provincial Government introduce new regulations that would pave the way for ridesharing across the province, while also launching a review of the Passenger Transportation Act and overhauling regulations to enable the traditional taxi industry to be more competitive.

On behalf of thousands of businesses across the Greater Vancouver region, the Board of Trade assigned an overall grade of "A" to the 2016-17 Provincial Budget, based on the government's commitment to disciplined spending, paying down direct operating debt, and improving B.C.'s tax competitiveness.

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At a special General Meeting held on Jan. 15, 2016, our Members voted overwhelmingly to change our organization's name to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.

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The Vancouver Board of Trade is calling on the federal government to invest in transit and trade-enabling projects across the Greater Vancouver region, as part of its pre-budget consultations with the Department of Finance Canada.

The Vancouver Board of Trade's Chair has called a general meeting in order to vote on the following resolution:

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The Vancouver Board of Trade welcomes this morning’s release of the Project Definition Report and Project Business Case for the estimated $3.5-billion project and launching of the third phase of public consultation on the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project.

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In this Message to Members, The Vancouver Board of Trade's President and CEO, Iain Black, discusses what Greater Vancouver's business community can expect from some of Canada's newly appointed cabinet ministers.

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The Vancouver Board of Trade welcomes this morning’s announcement that the members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) have successfully concluded negotiations on a historic free trade agreement in Atlanta, Georgia.

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The Vancouver Board of Trade welcomes today’s announcement that Jon Garson has been selected as the new President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce.

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"This is exceptional news, not only for British Columbians who travel for business or pleasure, but also for thousands of business owners and employees across the Greater Vancouver region,” said Iain Black, President and CEO of The Vancouver Board of Trade.

In his second message to Members, 2015-16 Chair Tim Manning focuses on some of the bright spots in B.C.’s economy, despite economic uncertainty around the globe.

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Note: This op-ed was originally published in The Vancouver Sun on Sept. 4, 2015. Iain Black, President and CEO of The Vancouver Board of Trade.

In his first message to Members, 2015-16 Chair Tim Manning outlines his three priorities for the year ahead: diversity, youth, and the launch of a Regional Economic Scorecard.

From the desk of the President & CEO Earlier today Premier Christy Clark announced changes in cabinet responsibilities. This communication summarizes those changes, and offers some commentary to you as business leaders in Greater Vancouver.

Re: 2015 Metro Vancouver Transportation and Transit Plebiscite Results “First and foremost, I’d like to thank The Vancouver Board of Trade’s thousands of members and partners, who have shown a tremendous amount of support for our organization over the past six months, as we poured time, energy and resources into this unprecedented referendum campaign,” said Iain Black, President and CEO of The Vancouver Board of Trade and one of the Better Transit and Transportation Coalition’s four co-chairs.

At The Vancouver Board of Trade's 128th AGM, incoming Chair Tim Manning announced an unprecedented decision to elect more women than men to the board of directors — something that has not happened before in the organization’s history.

Today, the WEB Alliance of Women's Business Networks announced the release of a new report, Women as a Catalyst for Growth: A BC Action Plan, which identifies key barriers and solutions to increasing the economic impact of women in British Columbia.

The Vancouver Board of Trade, representing thousands of businesses across Greater Vancouver and B.C., has assigned an overall grade of "A-" to Federal Budget 2015. This grade was awarded as a result of the budget's focus on incentives to promote small and medium-sized businesses, improve gender diversity in business, and bolster national infrastructure.

Organizers behind the Better Transportation and Transit Coalition (BTTC) gathered for a noisy mid-campaign rally at the Simon Fraser University Wosk Centre for Dialogue.

"We need these services!” With that clear declaration, Lorraine Logan, on behalf of the Council of Senior Citizens Organizations (COSCO) of British Columbia, became one of the most recent signatories to the Better Transit and Transportation Coalition. “We’re recommending to all our members: vote Yes,” Logan said.

The Better Transit and Transportation Coalition is pleased today to welcome nine associations representing tens of thousands of post-secondary students in Metro Vancouver to the Yes campaign.

YWCA Metro Vancouver has joined the Better Transit and Transportation Coalition, highlighting the important role that transit plays – now and in the future – for many local families.

The Vancouver Board of Trade, representing 5,000 business members across Greater Vancouver and B.C., has assigned an overall grade of “A” to B.C. Budget 2015, based on the government’s steadfast commitment to balancing the books, reducing debt, and stoking a variety of sectors of our economy.

The BC Chamber, Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association and the Vancouver Board of Trade welcomed the government's commitment that the Metro Vancouver Congestion Tax will be a simple extension of the PST rather than a new, separate tax structure.

Victory for the "Yes" vote in Metro Vancouver's upcoming transportation referendum will benefit people from all walks of life, according to the broad-based Better Transit and Transportation Coalition, which calls the referendum "one of the most important decisions facing our region for the next generation."

The Vancouver Board of Trade has joined a new coalition to support increased investment in regional transit and transportation improvements.

The Vancouver Board of Trade has joined forces with Insights West and Miles Employment Group to launch the second annual Dream Employers of BC Survey.The Vancouver Board of Trade has joined forces with Insights West and Miles Employment Group to launch the second annual Dream Employers of BC Survey....

The Vancouver Board of Trade reveals the 2015 winners of its Rix Awards for Community and Corporate Citizenship, which honour one outstanding individual and one exemplary organization each year, in memory of the late Dr. Don Rix.

The Vancouver Board of Trade applauds today's announcement that the Province will formally review Metro Vancouver's solid waste management plan.

With only one month remaining before Vancouverites head to the polls, The Vancouver Board of Trade has released results from its 2014 Municipal Election Survey, giving insights into some of the top priorities and concerns of Greater Vancouver's business community.Tue Oct 14 2014

The Vancouver Board of Trade’s President and CEO, Iain Black, sent a letter to Mayor Gregor Robertson, city councillors, and Parks Board commissioners yesterday afternoon outlining our organization’s support for the Vancouver Aquarium and its current cetacean policy.

Today, chambers of commerce from the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley released a new research study which concludes that $50 billion in economic development along the Lower Fraser River is at risk unless all levels of government act now to address the serious issues facing the river.

We are facing incredible economic opportunities here in British Columbia. The liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector alone has the potential for nearly $175 billion in industry investment and up to 100,000 jobs in B.C. over the next decade.

OPEN LETTER TO THE EDITOR Re: "Port Metro Vancouver not the correct landlord for Granville Island," Vancouver Sun, July, 2, 2014

Earlier today, representatives from The Vancouver Board of Trade attended a stakeholder briefing at TransLink's office, prior to the public release of the Mayors' Council 30-Year Transportation Strategy for Metro Vancouver.

Dear Members, I write asking your indulgence on a matter that has little to do with business, per se... other than to note that in absence of it our way of actually conducting business today would almost certainly be fundamentally restricted.

The Vancouver Board of Trade has sent a letter to Mayor Richard Walton, Chair of the Mayors' Council on Regional Transportation, outlining a number of priorities for the movement of goods and people throughout Metro Vancouver. The letter, which was sent by Board of Trade President and CEO Iain Black, aims to "assist the region's Mayors in the preparation of a regional transportation vision." Included in the letter is "The Vancouver Board of Trade's Principles for Regional Transportation," a list developed...

In accordance with Bylaw 11.10 — Notice of Meeting — notice is hereby given that the 127th Annual General Meeting of The Vancouver Board of Trade will take place on June 20, 2014.

The Vancouver Board of Trade (the "Board") is pleased to announce that the nearly 550 members of the Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce ("KCC") voted overwhelmingly Tuesday night at their Annual General Meeting in favour of joining the Vancouver Board of Trade, and the subsequent orderly wind-down of KCC.

Last week, The Vancouver Board of Trade submitted additional feedback to the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) regarding proposed regulatory changes that would increase the involvement of women on corporate boards and in senior management positions.

The Vancouver Board of Trade does NOT use the OpenSSL software library on our website that is vulnerable to the Heartbleed software bug. Members of our organization can use our website with confidence, knowing their data is not at risk.

The Vancouver Board of Trade welcomes today's news that Canada and South Korea have reached a historic free trade agreement — a move that will strengthen ties with a key trading partner for many businesses across Metro Vancouver and B.C.Tuesday,

The Vancouver Board of Trade is expressing grave concerns about a looming work stoppage planned by Unifor and the United Truckers Association (UTA), which would seriously affect operations at Port Metro Vancouver — the largest and busiest port in Canada.

Justin Trudeau, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, will deliver a keynote address to B.C.’s business leaders on Friday, April 11, at The Vancouver Board of Trade.

Finance Minister Mike de Jong may have called this year's provincial budget a "triple B" effort (a "boring balanced budget"), but The Vancouver Board of Trade thinks today's budget deserved a B+.

Feb. 17-21, 2014, has been proclaimed Chamber of Commerce Week in B.C.

The Vancouver Board of Trade, representing thousands of businesses in British Columbia, has assigned an overall grade of "B+" to Economic Action Plan 2014, based on strong progress towards a surplus budget and overall focus on fiscal prudence.

The Vancouver Board of Trade welcomes yesterday's announcement that a referendum on transit funding in Metro Vancouver could be delayed, and urges the provincial government to push back the referendum date to June 30, 2015, in order to give the public ample time to consider the referendum question and its implications.

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Evacuated B.C. resort owner describes collaborative effort with police, fire crews

The owner of an evacuated resort in the Fraser Canyon has chosen to defy orders and stay with his property. (Blue Lake Resort)

By Mike Lloyd

Posted August 25, 2023 7:38 am.

Last Updated August 25, 2023 8:25 am.

The remaining travel restrictions in the Okanagan were lifted midnight Thursday and more evacuation orders have been rescinded, but wildfires continue to rage in other parts of B.C.’s southern Interior.

That includes the Fraser Canyon, where the owner of an evacuated resort has chosen to defy emergency orders and stay with his property.

However, Shayne Findlay describes a much more collaborative situation than has been seen in the Shuswap fire zone, where tensions have been seen between some locals, a so-called freedom convoy, the RCMP, and the BC Wildfire Service.

As the Kookipi Creek fire bore down on Blue Lake Resort last Thursday, Findlay says there was a scramble to get campers to safety in Boston Bar, and then he and his family also followed instructions to leave their property behind.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Blue Lake Resort (@bluelakeresort)

“We did leave the resort initially after all the customers had left,” said Findlay. “It wasn’t until the next day, when things had stabilized that we made the decision to come back up and remain here.”

Findlay felt there was a need to protect his family’s business, as well as all the property left behind by his customers.

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Fear, falsehoods and conspiracy theories ignite amid canada’s wildfires, b.c. wildfires: warm weather and wind concerning for southern interior, west kelowna travel restrictions lifting friday.

“There’s the concern of fire — and we have water trucks we’re using to spray areas — but there have been at least two, that we know of, attempts to gain access to the resort since we’ve been here. We’ve talked to the RCMP and they understand completely being up here. They know the reality,” he told CityNews.

Findlay says there are hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of RVs and equipment left at the resort, which is a short drive off of the Trans Canada Highway.

“We remain ready to go if needed, but I have to say, speaking with the firefighters up here, they have been very cooperative and very informative. They’ve told me it’s dangerous, but no one has said get out, though officially they have, of course.

“They understand why we are here and I think they’ve approached it with a collaborative nature. It’s tough for everyone and they know that.”

As conditions improve daily, Findlay describes nearly constant contact with nearby fire crews as he continually assesses risks to the resort and keeps track of fire lines.

“I can’t say enough about what they’ve done in working with us and helping us to know what the situation is with nightly patrols, check-ins, and sprinkler teams. They are very communicative,” he said.

“I know there’s a group of them up there today so I’m hoping to pack a cooler full of ice cream treats from our store here and run it up to them later.”

As Findlay tries to shepherd the resort through the danger — posting near-daily video updates on social media — he has been surprised by the generosity of customers dealing with the evacuation or cancelled trips.

“I’ve had a lot of people take us up on an offer to defer refunds until next year, or rather to use a credit going forward — way more than I thought. I think that’s fantastic. It just kicks the can down the road, of course, but it does prevent a squeeze in terms of finances.”

Others have told Findlay to keep their money to help with any recovery.

“To them, I say ‘Here’s your money back, donate it to a food bank.’ It’s bad, don’t get me wrong — this is how I feed my kids and I count on this throughout the winter, so it matters — but I want to keep in mind there are levels to this crisis.”

Findlay says it’s not lost on him that the nearby REO Rafting Resort was completely destroyed by fire and that others in the area have lost homes.

“Whenever someone reaches out with generosity to us, I usually say go give to the Hope Food Bank or their local food bank and try to spread that out as much as we can.”

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Honourable Ravi Kahlon

Honourable Ravi Kahlon

Minister of Housing and Government House Leader

Email: [email protected]

Translations

News release, north vancouver, media contacts, jimmy smith, ministry of housing.

  • Visit Ministry Website

Featured Topics

  • Progress on Homes for B.C.

Featured Services

  • Strata Housing
  • Building and Safety Standards
  • Residential Tenancy Branch

The Province has launched BC Builds to lower construction costs, speed up timelines, and deliver more homes that middle-income people who live and work in B.C. can afford.

BC Builds is a new initiative that leverages government, community and non-profit owned and underused land with $2 billion in low-cost financing and a commitment of $950 million for the overall program.

“Anyone looking for a place to live knows how hard it is – even if you make a decent salary there are not enough rental homes people can afford,” said Premier David Eby. “The private sector alone has not been able to deliver the homes middle-class people in B.C. need. That’s why we’re taking action through BC Builds to deliver lower-cost middle-income homes, faster, so the people who keep our communities working – like teachers, nurses, and construction workers – can find homes they can afford in the communities they love.”  

Inflation, high interest rates, and the cost of land and construction have driven up costs and rent in B.C. and across the country, and not enough middle-income housing is being built as a result. Too many homes are out of reach for middle-income earners and people are spending more than half of their household income on housing, pushing people out of communities, and making labour shortages worse.

Supported by grant funding and financing from the B.C. government, through BC Housing, BC Builds is designed to deliver through challenging market conditions to bring down building costs, get more projects started, and build more homes that fit into middle-income budgets. The program will focus on rental housing first with rents reflecting local conditions and determined on a community-by-community basis. This means more households will find below-market rent and spend less than 30% of their income on rent.

“Too many middle-class families are struggling to find a place to live that they can afford, and that’s holding people and our economy back,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “BC Builds is designed to meet this moment, overcome challenging market conditions, and deliver lower-cost rental homes for the people who deliver the services we rely on, and drive our economy forward – so they can build good lives here and thrive.”

BC Builds works in partnership with non-profits, local governments, First Nations and the development sector to identify available underused land, provide financing and funding, and deliver projects that create more homes and help bring costs more in line with what middle-income households earn.

BC Builds details include:

  • At least 20% of all BC Builds homes will have rents that are at least 20% below market rate for projects in partnership with non-profits and First Nations.
  • All BC Builds units have a target of middle-income households spending no more than approximately 30% of their income on rent.
  • The rents for BC Builds will not exceed market rent for that community, and will in many cases be below.  
  • All households living in BC Builds homes are income tested at move-in.
  • The income levels vary by community, so homes are within reach for that community’s middle-income households.
  • BC Builds projects aim to deliver more two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, as many as possible with below-market rents.
  • Projects owned and operated by non-profit providers mean rents will remain low over time, creating more affordability.

BC Builds uses lower government borrowing rates to offer lower-cost financing and grants to bring down construction costs. The program also works with municipalities, landowners, residential builders and housing operators to move projects from concept to construction within 12 to 18 months, compared to the current of average of three to five years. This will be accomplished by streamlining municipal development processes and by working with landowners, municipalities and residential builders to remove barriers.

BC Builds is designed to grow. In addition to the sites detailed below, thousands of BC Builds homes will continue to move at an expedited pace as projects are approved over the next three years, with some estimated to be under construction as early as summer 2024. More than 20 initial BC Builds sites have been identified on government, First Nations, non-profit and community-owned land. BC Builds is seeking new partners and landowners who want to build housing on underused land or above new community buildings.

The following three projects are examples of BC Builds:

  • An 18-storey mass timber building that will include 180 units affordable for middle-income households in North Vancouver.
  • A minimum of 20% of units must rent at 20% below market, with a goal of delivering even more units at below-market rates.
  • The building will be located with the North Shore Neighbourhood House, which provides an extensive range of community services, including 37 child care spaces, child-development support programming for 250 children experiencing development delays, food programs, wellness and recreation activities, and youth and seniors’ programs.
  • The project is located beside a new BC Housing project that will deliver 89 affordable homes, set to open in late 2025.
  • A four-to-six-storey wood-frame building, which will include 199 units for middle-income people and families living in the Cowichan Valley.
  • New governance headquarters for the Cowichan Tribes.
  • Space for Indigenous businesses.
  • A four-storey wood-frame building, which will contain 33 homes ranging from studios to three-bedroom homes.
  • A minimum of 20% of units must rent at 20% below market, with a goal of delivering more units at below-market rates.
  • The building will also include an early child care centre with 24 child care spaces, encompassing a pre-school daycare and before-and-after school care for eight children.

BC Builds is part of the Province’s Homes for People action plan. Launched in spring 2023, the plan builds on historic action to deliver housing since 2017 and sets out further actions to deliver the homes people need faster, while creating more vibrant communities throughout B.C. Actions to speed up the delivery of housing in B.C. include reining in short-term rentals, turning land near transit hubs into housing, increasing small-scale-multi-unit homes, fixing restrictive zoning rules and cutting wait times at the Residential Tenancy Branch among other initiatives.

BC Builds is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has nearly 78,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway throughout B.C., including more than 750 units in North Vancouver.

Quick Fact:

  • The Province, through BC Housing, provides a range of affordable rental housing and rental subsidy programs that serve low-, moderate, and middle-income households.

Learn More:

To learn more about the BC Builds program, visit: https://bcbuildshomes.ca

To learn more about government’s new Homes for People action plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023HOUS0019-000436

A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC

To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/

Four backgrounders follow.

Backgrounders

What people are saying about bc builds.

Linda Buchanan, mayor of City of North Vancouver –

“We have experienced significant job growth across the North Shore. But the people who keep our economy moving do not have housing options within their reach, forcing them to commute from far parts of the region. Thanks to this investment, the people who work here can become our neighbours.”

Silas White, mayor of Gibsons –

“The Town of Gibsons is thrilled and honoured to be part of the launch of BC Builds. Affordable housing is the most critical challenge in our community, so we appreciate the provincial government’s support and collaboration to add another 33 units, as well as a child care program, to the Sunshine Coast Affordable Housing Society’s first 40 units of housing at Christenson Village. The 73 units, plus child care, will go a long way to addressing our housing and workforce needs.”

Xtli’li ye’ Lydia Hwitsum, Chief of the Cowichan Tribes –

“Cowichan Tribes has been working hard to develop innovative partnerships to meet the substantial urgent housing needs in our community. One example is our current project to build two beautiful mixed-use buildings – designed to provide 199 apartment suites and ample green space for residents. I am pleased to see the provincial government stepping up with the BC Builds program and partnering with us to get these homes built.”

Jodee Dick, CEO, Khowutzun Development Corporation –

“Khowutzun Development Corporation   is proud to be developing this exciting project with Cowichan Tribes and BC Builds, harmonizing the paths of industry, government, and our Nation into one true path of reconciliation is our goal at Khowutzun Development.”

Jill Atkey, CEO, BC Non-Profit Housing Association –

“BC Builds is another historic investment into much-needed workforce housing, with the Province leveraging community-held assets toward a supply solution. What’s more, we’re excited that there is a clearly defined role to for the community housing sector because the long-term affordability achieved by our sector simply can’t be matched.”

Tim Heimpel, lead steward for the Health Sciences Association; respiratory therapist, Lions Gate Hospital –

“I’ve seen the increasing cost of housing first-hand; our small, niche department has lost two amazing respiratory therapists to other provinces in the last six months alone; many other departments have been affected similarly. Having affordable, stable housing close to your workplace not only helps with retention and recruitment; but those living close by are much more likely to pick up last-minute shifts, which eases the burden of staff hospital-wide, thereby creating an overall better work environment.”

Carolyn Whitzman, adjunct professor and housing researcher, University of Ottawa –

“It is great to see the B.C. government scaling up non-market and Indigenous affordable housing on government land. Based on previous successful programs in the 1970s and 1980s, we know these homes will maintain affordability over time.”

Rents, income thresholds under BC Builds

  • BC Builds projects aim to deliver more two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, as many as possible with below market rents.
  • As the private sector alone has not been able to build housing within reach for middle income households, BC Builds delivers housing for households at the top end of current BC Housing program income eligibility and beyond, to meet the growing need for more housing for people in these middle-income ranges.
  • BC Builds picks up where existing BC Housing programs leave off. For example, current eligibility for the Community Housing Fund, which is at the top end of BC Housing programs, is for income ranges from $84,780 for studio/one bedroom and $134,140 for two-plus beds.
  • BC Builds is designed to create housing that is affordable for household incomes from $84,780 to $131,950 for a studio or one-bedroom home, or $134,410 to $191,910 for a two-bedroom home or larger. This will vary by community, to reflect local incomes. The upper end of the income range will only be applicable in the highest-income communities for three- and four-bedroom units.
  • Those with lower incomes will be prioritized for below-market units.
  • People who earn less than their community middle-income range annually will be eligible to live in a BC Builds studio or one-bedroom home. However, they may be better served by BC Housing’s affordable rental housing and rental subsidy programs that serve low- and moderate-income households.
  • People with income levels above the local thresholds will be ineligible to live in BC Builds housing.
  • The program will use a formula-based approach to determine the rental rates within communities using an appraisal of purpose-built rental units within the community and the average income range of people currently living in the community.

Leveraging land through partnerships

Updated on feb. 14, 2024.

The Province, through BC Housing, has established partnership opportunities with 20 governments and organizations that are working with BC Builds to build homes for people faster:

  • Church of the Nazarene, City of Langley
  • City of Kamloops
  • City of Kelowna
  • City of Langley
  • City of North Vancouver
  • City of Port Alberni 
  • City of Vancouver
  • District of Squamish
  • Khowutzen Development Corporation (Cowichan Tribes)
  • Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce
  • Resort Municipality of Whistler
  • Sacred Waters (and the respective Nations working closely together: Katzie, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo)
  • Southside Community Church, Burnaby 
  • District of Elkford
  • Town of Gibsons
  • Town of Ladysmith
  • Township of Langley 
  • c̓išaaʔatḥ (Tsehaht) Nation
  • University of Victoria
  • University of British Columbia 

Connecting landowners, home builders

The Province, through BC Housing, is working with government, non-profit, and community landowners to identify additional underused properties that can be developed or redeveloped into rental housing through BC Builds.

The Province acknowledges its commitment to the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, as well as the obligation to consult and co-operate with First Nations regarding the use and disposition of underutilized provincial land that may be identified as potential BC Builds projects. The Ministry of Housing and BC Housing will continue to ensure this obligation is met.

Step 1 – Connect and support land partners and home builders

Landowners can find a development partner on their own or source one through the BC Builds website. The BC Builds housing development opportunities page will be launched in the coming weeks, with sites already zoned for housing development. Property owners looking for a developer/builder and/or operating partner will be listed for residential homebuilders and housing operators to review and submit a proposal to develop and/or operate rental housing on the site.

BC Builds will facilitate partnership agreements and lease terms between landowners, builders and operators and support the evaluation of proposals.

Step 2 – Streamline the approval process

Once a partnership agreement has been established, BC Builds will work with municipal and provincial approvers to accelerate permitting, building and operation of housing.

The BC Builds team will work with landowners, municipalities and residential developers to remove barriers.

Step 3 – Provide low-interest financing and grants

BC Builds offers low-interest construction financing to reduce the cost of construction of eligible projects.

As needed, BC Builds will provide a maximum grant of $225,000 per unit to non-profits and First Nations development corporations to achieve a minimum of 20% of units with rents 20% below market.

For eligible groups that own land and have an initial concept, but need additional financial support to advance their project, pre-development loans are available.

  • BCBuildsLaunch_Chinese(simplified).pdf
  • BCBuildsLaunch_Chinese(traditional).pdf
  • BCBuildsLaunch_French.pdf
  • BCBuildsLaunch_Japanese.pdf
  • BCBuildsLaunch_Korean.pdf
  • BCBuildsLaunch_Punjabi.pdf
  • BCBuildsLaunch_Tagalog.pdf
  • BCBuildsLaunch_Vietnamese.pdf

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California offered $57 million to help this hospital reopen. Now, it finally has a plan

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Outlines of the former Madera Community Hospital sign are covered by a tarp at the emergency room entrance of the hospital on Jan. 2, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

A California hospital that left a county of 160,000 people without critical emergency care when it shut down 13 months ago took a significant step toward reopening last week, and it could begin accepting patients as early as this summer. 

That’s good news for the residents of Madera County, but the court-approved deal to revive the hospital elicited mixed reactions among some San Joaquin Valley leaders who wanted a different option.

A bankruptcy court last week approved a bid from a Modesto-based hospital management company, American Advanced Management, Inc ., to take over and reopen Madera Community Hospital. 

That decision effectively shot down a last-minute proposal from industry powerhouses UCSF Health and Adventist Health . Several lawmakers from the region had endorsed the UCSF-Adventist plan, and said in written statements after the bankruptcy hearing that they were still pulling for that proposal.

The hospital’s reopening is close but not quite a done deal. Madera County and other parties have another week in which they can appeal the decision. The California Department of Public Health also must approve the hospital’s change-of-management application. 

The Madera hospital’s closure alarmed the Legislature last year, leading it to create a $300 million bailout fund for financially distressed hospitals . The Madera hospital is eligible for $57 million from that fund.

American Advanced Management has submitted its management plan to the California Department of Health Care Access and Information to unlock that money. The department said it is still reviewing the application. 

Matthew Beehler, chief strategy officer at American Advanced Management, said that pending these approvals, the hospital will be on track to reopen within four to six months. The company has committed $30 million on top of what the state will chip in to reopen the hospital.

“Our focus has always been on reopening this hospital as quickly as possible to improve the health and lives of community members,” he said in a written statement after the bankruptcy hearing.

11th hour bid for Madera hospital

After months of scrambling to find suitors, Madera Community Hospital entered negotiations with the American Advanced Management last fall. Then, earlier this month UCSF Health and Adventist Health, announced that they, too, were interested in taking over the hospital and that they’d team up to enter a bid. 

For months, lawmakers representing the Madera area pushed for the UC Health system to take over the hospital with the idea that it could bring much-needed resources to the valley. In a press conference earlier this month, they called the proposed UCSF and Adventist partnership “a dream come true.” 

But the UCSF and Adventist bid came too late. Judge René Lastreto of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of California said during last week’s hearing that it didn’t “behoove the creditors or the estate to continue to delay this any further” by entertaining the new proposal. 

Democratic lawmakers Sen. Anna Caballero, Assembymember Esmeralda Soria and Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula said they were disappointed the court didn’t give UCSF and Adventist more of a hearing. 

“We hoped that the court would have granted UCSF, Adventist Health, and Madera County the opportunity to move forward and provide a full presentation of their joint venture to purchase and reopen Madera Community Hospital – to show what it could mean immediately for the residents and the long-term viability of this hospital for the region,” they said in a written statement.

Reopening in sight, but no maternity ward

American Advanced Management plans to reopen the hospital with an emergency room, an intensive care unit, medical imaging and a laboratory, but it will not immediately reopen labor and delivery, Fresnoland first reported .

That means pregnant patients will continue to travel to Fresno or Merced counties to give birth. Maternity wards in California are closing at an accelerated pace. Last year, in addition to Madera Community’s total closure, 11 other hospitals terminated their maternity services. 

Beehler at American Advanced Management said the company decided not to reinstate a maternity ward because obstetrics is a resource-intensive department that is poorly reimbursed. Other hospitals have released similar statements when announcing the elimination of labor and delivery.

“Reopening maternity would be like reopening two hospitals at the same time,” Beehler said. 

Madera Community Hospital delivered 735 babies in 2022 and another 720 in 2021. The county has a slightly higher birth rate than the state’s at 57.9 births per 1,000 women . 

Beehler said the company plans to provide prenatal services through the hospital’s clinics.

Quick hiring key to reopening

Sara Bosse, Madera County’s public health director, told the court last week that a critical element to the hospital’s reopening is how soon a new operator will be able to hire the necessary staff. She said that UCSF and Adventist could more easily attract providers to work in Madera.

“A physician that is looking for a position and is actively being recruited, they probably would consider a position with UCSF before they would look at a position with an entity they may have not heard of before,” Bosse later told CalMatters.

Lawyers for American Advanced Management argued there was no evidence that the smaller hospital operator would have any trouble hiring staff. American Advanced Management is known for buying and managing distressed facilities in largely rural parts of the state. It operates hospitals in Colusa, Glenn and Coalinga.

Securing a strong workforce is critical especially in an area that has long struggled with a shortage of primary care providers and specialists compared to wealthier parts of California. 

“All of those things have to happen pretty quickly in order for any organization to open up a hospital and get it to a place that’s solvent,” Bosse said. “Both bringing on workforce and attracting patients.”

Supported by the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF), which works to ensure that   people have access to the care they need, when they need it, at a price they can afford. Visit  www.chcf.org  to learn more.

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B.C. United's housing plan includes rent-to-own initiative

Kevin falcon proposes housing plan that aims to attract more first-time homebuyers, days after b.c. ndp's plan.

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British Columbia's Opposition Leader Kevin Falcon is pitching a housing plan that aims to get more first-time buyers into homes, and it comes just days after Premier David Eby promised to build more affordable rental units for the middle class.

Falcon says B.C. United's "Fix Housing" plan includes four initiatives to reduce the high cost of housing and increase supply, which he pledges to introduce if his party takes power in this fall's election.

He says he'll drop the province's property transfer tax for first-time buyers who purchase a home for less than $1 million, eliminate the provincial sales tax on new residential homes, build affordable housing on empty public land, and establish a rent-to-own program.

Falcon says the rent-to-own plan will help qualified first-time buyers who are renting a new property become homeowners through a purchase agreement, where they contribute three years of rental payments toward a down payment on the same home.

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He says high down payments are a stumbling block to making a home purchase for many first-time buyers in B.C.

Housing Minister calls plan 'underwhelming'

Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon told reporters on Thursday that Falcon's plan is "a little underwhelming," and suggested that increasing the exemption for the property transfer tax could actually make the housing crisis worse.

"Encouraging people to get into the market and buy is always a good thing, but when you have limited housing, it does put pressure on the prices, and it could mean that this housing affordability crisis becomes an even bigger crisis," said Kahlon.

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"What I didn't hear in that housing strategy that they brought, was the idea of investing in affordable housing," he said.

Earlier this week, Eby introduced the B.C. New Democrat government's B.C. Builds program that it says will target and help finance affordable rental developments on property owned by governments, communities and non-profits.

With files from CBC News

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