BIABC Media Releases
For Immediate Release
October 27, 2026
BC's New Government Must Make Safer, Stronger Main Streets a Priority
Following historic provincial election, Business Improvement Areas of BC calls for urgent
action on public safety, rising business costs and economic competitiveness
VANCOUVER, BC – Following a historic provincial election and a change in government, Business Improvement Areas of BC (BIABC) is calling on the incoming provincial government to make the safety, vitality and economic resilience of British Columbia's downtowns, main streets and commercial districts a central priority.
Representing the majority of BC's 80 Business Improvement Areas, more than 55,000 small businesses, and 15,000 commercial property owners -- BIABC says the election presents an important opportunity to address longstanding challenges that are threatening business viability, undermining public confidence and affecting communities throughout the province.
"A change in government brings an opportunity for a fresh approach to some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities," said Jeremy Heighton, President of Business Improvement Areas of BC. "For small businesses across British Columbia, the need for meaningful action has never been greater.”
BIABC says rising operating costs, persistent street disorder, retail crime, repeat violent and non-violent offending, and economic uncertainty are creating increasingly difficult conditions for businesses already operating on narrow margins.
A recent BIABC survey highlights the extent of these concerns:
- 65 per cent of businesses identified public safety and street disorder as a significant concern.
- 63 per cent reported that operating conditions had worsened over the previous year.
- 68 per cent expressed concern about the impact of crime on their employees.
- 89 per cent believed governments were not doing enough to address repeat offending, retail crime and public safety.
BIABC is urging the incoming government to pursue a comprehensive and coordinated approach to public safety that addresses repeat offending, retail crime and street disorder, while recognizing the interconnected challenges of mental health, addictions and homelessness.
BIABC is calling for a stronger and more coordinated voice for small business within government through the establishment of a dedicated Minister of State. Such a body would provide a clear point of accountability within government to address public safety, economic development, business competitiveness and downtown revitalization. The Association is also seeking the reestablishment of the Small Business Roundtable.
More broadly, we believe significant new taxes, fees, labour requirements and regulations should be considered through the lens of their cumulative impact on small businesses – along with cumulative cost of doing business, including the impact of rising rents, insurance, wages, security expenses, taxes and regulatory requirements.
The Association also intends to pursue an opportunity for the province to work with BIAs on the continued renewal of downtowns and commercial districts, including locally designed initiatives that support business attraction and retention, public-realm improvements, beautification, activation and events.
"Strong, safe and vibrant Main Streets don't happen by accident. They require thoughtful policies, sustained commitment and governments that recognize the important role small businesses play in the health and prosperity of our communities."
BIABC is ready to work constructively with the incoming government to advance practical solutions that strengthen local economies and restore confidence in communities across British Columbia.
About BIABC
The Business Improvement Areas of BC (BIABC) is the provincial champion of strong, vibrant, and successful downtowns, main streets, and commercial districts throughout the province. Its members represent more than 80 business districts, employing hundreds of thousands of retail, service, and office workers.
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For any media enquiries, please contact:
Kelly Gleason
kgleeson@lbmg.ca
604-240-6231
Past Media Releases
BIABC Seeks Clear Election Commitments from BC's Major Political Parties
October 8, 2026
BIABC Calls on All Parties to Commit to Keeping PST Expansion Off the Table
October 1, 2026
Small Businesses Want Their Issues Front and Centre in Provincial Election
September 24. 2026
BIABC: Whatever Role Election Timing Played, Reversing PST Expansion Was the Right Decision
September 18, 2026
BIABC Survey Finda Growing Crime Concerns Taking Increasing Toll on BC Businesses and Their Employees
September 3, 2026
Breakdown in Trade Talks Makes Supporting BC and Canadian Businesses More Important Than Ever: BIABC
August 24, 206
BIABC Survey: Businesses Warn Expanded PST Will Push Many Closer to the Breaking Point
August 18, 2028
BIABC Welcomes Royal Assent of Bail, Sentencing Reforms and Urges Further Action on Repeat Non-Violent Offenders
June 16, 2026
BIABC Urges Province to Put Small Business at the Centre of Budget Planning Process
June 8, 2026
BIABC Welcomes Provincial Liquor Policy Changes, Encourages Continued Modernization
June 2, 2026
Annual Conference Concludes in Penticton with Focus on Public Safety, Economic Pressures and Main Street Resilience
May 28, 2026
BIABC and NCDA Urge Province to Scrap PST Expansion, Warning Governemnt is "Taxing Safety" for Business
May 19, 2026
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February 2, 2026
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BIABC Calls on NDP Government to Support Business in the Face of Sweeping Tariffs
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