Jeremy Heighton
BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Business Improvement Areas of British Columbia (BIABC), representing more than 80 business districts across the province, is strongly supporting the Union of BC Municipalities’ (UBCM) call for a Permanent Provincial Housing Policy Roundtable.
The resolution urges the provincial government to convene a standing roundtable bringing together local governments, Indigenous housing organizations, housing providers, academic experts, and provincial and federal housing ministries. The goal is to foster collaborative, evidence-based housing policy that reflects the diverse needs of communities across British Columbia.
BIABC strongly supports this initiative and believes they can provide valued input if provided a seat at the table. Business Improvement Areas are in a unique position, with direct, street-level relationships with both businesses and communities, giving them a vital perspective on how housing and services interact with neighbourhood vibrancy and local economies.
BIABC fully recognizes the importance of housing and services for those in need and have consistently advocated for integrated, wrap-around services. The concern is not about whether housing exists, but about how it is planned and distributed across communities.
“Communities thrive when housing and services are thoughtfully integrated with input from residents, local governments, and business stakeholders,” said Jeremy Heighton, BIABC President. “We are proud to support UBCM’s leadership on this initiative. We believe a permanent roundtable that includes the voice of Business Improvement Areas will ensure better collaboration, stronger accountability, and more balanced housing outcomes for everyone in British Columbia.”
The call for a permanent roundtable is backed by a wide coalition of stakeholders including the BC Real Estate Association (BCREA), multiple municipalities, chambers of commerce, and housing sector organizations such as the Aboriginal Housing Management Association, Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association – BC, LandlordBC, and the Manufactured Home Park Owners Alliance of British Columbia.
For BIABC, the establishment of a permanent housing roundtable is an opportunity to strengthen planning, ensure housing distribution is fair and effective, and help communities strike the right balance between meeting urgent needs and sustaining neighbourhood well-being and economic vitality.
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.
