Being a Member 

If your business is located within our 90-block downtown area, you’re eligible to become a member of the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association. All 8,000 businesses that own or lease property within the area can apply for membership. Membership is free and must be renewed each year. Click here to renew or register.

 

On our members’ behalf, the DVBIA proactively programs and promotes areas of interest and attractions, public advocacy on important issues and hands-on services to ensure that downtown remains clean, safe, attractive and hospitable for everyone.

 

The DVBIA is funded by a special municipal levy that is paid by commercial properties in the area, and shared by tenants through their rent. In most cases, the levy amounts to less than 10 cents per square foot for each individual business, an amount that varies according to the assessed value of specific properties.

 

But the word "member" in the DVBIA's daily business means “people,” a dedicated team of business owners and employees. Those who have attended DVBIA meetings and seminars, and who have gone on to become committee members or directors, invariably report that the involvement has been rewarding to their companies and business activity. Knowledge about downtown issues and developments is a valuable asset.

 

Members actively participate by attending DVBIA networking or luncheon events and through the DVBIA's committees: Advocacy, Safety & Security, Access & Mobility, Place Making & Marketing, Membership, Mandate Renewal & Expansion, Granville Street Re-design & Construction, Appreciation Awards, 2010 Winter Games and the Nominating Committee.

 

The DVBIA, which was created in 1990 under provincial legislation at the request of the downtown business community, was issued a new ten-year mandate by Vancouver City Council in 2000.