July 22, 2008
Vancouver, British Columbia
The Government of Canada is supporting the Vancouver Economic Development Commission (VEDC) in its efforts to promote local business growth and entrepreneurship through neighbourhood and commercial area profiles.
Mark Warawa, Member of Parliament for Langley, announced a $67,400 federal investment today on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification.
"The Government of Canada is committed to providing the tools necessary to help local businesses compete and prosper both locally and within the larger global marketplace," said Mr. Warawa. "This funding reinforces the federal government's efforts to foster business diversification and the development of Canadian enterprises."
Funding will help the Vancouver Economic Development Commission initiate the BizMapBC Phase 2 project, which will develop neighbourhood and commercial area profiles for 11 Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) within the City of Vancouver. This investment is a follow up to Western Economic Diversification Canada's funding for BizMapBC Phase 1, which successfully developed profiles for the first nine BIAs in Vancouver. These profiles detail the business mix, land use and development potential of the BIAs based on compiled data, which then supports marketing decisions, new investment initiatives and strategic planning within BIAs.
"This program is a great example of partners working together to foster economic growth at the neighbourhood level," said Phil Heard, CEO of the Vancouver Economic Development Commission. "Eleven local communities in Vancouver will benefit from today's announcement, and we look forward to working with the City and Government of Canada to help neighbourhoods throughout the city strengthen their local economies."
BIAs are non-profit associations of commercial property owners and business tenants who join together to promote and improve the economic vitality of their specific business district and neighbourhoods.
Established in 1996, the Vancouver Economic Development Commission provides leadership that enhances the strength, sustainability and diversity of Vancouver's economy. VEDC works to attract and maintain a strong business base in Vancouver by connecting businesses to information, contact networks and resources. VEDC provides project management and financial support for the BizMapBC project, and has a long-standing relationship with Western Economic Diversification Canada.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.
For additional information, contact:
Pierre Floréa
Director of Communications
Office of the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification
Telephone: (613) 943-1838
Kim Huhn
Business Development Officer
Vancouver Economic Development Commission
Phone: 604-632-9668 ext.108
