HxBIA is an organization that takes a leadership role in managing change and shaping a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable local economy here in the Downtown Eastside. Through collaboration with its business members, grassroots, government, private sector and non-profit partners we bridge the needs of local businesses with the capacity of community focused organizations to foster a vibrant, healthy and diverse area for all – whether you’re here every day or just for the afternoon.
To be Vancouver’s eclectic heart: a welcoming, diverse community rooted in social innovation, compassion, and cultural wisdom
Through a commitment to social innovation and impact, we are stewards of the public realm and local economy, which serves all businesses and property owners in the HxBIA
A vibrant nexus of the city
We believe HxBIA can be a safe place to find authentic, vibrant experiences, from live music to award-winning restaurants, niche retail stores, and everything in between. Providing a launching pad for so many amazing businesses and flagship locations, HxBIA is the perfect place to discover your favourite local experiences.
A unique intersection of the economy
We believe that the HxBIA stands as a unique national / global concentration of traditional businesses, nonprofit organizations, and social enterprises, which has positioned us as leading experts in collaboration across sectors. We celebrate our diverse membership, from corner stores to high-end boutiques to social enterprises and non-profits, recognizing that each serves a distinctive purpose within our local economy. Embracing this concentration, we strive to be inclusive stewards of our local economy while aiming to amplify the strengths of each business type, ensuring the holistic success of our community. We believe for the HxBIA community to thrive, we must be guided by a values statement that is unique to our community. We recognize and honour the residents, workers, businesses, and social services who live and operate here and are committed to finding innovative ways to collaborate and flourish.
A community of reconciliation
By acknowledging our BIA sits on the unceded lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, we commit to understanding the history of violence, colonization, and displacement of Indigenous peoples. Understanding this history and how it continues to impact the communities in which our BIA operates helps us to guide all our work as we strive to create space where Indigenous perspectives are not only acknowledged but actively integrated into our social fabric.
A safe community
We believe in order to have a safe community for residents, workers, and visitors, we must foster a culture of inclusivity, social innovation, and compassion. By participating in the stewardship of the public realm and local economy, we aim to create an environment that not only prioritizes safety but also embraces the diversity and resilience of its businesses and residents. We strive to build a place that not only serves the businesses and property owners in the HxBIA but also uplifts the well-being of every individual contributing to the overall prosperity and unique strengths of our neighborhood.
A literal and metaphorical crossroads
We believe in acknowledging the intricate crossroads of history that are in our DNA, both physically and symbolically. We acknowledge that we are at the intersection of many communities that have been or continue to be erased, including Japantown, Chinatown, Hogan’s Alley, and the larger community that is the Downtown Eastside. We must understand the complexities of our past and present and strive to be conscious stewards of our community’s narrative. By recognizing the diverse challenges we face, we are committed to fostering a local economic environment that listens, adapts, and supports growth while preserving the unique character that defines us. We seek to foster positive and responsible change in our community. We seek to empower, not to displace. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, we aim to uplift local businesses while respecting the historical roots that give our community its distinctive identity. In doing so, we pledge to navigate these crossroads with integrity, ensuring that our community remains authentic, resilient, and inclusive for residents, workers, and visitors alike.