Media statement - Board of Trade supports Stanley Park businesses

For Immediate Release
June 18, 2020

VANCOUVER, B.C. — COVID-19 has caused unprecedented economic harm to businesses in Greater Vancouver.

According to a survey by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, BC Chamber of Commerce, Business Council of British Columbia, with the assistance of the Mustel Group, only one-in-four (26%) businesses impacted by COVID-19 feel able to restart and operate profitably with the gradual easing of restrictions. Their biggest concern was the ability to attract enough customers.

The situation is particularly dire for businesses in Stanley Park and those nearby businesses affected by the substantial drop in tourism and travel. In 2018, tourism generated over $20 billion in total revenue, and with travel restrictions in place, a large portion of that economic activity will not occur in 2020.

“At a time when businesses have been forced to close, leaving employees without work, we should be doing everything we can to support local businesses’ ability to reopen and provide meaningful employment,” said Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. As we move to restart the economy, Park Board Commissioners and staff, should ensure that they are doing everything they can to help businesses survive.”

We are joining Stanley Park businesses’ calls to remove uncertainty and restore broader accessibility to the park so customers can return and businesses can begin to recover. Moving forward, there should be a consultative and collaborative approach to working with the business community to improve environmentally friendly and low-carbon options to access the park.

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Media contact:
David van Hemmen
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
media@boardoftrade.com
604-640-5450