BURSTBusinesses in Kelowna are investing over $1.2 million this year to help keep streets clean, safe and active as British Columbia marks Business Improvement Areas (BIA) week.
The funding comes through local BIAs, which support services like street cleaning, graffiti removal, security patrols and public events. Across B.C., more than 80 BIAs represent about 55,000 small businesses and invest millions of dollars each year.
“Small businesses are not just operating in their communities, they are actively investing in them,” said Jeremy Heighton, president of BIABC. “They are stepping up to support safety, cleanliness, and vibrancy in their neighbourhoods, often filling gaps that are growing wider.”
The spending comes as businesses face rising costs, as well as ongoing issues like social disorder, which has been on the rise in downtown Kelowna.
Other B.C. cities included in funding this year are Vancouver ($20.3 million), Kamloops ($1.1 million), Prince George ($348,000) and Williams Lake ($126,000).
Heighton says BIAs are part of a growing role in safety and community support, adding small businesses are unable to carry the burden alone.
“The messsage from our members is clear… Strong, vibrant commercial districts require true partnership – with all levels of government stepping up alongside the business community,” added Heighton.