Please note a recent release from Vancouver’s DVBIA on the Downtown Ambassadors.
The Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA) applauds Vancouver City Council’s decision today to fund expansion of the highly successful Downtown Ambassador® program in five Business Improvement Association districts with the option of more. The areas include Yaletown, WestEnd, South Granville, Gastown, South Fraser, which are already using the program.
Downtown Ambassadors® provide “eyes and ears” on the streets and liaise with police and other community resources on a regular basis for the betterment of the public experience. Ambassadors help connect homeless people with local resources, work with businesses to prevent theft and other crimes, assist tourists and locals with directions and attraction recommendations, and locate stolen autos.
“Expansion of the Downtown Ambassador® program was one of the many initiatives identified by Project Civil City to address aggressive panhandling, homelessness and the open drug market,” says Mayor Sam Sullivan, a strong supporter of the recommendation. “I’m pleased that the great work of the Ambassadors will now impact more Vancouverites.”
Expansion of the program today comes on the heels of expansion of the program to a 24/7 service in the downtown core approved by City Council in April.
“Today’s decision is further proof that our program is well-respected and effective,” says Charles Gauthier, Executive Director of the DVBIA.
A report is expected to go before City Council in September recommending additional funding to these five BIAs and potentially others.
