Collaborator Profile
Industry / Sector: Public / Non-Profit
The Hospitality Vancouver Association (HVA) advocates for and protects the business interests of its members in the Granville Entertainment District and Davie Village Corridors. With a vision to create a safe, diverse, and sustainable night-time economy (NTE) that enriches the lives of residents, businesses, and visitors.
A NTE that is characterised by a diverse array of cultural and entertainment offerings, thriving businesses, with engaged and connected communities; a place where people come to experience the best that our city has to offer, and to connect with one another in ways that are meaningful and transformative.
Challenge
This scope of work was funded and supported by Destination Vancover and Downtown Van. We often forget that the NTE is an invisible economy, one that fuels and is fueled bys “business that takes place during the day”. They are two sides of the same coin and both play a crucial role in cultivating a thriving city. This investment in the City’s future aims to generate economic growth and resiliency, remove municipal barriers, promote well-being, and contribute to a vibrant, livable, and prosperous Vancouver.
The purpose of the engagement was to validate the initial work led by HVA to envision a thriving NTE in a post-COVID pandemic Vancouver that promotes economic, cultural, and social resilience for the city. By gaining a deeper understanding of what establishing a NTE Office would potentially entail, we were intentional and collaborative, harnessing the collective power of the community to create social cohesion and inclusion. As economic recovery remains a top priority, to achieve a strong and sustainable transformation, we knew we had to start by breaking down silos. Many cities around the world have prioritised and established their own version of a NTE Office or in some cases, appointing “Night Mayors” or “Ambassadors”. This action has seen a positive effect in programming and initiatives, patron and worker safety, conflict resolution, and greater community collaboration. We know that there is much more to Vancouver’s reputation than the mountains and the 2010 Olympics. To increase the City’s global competitive advantage, systems and culture change needs to happen for a thriving NTE to be equitable, accessible, and inclusive.
The Process
Prism led and designed an inclusive engagement strategy – the most extensive consultation on the NTE in Vancouver’s history by bringing together diverse voices. Our holistic approach prioritised social equity by engaging systemically underrepresented and marginalised groups doing ‘invisible work’ during the night-time hours that keep the day-time economy thriving. This enabled us to steward the development of an equitable NTE strategy that can transform and catalyse a just society.
Our mixed methodology approach included deskside research, public survey, and focus group conversations. Key contributors included the voices of local business associations, city government officials, local nonprofits from recreation, tourist, leisure, culture and arts industries, and representatives from public service organisations and departments such as HVA, Music BC, Creative BC, ABLE, Vancouver Coastal Health. The Prism team gathered insights about the needs, opinions, and experiences presented in the What We Heard Report (WWHR). Report forthcoming.
Impact & Learnings
The Office will serve as a single point of contact that benefits residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Our shared vision with HVA is to create a safe, diverse, and sustainable NTE characterised by a diverse array of cultural and entertainment offerings, thriving businesses, and engaged and connected communities. Embedding accountability into the Office will be critical to ensure that lessons learned are captured and used for continuous improvement.
Testimonials
“A thriving night-time economy is not just about entertainment and leisure; it’s also about supporting local businesses, creating job opportunities, and enhancing our city’s overall energy and livability.”
Jane Talbot, Interim President and CEO of Downtown Van.
This consultation process will help us understand what Vancouverites want for the future of our city’s nightlife. A dedicated night-time economy office can help Vancouver realise its full potential as a 24-hour city, benefiting residents and visitors alike.” “A purposeful night-time economy is part of what increasingly defines the most successful, liveable and competitive global cities. There is great potential here to collaborate with our industry and contribute significant economic benefit, as well as elevate Vancouver’s image and reputation. No more ‘no fun city.’ ”
Royce Chwin, President & CEO of Destination Vancouver.
