Opinion: An election is a chance to put B.C.’s main streets back at the centre

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeOpinionOp-Ed Opinion: An election is a chance to put B.C.’s main streets back at the centre  Jeremy Heighton: Every party and candidate needs to articulate how they would create the conditions for safer, stronger, more resilient business communities. Pretending there are simple answers doesn't help anyone, but accepting the status quo can't be the answer either Author of the article: By Jeremy Heighton Published Sep 24, 2026 Last updated 1 hour ago 3 minute read Join the conversation A new tax or regulatory requirement may appear manageable in isolation but small businesses experience them alongside rising rents, wages, insurance, security, supplies and other operating expenses. For businesses working on thin margins, those cumulative costs matter, writes Jeremy Heighton. PHOTO BY NICK PROCAYLO /PNG Article content Provincial elections inevitably produce big debates about the future of British Columbia. But amid the competing announcements and campaign promises, we can’t lose sight of the places where many of the challenges facing our province are experienced every day: our downtowns, main streets and commercial districts. Article content These are the places where British Columbians work, shop, meet and build community. They are also home to tens of thousands of small businesses that employ our neighbours, support local organizations and contribute to the character and economic vitality of communities across B.C. Article content Article content Article content As British Columbians head into an early provincial election, those businesses deserve to be part of the conversation. Business Improvement Areas of B.C. represents the majority of the province’s 80 Business Improvement Areas and more than 55,000 small businesses. What we hear from them is remarkably consistent: operating conditions are deteriorating and, for many, remaining viable is becoming increasingly difficult. Article content Sunrise Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content Costs have risen. Economic uncertainty persists. Businesses are struggling to attract and retain employees. And in too many communities, public safety, street disorder, retail crime and repeat offending have become…