Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association
Tell us about your business and why you should receive this award!
The Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association (DSBIA) is honoured to be nominated for the Community Builder Award. As a non-profit organization committed to the vibrancy and vitality of downtown Squamish, the DSBIA has made a significant and lasting impact on the community through public art, inclusive events, beautification, advocacy, and strong collaboration with local partners.
One of the DSBIA's most visible community contributions is through placemaking and beautification. Initiatives like the Squamish Mural Walk Festival have transformed downtown into a vibrant public art destination, celebrating local culture while attracting visitors and boosting tourism. This project doesn't just beautify downtown but also sparks dialogue, promotes inclusivity, and showcases the creatives of Squamish.
The DSBIA is also proud to host and support community events that bring people together in celebration. From Squamish Together on July 1, an inclusive, family-friendly gathering, to the cherished Holiday Parade, our events strengthen community while boosting economic activity for local businesses. These shared goals are a core part of what makes Squamish a special place to live and visit.
Our commitment to community care extends into the everyday through initiatives like the Clean Downtown Program, which removes graffiti, unauthorized postering, and stickers from buildings and public spaces. This ongoing program helps ensure downtown remains clean, safe, and welcoming for all residents, visitors, and business owners.
In addition to our visible public facing work, the DSBIA plays a critical role behind the scenes as an advocate for over 200 member businesses. We actively engage at all levels of government, municipal, provincial, and federal, to ensure the voices of downtown businesses are heard and represented in policy discussions and planning decisions. Whether it's advocating for infrastructure improvements, economic relief programs, or more inclusive development policies, the DSBIA serves as a trusted bridge between business owners and decision makers. Our ongoing communication and engagement efforts help our members navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to the growth and prosperity of our community.
Collaboration is a core value of the DSBIA. We work closely with the District of Squamish, local non-profits, Indigenous partners, artists, and other community organizations to deliver initiatives that serve the broader community. These partnerships have helped drive meaningful improvements to the downtown area, from public amenities and safety enhancements to programming and cultural initiatives that benefit everyone.
The DSBIA exists not just to support business, but to build community. Through advocacy, art, events, and beautification, we aim to create a downtown that reflects the values, diversity, and creativity of Squamish. We are deeply grateful for this nomination and remain committed to continuing our work as a connector, collaborator, and community builder.
