As North Vancouver heads toward the 2026 municipal election, the North Vancouver Chamber is making sure the priorities of our members and the greater business community are part of the conversation.
Ahead of the election, we conducted a survey to better understand the most important and pressing issues facing businesses in North Vancouver.
Eighty-four per cent of respondents were senior managers, executives or business owners, representing a diverse range of industries and company sizes. Responses represented approximately 10% of North Vancouver Chamber membership.
The results point to a challenging business environment, with increasing costs, workforce pressures, and economic uncertainty making it more difficult to operate and grow a business in North Vancouver.
Transportation tops the list
Transportation was identified as the No. 1 issue for North Vancouver businesses.
For employers, transportation is closely connected to the challenge of attracting and retaining employees.
Affordable housing was also identified as a major challenge for employers. Other significant concerns identified through the survey included:
- Increasing property taxes and business costs
- Regulatory burdens
- Delays in approvals and permitting
- Difficulty accessing and retaining employees
- Economic uncertainty
Together, these issues paint a picture of the pressures businesses are navigating every day and the conditions that can affect their ability to thrive.
Bringing the business community into the conversation
Listening to businesses is an important part of the North Vancouver Chamber’s advocacy work.
By gathering input directly from our members and sharing what we hear, we can help ensure the issues affecting local businesses are part of the broader municipal conversation.
The survey results were shared on September 24 at our Municipal Pre-Election Mixer, held at Bodwell High School.
The event brought together City of North Vancouver and District of North Vancouver mayoral and council candidates with members of the business community for an opportunity to connect one-on-one and discuss the issues that matter to businesses right now.
There was plenty of buzz in the room as candidates and Chamber members connected throughout the evening. It was encouraging to see so many community members getting out, getting informed, and asking questions ahead of casting their votes.
For the Chamber, creating opportunities for these conversations is an important part of supporting an informed and engaged business community—and ensuring the perspectives of local businesses are heard.
Thank you to our sponsors, Event Supporter, Canadian Association of Retired Persons, and Venue Sponsor, Bodwell High School, for helping make the evening possible.
A special thank you also goes to the Bodwell High School staff and student volunteers for their support throughout the event.
The North Vancouver Chamber will continue listening to our members, sharing their priorities with all levels of government, and advocating for the conditions local businesses and our economy need to thrive.
