March Business News

British Columbia’s small businesses saw the steepest sales decline in Canada at the end of 2025, down 8.2% year-over-year, compared to a 4.1% national drop

According to the Business Improvement Areas of British Columbia, this confirms what many storefront businesses are already feeling: rising costs, tighter consumer spending, added taxes, and ongoing public safety challenges are putting enormous pressure on small, locally owned shops.

Here in Ambleside and Dundarave, our members are experiencing this firsthand. Many are operating on very thin margins while absorbing higher operating costs, security expenses, and declining foot traffic.

That’s why shopping local matters more than ever. Every purchase made in our neighbourhoods directly support local families, local jobs, and the vibrancy of our commercial district.

This is another reason we continue to ask Council to reconsider pay parking in Ambleside Park. At a time when businesses are already struggling, adding barriers or frustration around parking only increases stress for visitors and reduces the likelihood they’ll stop to shop or dine in the commercial area.