A chart quantifying sales from 2005 through 2011 demonstrated a steady increase from 2009 through 2010. Sales from 2011 were nearly 24 percent higher than the previous year.
Although the project area extends beyond what is considered the city center, Vancouver’s Downtown Association (VDA) said this as a positive indicator of longed-for change.
“There is no doubt that our downtown is growing,” said VDA Executive Director Lee Rafferty in a press release. “New businesses are springing up all around. Building owners are feeling optimistic enough to invest in façade improvements. Our streets are busier. Anecdotally, we know that there is a very positive trend here. It is wonderful to have actual data to back that up.”
