CHAIR AND PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
This year felt like we finally returned to a normal schedule for BOMA BC and our members. While the effects of the pandemic on commercial real estate are ongoing, it has been a pleasure to have our regular series of networking and education events return. These events enable members to connect as well as learn about crucial issues impacting our industry. We are excited to be the host city for our national conference, BOMEX, in September which will see us welcome delegates from across Canada and the US to our beautiful province.
We’ve continued with significant work on key advocacy issues including municipal property tax, access to aggregated metering data, carbon limits and reporting, and improved permitting processes at the City of Vancouver. We grew the Greater Victoria 2030 District to almost 40 buildings representing nearly 4 million square feet committed to reducing energy and greenhouse gas emissions. Our work on workforce labour market issues saw us attend our first-ever job fair and start planning a Commercial Real Estate program for property managers and building operators at BCIT.
We were thrilled with the generosity of members at our raffles and 50/50 draws throughout the year to raise money for BC charities. In 2023, we raised $20,000 and were honoured to support the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, the Greater Vancouver and Kelowna Food Banks as well as The Mustard Seed (Victoria). Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this support possible.
This was Leanne’s last term as board chair. We thank her for her contributions as Chair and hard work on behalf of the Association. We also look forward to sharing in the coming months a new three-year strategic plan to guide our work based on member feedback.
Finally, thank you to all of our BOMA BC members for your engagement and participation. You are the reason BOMA BC exists!
Leanne Reynolds, Chair
Damian Stathonikos, President
VICTORIA CHAPTER MESSAGE
BOMA Victoria has remained committed to providing practical insights and services to our members. 2023 was a productive year, filled with a diverse array of networking and educational events. We kicked off the year with the highly anticipated Mayoral Forum, facilitating engaging discussions on both shared and unique challenges encountered by industry members across municipalities. Our Hybrid Horizons luncheon delved into the dynamic landscape of office spaces in Victoria, featuring perspectives from influential leaders and professionals navigating the post-COVID hybrid work era. Additionally, attendees gained a firsthand prelude to the BC Government office leasing strategy and the future downtown landscape. The tour of the McLoughlin Point Wastewater Treatment Plant offered a glimpse into innovative waste-to-water processes and sustainable building technologies. Members also benefited from presentations by local professionals, discussing the anticipated changes to the BC Building Code and earthquake preparedness strategies provided by the City of Victoria.
These events, alongside our annual Golf Tournament and Christmas Luncheon, have served as invaluable platforms for networking, learning, and collaboration within our community. Moreover, several members continued their active involvement in the Greater Victoria 2030 District, acquiring knowledge, tools, and support while influencing regulations through municipal focus groups. This collaborative engagement has empowered our membership to seize emerging opportunities and position themselves for future success.
As my tenure as Chair draws to a close, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our members for their support, participation, engagement, and curiosity, all of which have been fundamental to our achievements. Leading and serving for these past five years has been profoundly rewarding, and I am honoured to have had this experience. Together, we have faced challenges and celebrated successes, highlighting the unwavering strength of our community. Looking ahead, I am confident that our chapter will continue to make a positive impact. Here's to the journey ahead, brimming with promise and opportunity.
Elyse Norgaard Kituri (Victoria Chair)