In the Neighbourhood: A Community Conversation Between Local BIAs and SFU

Downtown neighbourhoods have had their share of challenges recently, from COVID to public safety issues, from hybrid work to seemingly endless construction projects. Despite the obstacles, local organizations are committed to making the downtown core a flourishing, safe and welcoming place to work, live, shop, learn and play. Join us for a dynamic Lunch ‘n’ Learn event where Business Improvement Association (BIA) representatives from Downtown, Gastown, and Hastings Crossing present a brief state of their districts in collaboration with SFU.
The downtown campus sits at the nexus of these neighbourhoods, and thus plays a pivotal role in community discussions around their wellbeing. The event will delve into how BIAs support their communities and address pressing issues affecting our city. Discover the positive developments happening downtown and participate in an engaging dialogue. This one-hour session, featuring a panel discussion and audience Q&A, promises valuable insights and a call to action for faculty, leadership, and students.

This is an in-person event with lunch provided.

Jane Talbot
President and CEO of the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (Downtown Van)
Jane Talbot, President and CEO of the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (Downtown Van), has dedicated her career to mission-driven organizations, including the BC Persons With AIDS Society, BC SPCA, and YMCA of Greater Vancouver. Each role has fueled her passion for impacting Vancouver's residents.

Joining Downtown Van in 2017 as Director of Operations, Jane deepened her community connection, paving the way for her current role as CEO. Her commitment to community service drives her to lead Downtown Van towards positive change, leaving a lasting mark on Vancouver's business community.
Walley Wargolet
Executive Director of the Gastown Business Improvement Association
Walley Wargolet is the Executive Director of the Gastown Business Improvement Association. He served as a board member for 7 years before taking on this senior role in 2021. Before moving to Canada in 2005, Wargolet, an American, had an extensive career in investment management and business consulting in Boston, Chicago and San Francisco, at financial institutions such as Wells Fargo and Montgomery Asset Management. In 2011, Wargolet became an investment partner in Dutil Denim Shop, a luxury fashion retailer in Vancouver, launching an e-commerce program and facilitating the national roll out of the company.
Landon Hoyt
Executive Director of the Hastings Crossing Business Improvement Association (HxBIA)
Landon Hoyt is the Executive Director of the Hastings Crossing BIA. He has over 12 years of experience with seniority in starting and leading business associations, managing and hosting large-scale events, and supporting the local economic development and poverty reduction sector in BC. He is a dedicated leader in public engagement, poverty reduction, and urbanist communities. He has built and led multi-disciplined teams and has been a valuable logical thinker whenever he manages projects and people. He previously served as the Executive Director of HxBIA from 2015 to 2018 and returned to the role in 2023.
Galib Bhayani
Chief Safety and Risk Officer at Simon Fraser University
Galib Bhayani is a respected public safety leader and accomplished academic with over 30 years of public safety experience and over 15 years as a university educator. Having served as a senior leader in the RCMP Metro Vancouver, he was responsible for prioritizing community safety initiatives, and developing emergency plans and strategies for 1.8 million residents. With global recognition, he held the role of UN Regional Security Chief in Sudan and spearheaded policing reform efforts in Baghdad, Iraq. Honored with the Member Order of Merit, he currently serves as the Chief Safety and Risk Officer at Simon Fraser University.

Host or Publisher SFU's Vancouver Campus