CONTENTS
THE BRIEF
11. INBOX
Three decades in, Vancouver-based
jewellery brand Pyrrha proves that a
small, scrappy start can grow into a
star-studded success story.
14. BUSINESS CLIMATE
B.C. wants more drivers to go electric,
but gaps in charging infrastructure
are leaving many would-be buyers
unplugged.
18. LAND VALUES
The fourplex era was supposed to
spark a building boom. Instead, high
costs and risk mean applications
trickle in—and permits lag.
20. GO FIGURE
From tourism windfalls to taxpayer
costs—we break down the numbers
behind FIFA World Cup's economic
impact on Vancouver and B.C.
22. SMALL TOWN SUCCESS
In Campbell River, Alissa Assu is
building a wellness empire rooted in
Indigenous storytelling, land-based
practices and community care.
WORK/LIFE
57. CANDID
CONVERSATIONS
Legendary Canadian broadcaster
George Stroumboulopoulos shares
his favourite Vancouver small
businesses—and why they matter.
60. INVENTORY
From forest-inspired beeswax to
luxe soy blends, these B.C. candle
brands set the mood right.
62. CARRY ON
Pet travel has gone from a
quirky extra to serious business—
complete with spas, lounges and
concierge care.
63. SOCIAL CUES
With chaotic captions and trippy
visuals, this Japanese snack bar
shows how not taking yourself too
seriously pays off online.
FEATURES
28.
ON THE EDGE
OF DISASTER
Condo presales have collapsed,
projects are stalling and layoffs are
mounting— leaving developers
pleading for support before it
becomes a catastrophe.
36.
PASSING THE
BOOMER BATON
As succession looms, "boring
businesses" are hot commodities
for young entrepreneurs chasing
stability over flash.
42.
TROUBLE BREWING
The craft beer boom is over—rising
costs, shrinking demand and
shuttered taprooms are leaving
breweries scrambling for solutions.
50.
IS B.C. FAILING
SMALL BUSINESSES?
Record-low confidence, relentless
regulation—B.C.'s small biz owners
ask: How much more can we take?
PLUS
64. MONEY MAKERS
In the debut of our new column, a
Vancouver real estate VP shows why
even $240,000 doesn't buy security.
VOLUME 53 NUMBE R 7
BC B U S I N E SS OCTOB ER 2025 | 5
COVER: Adam Blasberg; this page: 11. Pyrrha/Johann Wall; 22. RavenSong/Bluetree Photography;
57. George Stroumboulopoulos: Alice Best; 42. Threefold Brewing: Michal Urbanek; illustration: Randall Watson
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