A dramatic increase in building in Abbotsford has made the city one of the region’s two “most business friendly” municipalities, according to an organization of commercial developers.
The award is given as part of an annual regional industrial development cost survey from NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association.
The NAIOP says Abbotsford’s award was given “in recognition of the City’s increase in building permit issuances from 2015 to 2017, as evidence of the city’s accomplishment in attracting businesses, encouraging the growth of existing businesses and promoting industrial development.”
Abbotsford won the award alongside the City of Maple Ridge, which was recognized for its expansion of employment lands. There have been joint honorees in the category since 2013.
The NAIOP also praised the city for its proposal to exclude around 500 acres of farmland from the Agricultural Land Reserve in order to provide more space for industrial growth. The plan was approved despite opposition from Bradner residents and others concerned about the loss of farmland.
The organization has also named Abbotsford the “most business friendly municipality” in 2011 and 2013.