Embracing Downtown: 24 years living and leading in the downtown core
A perfect weekend day for Luca starts off with a leisurely stroll along the seawall with his wife and two 13-year-old huskies. The dogs love the city as much as anyone, especially the parks, the occasional swim in the ocean, and – if they’re lucky – scavenging for pizza crusts from the night before while walking down Granville Street on their morning route. For Luca and his wife, Kristine, the morning wouldn’t be complete without stopping at one of downtown’s cozy cafes for a much-needed hit of caffeine. Along the way, they’ll also stop at one of downtown’s farmers’ markets or a local grocer to pick up fresh, local produce, artisanal bread and gourmet cheese, which they’ll enjoy for lunch back at home.
“Downtown Van has been instrumental in revitalizing the city’s core over the past few years,” says Luca. “The beauty of downtown Vancouver is in its seamless blend of business, culture, and nature. I love how easily I can transition from daytime meetings to a late afternoon at the park, and then to an evening at a world-class culture venue – all without leaving downtown. The energy here is undeniable, especially as people return to the offices, fill the restaurants, and engage with the arts.” This revitalization is not just a backdrop to his life but also a testament to his own contributions.
Luca’s tenure on the Downtown Van Board of Directors stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to supporting downtown. Over his eight years with the board, including nearly three years as Chair, Luca played a pivotal role in steering the organization through a transformative period. His tenure was marked by significant milestones such as the Re-Imagine Downtown Campaign, the establishment of a new 10-year mandate, a comprehensive overhaul of the bylaws, and a strategic reconfiguration of the committee structure.
The most notable aspect of Luca’s tenure was his leadership during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic. Shortly after stepping into the role of Board Chair, the city and downtown, in particular, faced unprecedented obstacles. Luca and the Downtown Van Board adapted quickly, launching the Downtown Economic Recovery Task Force and advocating for vital support programs to help the downtown core survive and recover. “Being of service to the community that I love, which I have worked and lived in for so long, continues to be a privilege,” Luca reflects. He describes this period as “one of the greatest honours of his career,” highlighting how it allowed him to grow immensely as a business owner, leader, and engaged Vancouverite.
Throughout his leadership on the Board, Luca collaborated with three different presidents, oversaw numerous board elections, hosted four annual meetings, and spoke at countless events. His dedication during this critical time not only supported the survival of downtown businesses but also contributed significantly to the rapid recovery of the area compared to other coastal city centers. Luca’s leadership and the collective efforts of the board and team played a crucial role in rejuvenating downtown Vancouver, solidifying its position as a vibrant and resilient urban center.
In addition to his contributions to the Downtown Van board, for the past 20 years, Luca has been a corporate commercial lawyer based in downtown Vancouver. He currently serves as President of Boughton Law and is a member of the firm’s Board of Directors. Boughton Law has been a cornerstone of Vancouver’s legal landscape for over 75 years, dedicated to understanding clients’ needs and providing tailored legal solutions. The firm offers a range of services, including corporate and commercial law, real estate, immigration, and litigation. Boughton Law is also committed to supporting Indigenous communities and various government agencies, focusing on building trust, fostering innovation, and delivering practical results
Looking ahead, both Boughton Law and downtown Vancouver are poised for exciting developments. At Boughton Law, there is a keen interest in expanding services and strengthening community collaborations. For downtown Vancouver, major events on the horizon include the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2025 JUNO Awards, the Invictus Games, and Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour. With such events approaching, downtown Vancouver is set to become even more vibrant and engaging. Boughton Law is eager to help businesses navigate these growth opportunities, ensuring that downtown remains a prosperous and attractive place for all.
From everyone at Downtown Van, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Luca for his exceptional service and unwavering dedication to our community. His efforts have been instrumental in the resilience and revitalization of our beloved downtown. We deeply appreciate his continued commitment to making our downtown a thriving and vibrant destination like no other.
Learn more about Boughton Law and all the services they offer on their website.
