In this issue:
NIGHT MARKET with you our members AND the Duncan Farmers’ Market
And your opportunity to get in on the night action! That’s right – the Duncan Farmers’ Market is holding 6-night markets this year – starting on Thursday, June 20th, with additional markets on July 18th, August 15th, September 19th, October 17 and November 21. We are creating a marketing campaign to support night shopping in downtown Duncan on these dates – so please let us know if your business will participate by staying open and welcoming shoppers on these dates – times are from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Station Street Common Update
The City of Duncan, based on feedback from McElhanney and recent quotes for direct order of site furniture, is implementing the following design changes:
Direct order of site furniture including tables, benches, stools, garbage cans, and a water fountain/filling station.
Reducing the height of the stage.
Replacing large shade/weather 'pins' over the stage with a new shade cover design.
Adding permanent shade/weather protective umbrellas attached to tables on the south side, with the same table type on the west side to allow for more permanent shade umbrellas as budget permits.
Reducing electrical load to food truck stalls from 50-amp to 30-amp services, allowing for single phase power service to the park.
Removing two proposed streetlights on Craig Street while keeping the proposed streetlight at the washroom building.
Removing the flagstone pathway through the park, with plans to finalize a path in the future once pedestrian patterns are clearer.
While we don't have new design plans to share yet, these changes will help ensure the project remains on budget. The overall design will stay mostly the same with the updates mentioned above. The plan is to begin construction this fall (date TBD).
Safety and Security Initiative Benchmark Survey Coming Your Way
We are pleased to announce the launch of our Safety and Security Initiative Benchmark Study (a quantitative online survey) for downtown Duncan on June 25, 2024. This survey will serve as a benchmark to measure future improvements in the safety and security of our downtown area. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us understand downtown business community concerns and develop effective solutions. Each BIA member will receive a unique survey link. Please ensure you complete the survey by July 15, 2024. For any questions or assistance, contact us at ddbia@downtownduncan.ca or 250-715-1700. Thank you for your participation in making downtown Duncan a safer and more vibrant community.
Celebrate Duncan Pride with Us!
The DDBIA is very pleased to once again, provide sponsorship funding to the Cowichan Pride Society this year! Please join us for a day of equity, inclusion, and celebration of the 2SLGBTIA+ community in the Cowichan Valley! The Cowichan Pride Society is thrilled to once again host this joyous occasion. Our Pride Walk will take place on Sunday, June 23, starting at 11:00 am.
This human-powered procession welcomes marchers, cyclists, roller-bladers, and even those with handcarts—just no motorized vehicles, except for personal mobility scooters. The walk culminates in City Square for a lively festival filled with fun and camaraderie. Save the date and join us in spreading love and acceptance.
We’re also excited to announce a Window Decorating Contest for Pride Month! The DDBIA and the Cowichan Pride Society will give a shout-out to participating businesses with posted window displays on our social media. The winner will be announced at the Pride Festival on June 23rd and will be presented with a gift basket. We encourage all downtown Duncan BIA members to decorate their windows in celebration! There are plenty of volunteer opportunities to sign up for here. Let’s make this Pride celebration one to remember!
Can you spare two hours? Help Needed for Duncan Days Fun!
With Duncan Days just around the corner (July 12, 13 and 14), we want to take a moment to express gratitude to those who have already volunteered to host family-friendly activities. Your enthusiasm and dedication are truly inspiring! As we finalize the plans for Duncan Day, we kindly ask those who have volunteered to host activities to confirm their commitment. Your confirmation will enable us to organize the schedule effectively and ensure that every aspect of the event runs smoothly. Remember, Duncan Days is a community effort, and your involvement is vital in making it a memorable experience for everyone. Together, we can create a day filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories for families in Duncan. Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to our community.
Duncan Days Schedule of Events
Below, see an outline of the three day event. Please look out for a DDBIA team member who will drop off mini posters for you to distribute to your customers.
Day 1: Friday, July 12 - Sidewalk Sale Day
Description: The annual Sidewalk Sale in downtown Duncan is a beloved tradition where Craig Street (from Station to Kenneth) is closed to vehicle traffic, allowing merchants to set up booths on the street. Other streets downtown will also have merchants bringing sale items out to the sidewalk, though they remain open to traffic.
Day 2: Saturday, July 13 - Street Party (10 AM - 3 PM)
Description: The big day of the event with various activities, demonstrations, and live performances. Kenneth, Station, all of Craig, and Jubilee from Government to Kenneth will be closed to car traffic. The day includes a variety of vendors, non-profits, and local businesses showcasing their products and services.
Key Activities:
Demonstration by the Cowichan Valley Roller Derby Association
Chalk art installation and Pet Portraits by the Cowichan Valley Arts Council
Kid's crepe decorating by Ironworks Cafe and Creperie
Downtown Treasure Trail designed by The Fort with prizes
Live music by Craig Street Brew Pub
Expanded Duncan Farmers' Market
39 Days of July Festival in Charles Hoey Park
Busker's Station
Activities by Red Balloon Toyshop
Continuation of the Sidewalk Sale
Mini golf, giant pong, and mechanical bull
Sno-kones and Kid's Cornhole Tournament by the Rotary Club
Adult-focused Cornhole Tournament by Fresh Kenny's
Performance by Warmland Dance
Live music and beer garden by The Elks
Psychic Fair by Wishes
Grand Parade by Duncan Cowichan Festival Society starting at 10 AM
Day 3: Sunday, July 14 - Car Show and Motorcycle Show and Shine (9 AM - 3 PM)
Description: The final day features a car show and motorcycle show and shine, providing a fun and engaging end to Duncan Days. Kenneth Street will host the car show, and Station Street will host the motorcycle show and shine.
Key Activities:
Car Show hosted by The Elks on Kenneth Street
Motorcycle Show and Shine sponsored by Ironworks Cafe and Creperie along with DDBIA on Station Street
6 prize categories for the Motorcycle Show and Shine
Proceeds benefiting Cowichan Independent Living and Resource Centre and Helmet Head Canada
Duncan Days Grande Parade
Attention all community members! Do you want to be part of the excitement of the Duncan Days Grand Parade on Saturday, July 13? If so, download the attached PDF and send it to Jeff Leggat, the Grande Parade Marshall, at jleggat42@hotmail.com. Join us for a fun-filled day celebrating our community spirit!
Street Closures for Duncan Days
It’s a three-day extravaganza this year – July 12th, 13th and 14th. And that means some street closures so your shoppers and visitors downtown can enjoy all the events and activities! On Friday, July 12th – Craig Street will be closed between Government and Kenneth – so everyone can enjoy the Duncan Days Sidewalk Sale! On Saturday, July 13th – we will close all of Station, Craig, Kenneth (from Canada to Jubilee) and Jubilee from Government to Kenneth! And Sunday, July 14th, all of Station and Kenneth. Watch here and on social media for more news about all the specific events and activities planned for each day!
Transform Your Storefront with the Facade Improvement Grant!
Are you looking to enhance the visual appeal of your business and make a lasting impression on customers? We are thrilled to offer you the opportunity to do just that through our Facade Improvement Grant!
How It Works
Make your plan and gather your documents: Submit your application to the DDBIA.
Approval Process: Ensure your application is complete and approved by the Development Committee.
Transform Your Business: With the grant secured, proceed with your exterior enhancements.
Submit receipts at the end of your project: Receive 50% of your spend up to $5,000 (before taxes).
Important Reminder: To qualify for the Facade Improvement Grant, your application must be complete and approved before any work begins. Don't miss out on this chance to invest in the visual appeal of your business and attract more customers! Questions or need assistance? Contact the DDBIA at ddbia@downtownduncan.ca. Email us and request the application or find it here on our website.
Grab Your Spot on the Digital Billboard for September!
Are you searching for opportunities to boost your visibility? Our Co-advertising Program for our members is a fantastic Digital Billboard Offer: For a dynamic and impactful presence, take advantage of our digital billboard located on Highway 1. Enjoy a two-week cycle of exclusive advertising for only $150. This limited-time offer ensures your message reaches a wide audience in a high-traffic area – literally! Act fast to seize this incredible deal. For reservations and inquiries, contact us at ddbia@downtownduncan.ca.
Secure your spot on our Billboard!
Take advantage of the DDBIA's co-advertising opportunities with subsidized placement on our Hwy 1 billboard! We sell 4 placements on a billboard at a discounted rate for our members. These placements run for 3-month periods at $750.
We have the billboard set up so that it features up to four businesses at once. We have found that the best way to make this design feasible is to use logos only and place them on a background branded with DDBIA colours and visuals or phrasing encouraging visitors to check out Downtown Duncan. We aim to have each logo at a legible size so that the design can be comprehended at a distance.
The layout of each billboard does vary from time to time, as we make adjustments for logos with unique shapes, colours and qualities. We always provide you with a proof of the design before it goes to production. This is to ensure that we are all on the same page and you are happy with the way that your business is being portrayed.
While we usually aim to sell 4 placements to individual businesses, we are also open to exploring other placement/layout options. If a member is interested in purchasing 2 or more of the 4 spots - that is certainly an option. This would allow the business to have half (or more) of the billboard. Which does open up the design possibilities to include photography or more word-heavy messaging.
to secure your spot or learn more, send us an email.
Future Events
· DFM and downtown NIGHT MARKET – June 20th
· Duncan Days – July 12, 13 and 14
· DFM and downtown NIGHT MARKET – July 18th
· Member Social – July 25 location is at Redefined Clothing Boutique – 162 Station Street.
· DFM and downtown NIGHT MARKET – August 15th
· DFM and downtown NIGHT MARKET – September 19th
· DFM and downtown NIGHT MARKET – October 17th
· Member Social – November 7 location TDB
· DFM and downtown NIGHT MARKET – November 21st
· Christmas Kick-Off – November 22nd
· Christmas Contest Window Themes (two BIG PRIZES this year): The Christmas Sweater OR West Coast Christmas.
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