In this issue:
Congratulations to the 2023 DDBIA Business Awards Winners!
Celebrate Duncan Pride with Us!
Introducing our NEW DDBIA Staffer
Help Needed for Duncan Days Fun!
Become a Duncan Days Vendor
Duncan Days Parade
39 Days of July LAUNCH
Duncan Farmers’ Market Night Markets coming to City Square
Transform Your Storefront with the Facade Improvement Grant!
Exciting News from Excellent Frameworks, Home of the EJ Hughes Gallery!
Cowichan Valley Independent Living Resource Centre Fundraiser
Art & Wine: A Fundraiser for Cowichan Public Art Gallery
Congratulations to the 2023 DDBIA Business Awards Winners!
We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2023 Business Awards. Best New Business went to Mettra Pharmacy, and Innovation and Excellence was awarded to Cowichan Green Community.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the AGM on May 13 and celebrated with us. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Celebrate Duncan Pride with Us!
The DDBIA is very pleased to once again, provide some 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 and presented with a gift basket. We encourage all downtown Duncan BIA members to decorate their windows in celebration!
Introducing our NEW DDBIA Staffer
Connor Tanton, Member Engagement Specialist. Connor is a local Duncan guy, freshly returned from successfully completing a four-year Sociology degree at Western University and now back home, digging in, to make a difference in his hometown community. This summer you will have several opportunities to meet with Connor as he is working with the team on a Safety And Security Initiative for Downtown Duncan! Welcome Connor! If you wish to reach out to him directly, his email address is tanton@downtownduncan.ca.
Conner to supply photo
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.
Additionally, if you haven't yet had the chance to volunteer to host an activity, we would greatly appreciate your support. By hosting, you'll not only contribute to the success of Duncan Days but also help alleviate the workload on our small DDBIA staff. 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.
Become a Duncan Days Vendor
Starting July 12th, Craig Street will transform into a bustling marketplace for the annual sidewalk sale, joined by retailers from other surrounding streets offering fantastic deals and endless discoveries for shoppers and businesses alike.
On July 13th, the celebration continues with a vibrant community gathering featuring delicious food, family fun, and fantastic vendors!
Vendor application forms are available now, and if you are interested in having a booth on Station, Kenneth, Jubilee or Craig Street, the Vendor Application Form is essential in helping us map the streets and ensure there's room for everyone to shine!
Don't miss your chance to be a part of Duncan Days 2024! Secure your spot as a vendor by filling out the application form today. Let's make this year's festival truly unforgettable!
Duncan Days Parade
Attention all community members! Do you want to be part of the excitement of the Duncan Days 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!
Link to PDF (In May 08 Folder)
39 Days of July LAUNCH
The Duncan-Cowichan Festival Society invites everyone to the launch of 39 Days of July, 2024 on Wednesday, June 19th in City Square. Come to witness the big reveal – the line-up has never been better! The event starts at 6pm. Come and enjoy live music, hot dogs and grab some programs to distribute in your business or in your neighbourhood- “Let’s make this one a gooder” says Longevity John. We agree!
Duncan Farmers’ Market Night Markets coming to City Square
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, July 18th, August 15th, September 19th, October 17 and November 21. We will creating a marketing campaign to support night shopping in downtown Duncan on these dates – so please let us know if you will participate. The DFM Night Market hours will be from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
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 Billboards for July and August!
Are you searching for opportunities to boost your visibility? 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. Act fast to seize this incredible deal. For reservations and inquiries, contact us at ddbia@downtownduncan.ca.
Exciting News from Excellent Frameworks, Home of the EJ Hughes Gallery!
Suzan from Excellent Frameworks is on the lookout for a new space to lease in the vibrant downtown Duncan core. If you have or know of an available location that could become the next home for this beloved gallery and framing shop, please get in touch! Help us continue to celebrate and showcase incredible art right in the heart of our community.
Cowichan Valley Independent Living Resource Centre Fundraiser
The CVILRC heavily relies on community support and donations to fund its programs and welcome all contributions and volunteer efforts. Currently, they are hosting a bottle drive from May 15-31. Drop off bottles and cans at the Medical Loans Drop Off door (that faces Cloverdale Paints) or contact the team at 250-732-3770 for pickup. Upcoming events include a car wash and center tour from May 21-24, with summer programs starting in July. Check out their website or Facebook page for more info.
Art & Wine: A Fundraiser for Cowichan Public Art Gallery
The Cowichan Public Art Gallery is thrilled to partner with Blue Grouse Winery for the May Art & Wine fundraiser. This event, running throughout May, will transform the Blue Grouse tasting room into a pop-up art exhibition, combining exquisite wine tastings with a curated collection of local artworks. The aim is to raise funds for a new state-of-the-art gallery building in the Cowichan Valley. "We are excited to showcase our local artistic talent and bring people together to support our vision of a vibrant artistic space," says Michael Abbott, Manager at the Cowichan Public Art Gallery. Donations from this event will play a vital role in making this vision a reality.
Join us in celebrating creativity and community—raise a glass and support the future of art in the Cowichan Valley. For more information, visit www.cowichangallery.ca.
Future Events
· Applications for Duncan Days Vendors is now open.
· Duncan Days – July 12, 13 and 14
· Member Social – July 25 location TBD
· Member Social – November 7 location TDB
· 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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