In 2019, we published our First Annual DVBA Report on Downtown which established a baseline from which we could track changes — both positive and negative — year over year. One of the principal objectives of this report is to highlight the strengths of our downtown, identify member priorities for areas of improvement, and dispel some of the false narratives that exist.
This year’s Annual Report on Downtown lays out two parallel narratives. Victoria’s economy is faring well – industry, tourism, and development downtown is growing. Without question, people want to work, live, and visit our city. However, despite this favourable economic landscape, the challenges businesses face could drive them to leave.
Retail vacancy rates declined, 5% more new business licenses were issued in 2023 than 2022, the tourism, marine, and tech sectors are thriving, and more development of housing units are anticipated. There is a myriad of indicators that downtown Victoria’s economy is healthy. Yet, this year, 19.3% of business respondents in the Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA)’s
Member Survey gave downtown a failing grade. That is the highest percentage since we began surveying members. It is alarming.
Many small and medium sized businesses rely on locals as customers – 66% of all downtown customers come from within the CRD (Capital Regional District). The reliance on regional customers highlights why customer perception, drivability, and safety were the central challenges identified by businesses. Victorians’ belief that downtown is unclean, unsafe, boring, or otherwise not worth visiting, impacts downtown businesses. Additionally, we need people from Sooke to Sidney to be able to easily get into downtown (including by car) and find parking. Finally, survey results showed that 65.9% of respondents saw “some” or “significant” increase in 2023 in the impact of street crime on their business.
Downtown Victoria is a beautiful area with an inclusive and supportive community. In many ways, we are primed for success. Greater Victorians need to know they can access downtown safely and comfortably. The DVBA will continue to work towards mitigating the challenges while supporting the overall desirability of the core
Read previous years’ annual reports below:
2024 AGM RESOURCES
The 2024 Annual General Meeting will take place at the Hotel Grand Pacific, from 8 – 10 am on June 12, 2024. The business of the meeting will be accompanied by a breakfast buffet, and will be followed by the presentation of the 2024 Annual Report on Downtown and then a panel discussion about safety and crime prevention featuring Inspector Grant Hamilton (VicPD), MLA Grace Lore, and Victoria Councillor Dave Thompson.
Admission is free, but we will be accepting donations (via Eventbrite or as cheques at the door) on behalf of Wear2Start. Please register to attend using the Eventbrite link.
The DVBA Board of Directors has nominated the following candidates for this year’s board vacancies:
- Jonathan de Voogt, Jordan’s Furniture
- Bruce Hallsor, KC, Crease Harmon LLP
- Steph Hartwig, Hartwig Industries
- Sophia Pugh, Scotiabank
- Mike Spence, The Drake Eatery and Herald Street Brewworks
- Anna Wray, Colliers International
Further nominations for the Board are welcome, using the nomination form linked on this page. They must be received by May 25, 2024.
Following the business of the AGM, we will have a panel discussion about safety and crime prevention with Inspector Grant Hamilton (VicPD), MLA Grace Lore, and Victoria Councillor Dave Thompson. AGM attendees will have the opportunity to ask the panel questions and raise concerns.
Wear2Start breaks down barriers by providing self-identified women with business casual and casual clothing to assist them with their next steps – whatever those might be. They may need professional clothing for an upcoming interview or for the first days in a new job, they might be staying at the Transition House shelter and need appropriate clothing to go to a court appointment or meet with a potential landlord or they might just need clothing for everyday life.
Clients are referred by social service organizations and employment programs, and clients can also self-refer. They are provided with a personalized, 1-hour appointment at the downtown boutique and, by the time they leave, the hope is that they’re leaving with a couple of mix and match outfits, shoes, accessories, possibly a coat, a handbag, and a small bag of essential toiletries. Wear2Start is also able to provide a complimentary haircut at one of their partner salons.
There is no fee for these services. Wear2Start relies on fundraising to cover costs and all clothing is generously donated by the community. For more information or any questions please connect with Zoey Wells at zwells@wear2start.com.
