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.
2025 Report on Downtown: A Wake Up Call
This year’s report tells a more urgent story than years past. While key sectors like tourism remain strong, the concerns expressed by downtown businesses have reached a tipping point. The 2025 Report on Downtown: A Wake Up Call reflects a clear and growing sentiment: if conditions do not improve, more businesses may be forced to reconsider their future downtown.
This year’s Downtown Victoria Business Association’s member survey received a record number of responses. Nearly half of respondents (48%) said they would consider closing if their lease were up in the next 12 months. Over 39% of businesses reported a decline in net profit over the past year. Retail vacancy sits at 11%, and nearly 54% of businesses gave downtown a C+ or lower as a place of business. These are serious indicators of erosion in confidence and stability.
Street disorder and public safety concerns continue to affect customer perceptions and day-to-day operations. The report states what’s needed from all levels of government to restore confidence in downtown as a place to do business, work, and visit.
Downtown Victoria remains a unique and vibrant part of our region, with committed entrepreneurs and a welcoming, resilient community. This report is both a reflection and a call to action: the time for change is now.
Read previous years’ annual reports below:
2025 AGM RESOURCES
The 2025 Annual General Meeting will take place at the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour from 8 am to 10 am, and includes a breakfast buffet opportunity. The doors open and breakfast begins at 7:45 am. There is no cost to attend the AGM but there will be a $10 minimum donation to participate in the breakfast buffet. All funds raised will be donated to Victoria Women In Need Community Cooperative, a local charity.
Please register to attend using the Eventbrite link.
The DVBA Board of Directors has nominated the following candidates for this year’s board vacancies:
- Erin Boggs, Robinson’s Outdoor Store
- Scott Cameron, Cameron Izard Snell
- Kristen Kitchen, Jawl Properties
- Penny Lai, Gala Fabrics
- Bill Lewis, Magnolia Hotel
- Clayton Thornber, Rudi
Further nominations for the Board are welcome, using the nomination form linked on this page. They must be received by June 4, 2025.
Following the business of the AGM, we will have a panel discussion about the City of Victoria’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan. Panelists will be Mayor Marianne Alto, Police Chief Del Manak, and Robert Jawl (click here for panel bios). AGM attendees will have the opportunity to ask the panel questions and raise concerns.
