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:
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. AGM attendees will have the opportunity to ask the panel questions and raise concerns.
