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.
2022 Annual Report on Downtown
This report paints a fact-based picture of Victoria’s core, using quantitative data to measure the economic vitality of downtown. It reflects our businesses’ experiences, challenges aspects of the public narrative, shines light on the impacts of the pandemic, and highlights areas of concern from the business perspective.
This report also helps formulate our team’s actions. For example, in response to some of the challenges highlighted in last year’s member survey and annual report, we created security and vandalism grants to ease the financial burden of improving storefront security. This year, the DVBA boundary was expanded
considerably to include areas already considered to be downtown by most locals. Our membership increased significantly, and we look forward to next
year’s survey and report to better understand the challenges faced by these new business members.
By surveying, collating, and analysing data every year we can recognize trends and support the evolution of our downtown while mitigating concerns.
Do we have challenges downtown? Yes. However, notwithstanding the enduring impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, our downtown is the envy of many. Our businesses, professional services, and festivals and events, along with our natural beauty and cohesive community, will continue to put our downtown on the world stage
Read this and previous years’ annual reports below:
2023 AGM RESOURCES
The 2023 Annual General Meeting will take place at the Hotel Grand Pacific, from 8 – 10 am on June 15, 2023. The business of the meeting will be accompanied by a breakfast buffet, and will be followed by the presentation of the 2023 Annual Report on Downtown. 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:
- Scott Cameron, Cameron Izard Snell LLP
- Richard Egli, Alacrity Foundation
- Kirsten Kitchen, Jawl Properties
- Penny Lai, Gala Fabrics
- Bill Lewis, Magnolia Hotel
- Jessica Walker, Munro’s Books
Further nominations for the Board are welcome, using the nomination form linked on this page. They must be received by June 1, 2023.
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.
