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.
2026 Report on Downtown: The Road Ahead
The mission of the Downtown Victoria Business Association is to nurture and promote the vitality and vibrancy of downtown Victoria while advocating for its business community. Our vision is to be the authority on all things downtown.
The 2026 Annual Report on Downtown provides a snapshot of downtown Victoria today, examining public perception, business sentiment, visitation patterns, and economic indicators.
This report focuses on the key issues facing downtown businesses. The data highlights ongoing concerns related to public disorder, open drug use, safety, traffic flow, and parking.
This year, the DVBA commissioned Research Co. to conduct a public opinion survey examining perceptions of downtown Victoria among residents across Greater Victoria. The results aligned closely with feedback from downtown businesses: concerns related to safety and
driving/parking discourage more frequent visitation for many.
Some of the solutions identified in this report will require governments to acknowledge that certain policies are not working as intended and require reassessment, adjustment, or pause.
Read previous years’ annual reports below:
2026 AGM RESOURCES
The 2026 Annual General Meeting will take place on June 23, 2026 at the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour from 8 am to 10 am. The doors open at 7:30 am. There is no cost to attend the AGM, but we ask that you register through the Eventbrite link in advance. All attendees are invited to donate when registering to our charity partner, the Victoria Women In Need Community Co-operative.
The Board has presented the following slate of candidates:
- Jonathan de Vooght, Jordan’s Furniture
- Mike Spence, The Drake Eatery and Herald Street Brew Works
- Sophia Pugh, Scotiabank
- Stephanie Hartwig, Hartwig Properties
- Tim Summers, Crease Harmon LLP
Nominations for the Board are welcome, using the nomination form linked on this page. Nominations must be received by June 9, 2026. They can be submitted by email to info@downtownvictoria.ca.
