In this issue:
Silver Bells Event Update
Due to inclement weather, we made the tough decision to cancel this year’s Christmas Kick-Off. However, we’re excited to announce Silver Bells, a reimagined holiday event happening on December 5th alongside Sip & Shop! Visitors can enjoy extended shopping hours, festive treats, live music by Tropic Mayhem, fireworks, and more. While scaled back from past events, Silver Bells offers a magical blend of family-friendly fun and grown-up holiday cheer. Curious about the full story and what’s in store? click the .pdf below to read more.
Station Street Common Update
Between now and January 2, 2025, there will be NO street or sidewalk closures in the heart of downtown Duncan. Construction begins on Station Street Common as planned on November 25th, but your downtown experience will remain uninterrupted through the holiday season. What to Know for January 2025:
The sidewalk around Station Street Common (Craig & Station Streets) will be closed for the duration of construction starting January 2, 2025.
Craig Street (Station to Kenneth) will have a two-day closure for hydro work – January 13-14, 2025.
A portion of Station Street between Canada and Craig will be single alternating traffic. Traffic Control will be on site – from January 6-9, 2025.
Voting is open for the Christmas Window Decorating Contest!
Our annual Christmas Window Decorating Contest is back, and voting is in full swing! This year’s contest offers two BIG prizes (Voters Choice and BOD Choice). Themes are:
The Christmas Sweater
West Coast Christmas
Voting is done online, and all participating businesses receive a special window poster with a QR code for easy voting access (contact us if you don’t have yours yet). Get creative and join in the festive fun! And the best part?– we are running social media campaigns to promote your gorgeous windows and business!
Sip and Shop on December 5 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm
Mark your calendars for the second annual holiday Sip and Shop on Thursday, December 5, from 6–9 pm! This festive event is a great opportunity for members to showcase their products, draw in holiday shoppers, and boost seasonal sales — all in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.
We encourage you to sign up to participate and make the most of this festive shopping night! Don’t miss out on this chance to connect with the community, spread some holiday cheer, and make it a successful night for your business.
Let’s make this Sip and Shop a memorable night for everyone. We hope you’ll join us in bringing the holiday spirit downtown!
The organizers of Sip & Shop are organizing a Sip & Shop Giveaway to add extra cheer to the event. If you’d like to participate, consider donating a gift card or item from your store.
Suggested value: $50–$100. Your contribution will highlight your store while drawing attention to all that downtown Duncan has to offer!
By participating, you'll not only support this festive event but also enjoy additional promotion through our event marketing.
Interested in donating? Let us know by November 25. Email us at ddbia@downtownduncan.ca or call the office at 250-715-1700.
Securing Small Business Rebate
There has been an increase in mischief and window-smashing activity again this late fall (the same pattern we witnessed last winter). How can you respond?
The first is to REPORT to the RCMP. While these events are generally after the fact, it is paramount to report to the RCMP using their online portal here. Or, call our local non-emergency line here in Duncan at 250.748.5522.
If we don’t have statistics to measure this type of crime in our downtown, it makes it very difficult to direct attention (policing) to our downtown.
If you have suffered a window break-in then please use the Securing Small Business Rebate program – The application process is simple to apply for either a $2,000 grant to repair damage done or a $1,000 grant to prevent damage (installation of cameras, or more secure window and or door elements). It is a GRANT – not a matching fund. Here is the direct link to both here.
Future Events
Silver Bells – It’s Christmas Time in the City [Square]
December 5 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Sip and Shop – December 5 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Member Social – December 12 location Expedia Cruises
Christmas Contest Window Themes (two BIG PRIZES this year): The Christmas Sweater AND / OR West Coast Christmas awarded on December 20th. Voting begins TODAY and winners announced December 16th.