On The Horizon - April 2nd, 2025
- Downtown Duncan
- Apr 2
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 3
What is on the Horizon for the Downtown Duncan Business Improvement Area? Read below to stay current on the day-to-day, upcoming events, and news from Members.
In this issue:
New DDBIA Website Is Live - Claim Your Business Listing Today!
We’re thrilled to announce that the brand-new DDBIA website is officially up and running! If you haven’t had a chance to check it out yet, head over to www.downtownduncan.ca and take a look.
Our new Business Directory is live! The new site features a fully searchable, filtered business directory – and your business is already listed! We’ve included the most up-to-date info we have, but some listings may look incomplete or be missing profile pictures. That’s where you come in. Now is the time to claim your directory listing and ensure that your business is accurately represented. It's quick and easy – just follow the instructions linked below.
Once you submit your info, it will need to be reviewed by DDBIA staff. Once approved, you’ll receive an email with the next steps to complete your profile.
Why It Matters
With the new site now live, people are already exploring the directory – and this is your chance to make a great first impression. A complete and accurate listing helps customers find you and encourages them to engage with your business. All directory listings are filtered and easily searchable, closing the gap between you and potential customers!
Act Now
We have over 300 members, so updating every listing will take time – but you can jump to the front of the line by claiming your listing today. Thank you for your patience and support as we build this new site – we hope you love it as much as we do! If you run into any issues or have feedback, let us know. Our goal is to make this site a valuable tool for you and our community.
We Want Your Feedback – How Are the Tariffs Affecting Your Business?
We’re asking DDBIA members to take a few minutes to complete a short survey about how the recent tariffs are impacting your business. Your input will help us understand the challenges you’re facing and how we can better support you.
Thank you for sharing your insights — your feedback is invaluable!
Join Our Exclusive Private Facebook Group for DDBIA Members!
We’re excited to invite you to our private Facebook group — a dedicated space for Downtown Duncan BIA member businesses to connect, share updates, and stay informed about opportunities, events, and promotions.
Because Facebook's invite links expire after 48 hours or 20 uses, we’re streamlining the process! Fill out the sign-up form below, and we’ll send you a dedicated invite link to ensure you get access.
🔹 How It Works:
Complete the short form with your business details.
We’ll email you a unique invite link within a few days.
Use the link to join the group with your business page (or personal profile if needed).
Need Help? If you have trouble joining, get in touch with us via email (ddbia@downtownduncan.ca), or call the office at 250-715-1700, and we’ll assist you!
Let’s build a stronger, more connected downtown community — sign up below to get started!
Digital Billboard Sales
The DDBIA offers members an exclusive opportunity to advertise in a high-traffic area at a deep discount! We sell advertising space on a digital LED billboard located Northbound on Highway 1. This incredible deal is an easy and affordable access point for members.
Enjoy a two-week cycle of exclusive advertising for only $150
– a discount of over 50%!
We are booking spaces several weeks ahead, so if you have a date in mind, or would like to see upcoming availability, Click the learn more button below, or contact our Creative Director, Ally Easterbrook, via email at: easterbrook@downtownduncan.ca.
Legion Poppy Campaign – Seeking a Temporary Office Space
The Legion Branch #053 is looking for a small, secure office space to support this year’s Poppy Campaign from October 15 to November 15.
✅ Ground-level access with secure storage for poppies, wreaths, and daily money counting
✅ Wi-Fi compatible
✅ Easy access for volunteers collecting supplies
All funds raised through the Poppy Campaign go directly toward supporting veterans and their families. Local beneficiaries include the CDH Foundation, Cowichan Green Community (Meals on Wheels), Cowichan Basket Society, and many others.
If you have or know of a suitable space, please let us know and we will connect you to the Legion Branch #053.
Updates From City Hall
Upcoming Tree Replacement in City Square
The City of Duncan will be replacing the remaining five American Sweetgum trees in City Square with Autumn Fantasy Maples in early April. The project has been scheduled to minimize disruption to the Farmers Market and downtown businesses.
Tentative Schedule:
Friday, April 4 – Bricks around trees removed; area barricaded for the weekend
Sunday, April 6 / Monday, April 7 – Sweetgum trees removed
Monday, April 7 – Excavation of work area (parking stalls on both sides closed)
Wednesday, April 9 – Electrical inspection and planning for new power receptacles
Thursday, April 10 – Installation of Silva cells, electrical conduit, and irrigation
Friday, April 11 – New trees installed; area prepped for brick reinstallation
Monday, April 14 – Bricks reinstalled
Wednesday, April 16 – Project completion
The new Autumn Fantasy Maples will provide a large canopy for shade and aesthetic appeal, growing up to 50 feet high with a 40-foot-wide canopy. To allow proper growth, three new trees will be planted to replace the five Sweetgum trees. The new trees are already 20-25 feet tall and will be planted with Silva cells to encourage strong root growth.
The project is expected to be completed by Earth Day (April 22), creating a refreshed green space in City Square.
The City of Duncan will be posting updates on their Facebook page, and will also share updates as the work progresses. See the press release below.
Big changes coming to traffic flows on Ypres Street and Queens Road to and from downtown.
A new one-way traffic configuration on Ypres Street (from Coronation) and along Queens Road westbound towards Duncan Street and downtown will be coming into effect soon. This is part of the first phase of construction of the new Coronation Ave Bike Lanes project.
Traffic leaving downtown via Ingram Street eastbound (ie. from the Canada Avenue – Ingram intersection) will be routed south on Duncan Street to Coronation Avenue eastbound, up and over the hill and out towards the TCH. All other traffic movements remain unchanged.
The changes will start with detour signs during the week of April 7th and then transition to permanent signage in the following week(s).
Diagrams are attached. The City of Duncan will be making announcements on the City’s Facebook page and website as usual.
Join Us For The Annual General Meeting - April 16th
The Downtown Duncan BIA’s Annual General Meeting is happening on Wednesday, April 16, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Elks Lodge at 149 Station Street.
This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow business owners, hear important updates on our initiatives, and have your voice heard.
This year's AGM will feature a representative from the City of Duncan, providing insights into municipal matters that impact downtown businesses. Additionally, members will have the opportunity to participate in an important vote on proposed bylaw amendments.
All members are encouraged to attend! Light refreshments will be provided.
📅 Date: Tuesday, April 16
📍 Location: Elks Lodge, Duncan
⏰ Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
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