On The Horizon - December 19, 2025

Downtown Duncan
Dec 19, 2025
3 min read

What is on the Horizon for the Downtown Duncan Business Improvement Area? Read below to get caught up on the day-to-day, upcoming events, and news from Members.

Wishing You a Wonderful Holiday Season — and Looking Ahead to 2026

As we wrap up another year in Downtown Duncan, we want to extend a sincere thank you to our members. Your resilience, creativity, and commitment continue to shape a downtown that is vibrant, welcoming, and evolving.

Looking ahead to 2026, the DDBIA will focus on two core priorities: economic stimulus and safety and security.

One key initiative on the horizon is Phase Two of the Safety and Security Patrol, set to begin in February. This next phase will be space-limited, so watch for sign-up information in the new year.

We’ll also be introducing member-led, ticketed micro-events designed to support specific sectors, activate foot traffic, and help businesses meet targeted sales and visibility goals. These smaller, strategic events are intended to be practical, collaborative, and impactful.

As your BIA, our commitment remains the same: to provide tools, programs, and support that help downtown businesses open successfully, operate confidently, and grow sustainably.

Our Vision: Strengthening economic vitality, safety, and beautification to build a more welcoming city centre.

Our Mission: Enhancing the downtown experience through business support, coordinated marketing, advocacy, and initiatives that encourage people to visit and explore.

Our Four Strategic Pillars: Development | Advocacy | Beautification | Marketing

And a fun note to close the year: across our Meta platforms, Downtown Duncan content was viewed 1.7 million times in 2025 — roughly twice the population of Vancouver Island. Your stories, storefronts, and events are being seen far beyond our sidewalks!

Please note that the DDBIA office will be closed from December 24 to January 1. If there is an urgent concern during this time, Thea can be reached at hitchcock@downtownduncan.ca.

Wishing you a restful holiday season and a strong start to the new year. We look forward to working alongside you in 2026.

Warm regards,The Downtown Duncan BIA Team

2025 Holiday Window Decorating Contest Winners

Thank you to all the businesses who participated in the 2025 Holiday Window Decorating Contest. Your creativity and festive spirit helped bring warmth, colour, and seasonal cheer to Downtown Duncan throughout the holidays.

We’re excited to recognize this year’s winners:

People’s Choice Award: The Red Balloon Toyshop

Chosen by the community, this award reflects the window that captured the most votes and the hearts of residents and visitors alike.

Board of Directors’ Choice Award: HairbyDVS

Selected by the DDBIA Board and team, this award recognizes outstanding creativity, presentation, and overall impact on the downtown streetscape.

Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to every business that helped make downtown feel festive and welcoming this holiday season.

Stay Informed with Alertable

During recent advisories, including the recent boil water advisory, the City of Duncan’s Chief Administrative Officer recommended Alertable as a key communication tool for receiving important local updates.

Alertable provides advisory and active alerts related to public safety, infrastructure, and community disruptions in Duncan and the surrounding area. Notifications are delivered directly to your phone or device, helping you stay informed in real time.

We encourage members to consider signing up so you can receive timely information that may impact your business operations, staff, or customers.

Join Our Private Members-Only Facebook Group

Stay connected with fellow Downtown Duncan businesses by joining our private, members-only Facebook group. It’s another convenient way to stay updated on DDBIA news, opportunities, reminders, and event information. We share much of the same content that goes out through our email list — but if you prefer to receive updates via Facebook, this space is for you!

Join the group here

We encourage all members to list their upcoming events on our website at downtownduncan.ca/ddbia-events to help promote your activities and drive more foot traffic to your business. It’s quick, easy, and free to submit!