On The Horizon - February 19th, 2025
- Downtown Duncan
- Feb 19, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 28, 2025
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.
In this issue:
You’re Invited: DDBIA Open House – Meet the Team!
Join Our Exclusive Private Facebook Group for DDBIA Members!
How Potential U.S. Tariffs Could Impact Your Business
Enhance Your Business Security with a City Grant!
City of Duncan Update on Canada Avenue Washrooms
and Station Street Common
Get Involved: Attend Our Monthly Board Meetings!
CWAV Hiring: Director of Finance
Digital Billboard Sales
Future Events
You’re Invited: DDBIA Open House – Meet the Team!
We’re excited to invite you to the DDBIA Open House, a casual opportunity to drop by, meet our new Executive Director, and connect with the team!
When: Thursday, February 20th, 2025
Time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm (drop in anytime)
Where: DDBIA Office – Unit 201 111 Station Street
This event is all about YOU, our valued members. Come by on your own schedule to:
Say hello to the new ED and team.
Chat about your business needs and ideas for downtown.
Learn more about the resources and opportunities available to you as a member.
Enjoy light refreshments and a welcoming atmosphere.
We’ll also be sharing information about opportunities to get more involved, including joining the DDBIA Board. If you’re curious, we’d love to chat with you!
There’s no need to RSVP— just stop by and say hello. We look forward to seeing you!
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!
How Potential U.S. Tariffs Could Impact Your Business
With discussions around potential new tariffs from the United States, it’s important to stay informed about how they might affect Canadian businesses. We’ve gathered some useful resources to help you prepare and navigate possible changes:
🔹 Grant Thornton: How New Tariffs Could Affect Canadian Businesses
Click the links to learn more and ensure your business is prepared.
Enhance Your Business Security with a City Grant!
In last year’s Safety & Security Survey, 75% of our members who responded indicated they have some form of security system in place. If you're looking to upgrade or add new security measures, the City of Duncan’s Enhanced Security Initiative Program can help!
This matching grant offers 50% reimbursement—up to $1,000—for property owners investing in new security improvements.
Eligible projects include:
✅ Video surveillance equipment
✅ Security systems
✅ Enhanced exterior lighting (building, parking lot, laneways)
✅ Gates, deadbolts, and door locks
Take advantage of this opportunity to improve safety at your business. Learn more and apply here: https://duncan.ca/enhanced-security-initiative-program-esip/
City of Duncan Update on Canada Avenue Washrooms
and Station Street Common
Work is progressing on repairs to the Canada Avenue washroom building, with re-opening anticipated near the end of February 2025. In the meantime, port-a-potties continue to be available nearby. In addition to the refurbished Canada Avenue washrooms, there will be new public washrooms available in downtown this May upon completion of the Station Street Placemaking Project; well in time for our busy summer downtown event season!
Get Involved: Attend Our Monthly Board Meetings!
Did you know that as a DDBIA member, you’re welcome to attend our monthly Board of Directors meetings? While non-board members don’t have voting rights, this is a great opportunity to share your thoughts on events and programs, learn more about how we operate, and even consider joining the board for a future voting role.
📅 When: First Wednesday of every month
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM
📍 Where: DDBIA Office – 201-111 Station Street
☕ Coffee is always on!
We’d love to see you there!
CWAV Hiring: Director of Finance
CWAV (Cowichan Women Against Violence) is currently seeking a Director of Finance to join their team. This is a great opportunity for a skilled financial professional looking to make a meaningful impact in the community.
For full details on the position and application process, please see the PDF attachment.
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.
Future Events
February 20,11:00 am to 4:00 pm - DDBIA Open House Meet and Greet
April 16, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm - Annual General Meeting
July 11, 2025 - Duncan Days Sidewalk Sale
July 12, 2025 - Duncan Day
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