On The Horizon - March 19th, 2025
- Downtown Duncan
- Mar 19
- 5 min read
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!
Exclusive Offer for DDBIA Members – 39 Days of July Program Ads!
We’re excited to offer DDBIA members an exclusive opportunity to advertise in the 39 Days of July 2025 program schedule!
Get 10% Off any ad purchased for the program — available only to DDBIA members.
Be a Festival Supporter – For just $100, you can be listed under a special “Downtown Businesses in Support of the 39 Days of July 2025” section in the program.
👉 Secure your spot by reaching out to John Falkner (longevityjohn@shaw.ca) and boost your business’s visibility during one of Duncan’s biggest events of the year!
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.
Station Street Common Revitalization & Park Naming Update
Progress on the Station Street Common revitalization is going well, but the project is approximately three weeks behind schedule. Completion is now expected around the third week of May instead of the original April 30th target. The delay is due to an unexpected replacement of the sanitary line connecting the washroom building to the main system and issues with the sizing of the new electrical panel, which has held up the electrical crossing work. There are no confirmed dates yet for the closure of Craig Street to complete the electrical work, as the contractor is still waiting on materials.
Recent Progress Highlights:
Stage base columns, bases for stools, tables, benches, and totem poles are complete
Stage installation is substantially complete
Civil site servicing (except for electrical crossing) is complete
Sidewalk preparation is underway
Washroom building is fully framed with roofing, siding, plumbing, wiring, and electrical complete (being constructed by NEXUS offsite)
Regarding the park naming, work has been done to explore Hul’q’umi’num’ translations. Currently, there isn’t a word for place, park, or square in Hul’q’umi’num’, but efforts are underway to develop new terms as part of ongoing language revitalization work. The plan is to proceed with a community survey to gather feedback and recommend a name to Council based on the results. The survey is expected to launch this week. to learn more and vote click here
Comments