On The Horizon - July 16, 2025
- Downtown Duncan
- Jul 16
- 4 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.
💛 Thank You, Duncan! 💛
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make Duncan Days 2025 such a fantastic celebration — from the volunteers and performers to the vendors, downtown businesses, City staff, and all the incredible attendees who showed up with spirit and smiles.
It takes a village to bring an event like this to life, and we’re so grateful to be part of such a vibrant, supportive community.
In this issue:
Important Update: DDBIA Safety & Security Patrol Program Launching August 1st
Here is important clarification regarding the upcoming Safety & Security Patrol Program, launching August 1st, 2025, and to address some misinformation that has recently circulated.
This program, developed by the DDBIA in partnership with Footprints Security, is designed to help protect your businesses during overnight hours (10 PM to 6 AM) through targeted, consistent security patrols—an average of 8 checks per business per night.
To clarify some key details:
There is no single flat fee for participation. The minimum rate is $100/month, and it increases based on the specific needs of each business. Factors such as storefront size, number of doors and windows, and laneway exposure are considered to ensure fair pricing and adequate coverage.
Discounted rates are available until August 1st as an incentive for businesses taking early, proactive steps to secure their premises and support a healthy and safe downtown. Rates may increase after the launch date for new participants.
To maintain patrol frequency and quality, costs will not fall below $100 per business. As more businesses join, we will scale up patrol resources or subdivide patrol zones to maintain coverage and response levels.
While the DDBIA is actively promoting and supporting this program, Footprints Security will handle all contract administration and payment processing. This is due to our limited internal administrative capacity.
We’re committed to working collaboratively with Footprints to ensure this program remains effective and beneficial for all members. If you are considering joining, we encourage you to enroll before August 1st to take advantage of reduced pricing and help us build a safer, more secure community together.
If you have any questions or would like assistance in signing up, please reach out directly to Thea Hitchcock at hitchock@downtownduncan.ca
Thank you for your attention, your partnership, and your commitment to community safety.
Friendly Reminder from the City of Duncan: Signage & Sidewalk Display Guidelines
As we all continue to make our downtown a vibrant and welcoming place, we’d like to offer a quick and friendly reminder about the City of Duncan's Sign Bylaw and Streets & Parking Regulations that apply to signage and sidewalk displays.
Key Rules to Remember:
Sandwich Boards / Portable Signs
(from City of Duncan Sign Bylaw No. 3095, 2013)
Limit of one sign per business frontage.
Only display your sign during business hours, and directly in front of your business.
Place signs against your building or at the curb edge—not in the middle of the sidewalk.
Always leave at least 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) of clear sidewalk space for pedestrians.
Please do not place signs in flowerbeds or landscaped areas.
Sidewalk Displays (Merchandise Tables, Racks, etc.)
(from City of Duncan Streets & Parking Regulations Bylaw No. 3101, 2014)
Displays must be in front of your own licensed business.
Must not exceed 3.7 m² (40 sq. ft.) or 50% of your frontage.
Maintain at least 1.2 metres of clear sidewalk space at all times.
Displays are only allowed during business hours.
You must have City-issued permits, provide proof of liability insurance, and complete an indemnity form.
If you have any questions about what’s allowed or need help navigating the permitting process, feel free to contact us or reach out to City Hall directly.
Let’s continue to keep our sidewalks safe, accessible, and inviting for all visitors!
Rotary Club 1st Annual Charity Golf Tournament
The Rotary Club of Duncan is thrilled to host their 1st annual golf event at Cowichan Golf Club on September 13th at 2pm!
🎟 Tickets are $100 and include:
✔️ 9 holes of golf
✔️ Shared golf cart
✔️ Your choice of Steak, Vegetarian, or Chicken dinner
✔️ Silent auction
✔️ Fun golf games
✔️ Gift bags & prizes!
All proceeds will support many non-profits across the Cowichan Valley — helping them make an even bigger impact in our community. ❤️
✨ It’s the perfect time of year to come together and give back!
📅 Sign up by September 1st — we can’t wait to see you there!
Behind the Sign: Tell Us the Story of Your Logo
What is behind your sign?
We want to know! Does your business sign/logo have an important meaning or a great story behind it? We would love to share these stories with the community on our social media platforms.
Please send over your current logo or a photo of your sign with a description of why you chose that logo to be the face of your business to our Social Media Manager, Katherine Dorma, by email at dorma@downtownduncan.ca
Upcoming Events
Duncan Farmers’ Market Night Markets - June 19, August 21, September 18
Cowichan Public Art Gallery's Art in the Alley - June 28 - September 13
Scooter Rodeo - July 23
CVAC Art Market - Saturday Jul 26, 2025
Twilight Treasures Sip and Shop - August 14, 5 pm - 8 pm
Rotary Club 1st Annual Golf Tournament - September 13
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!
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