On The Horizon - June 18th, 2025
- Downtown Duncan
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 19
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:
New Vandalism Recovery Grant Now Available for Downtown Duncan Businesses
We’re excited to announce the launch of the Downtown Duncan Vandalism Recovery Grant Program, created to support local businesses impacted by vandalism.
This new grant offers financial assistance to help cover out-of-pocket expenses related to repairs, clean-up, and restoration. Whether it’s a broken window, graffiti removal, or other damage, our goal is to help you recover quickly and continue doing business in a safe and welcoming downtown.
Key details:
Available to businesses within the DDBIA boundary
Designed to offset repair and restoration costs due to vandalism
Simple application process with quick turnaround
You can view the full program overview and application form on our website here.
If you have any questions or need support with your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at ddbia@downtownduncan.ca or call 250-715-1700.
Footprints Security
Interested in Enhanced Downtown Security?The DDBIA is exploring a dedicated Footprints Security patrol program for Downtown Duncan businesses. This initiative would provide regular, on-foot patrols from 10 pm to 6 am to help deter vandalism, monitor suspicious activity, and support a safer environment for all.
You may have already met a DDBIA staff member in recent weeks—we’ve been visiting as many businesses as possible to share information about this proposed program. You can see the info package we dropped off here:
We’re currently gauging member interest—no commitment required. If you think your business or building could benefit from enhanced security coverage, let us know!
To help you learn more, we’re hosting two live Q&A sessions on June 23rd and June 25th with Footprints Security. You’ll hear directly from their team about how the patrols would work, how incidents are tracked using the Tracktik system, how they coordinate with local authorities, and what the pricing structure might look like. Sessions will be held in small groups at the DDBIA office (201–111 Station Street). Final times and RSVP details will be shared soon.
Want an invite? Click the link below to express your interest, and we’ll make sure you’re on the list:
Duncan Day 2025 – Member Participation Form
Let us know how you'd like to participate in this year's Duncan Day weekend!
This form is for DDBIA members only and includes options for both days:
Friday, July 11 – Sidewalk Sale: Let us know if you’ll be setting up outside your business.
Saturday, July 12 – Street Party & Farmers Market: Let us know if you’re participating, hosting an activity, requesting space on Kenneth Street, or have promotional info to share.
Share any promotions or activities you'd like the DDBIA to help promote.
Link to form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfiF8X9Y90HtFyRbHFTtuXNiEaTI99BG0R39ZLbCf-LKgFctg/viewform?usp=header
39 Days of July Programs
If you have ordered a stack of 39 Days of July programs to hand out to your customers, and they haven’t been delivered or you run out, they will be available to you throughout the duration of the festival. You will be able to find them outside the doors to the Duncan Showroom.
Free Business Continuity Planning Program Launches in Cowichan
Economic Development Cowichan, in collaboration with Community Futures Central Island and funded by BC’s REDIP initiative, has launched a first-of-its-kind Business Continuity Planning Program aimed at helping local businesses better prepare for disruptions—from wildfires and drought to supply chain delays.
Who it’s for: Up to eight Cowichan-based businesses—especially those providing essential services (like groceries, trades, healthcare, care facilities, food producers, transport) or those vulnerable to disruptions (like tourism, farming, manufacturing, retail).
What’s included (at no cost):
A guided Business Fitness Test
Water audit for drought-affected operations
One-on-one coaching
Peer mentorship
Practical tools and templates
6–9 month program valued at $5,000
Why it matters: Businesses that participate will gain a competitive edge through proven risk‑management practices—boosting resilience, and increasing eligibility for funding, loans, and insurance. This pioneering rural initiative empowers Cowichan enterprises to face uncertainty head‑on.
Interested? Spots are limited—get in touch with Brittany Taylor (edc@cvrd.bc.ca) to apply or learn more.
Upcoming Events
The First Annual Duncan Rotary Garden Tour - June 1, 2025
Swing Dancing in City Square - Wednesday evenings in June from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Duncan Farmers’ Market Night Markets - June 19, August 21, September 18
Cowichan Pride Festival in City Square - June 22, 2025 11 am to 4 pm
Duncan Days Sidewalk Sale - Friday July 11 2025
Duncan Days Street Party - Saturday July 12 2025
CVAC Art Market - Saturday Jul 26, 2025
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