On The Horizon - June 5, 2024
- Downtown Duncan
- Jul 26, 2024
- 6 min read
In this issue:
Join the Community: Help Name the Station Street Park!
Help give the park on Station Street (the corner of Station and Craig) a name that captures its vibrant spirit and community essence! Submit your name suggestion and leave your mark on our beloved park—let's make this space truly ours! Please submit your name idea through the Station Street Placemaking Project Page, and click 'Take Survey' to add your suggestion. The deadline to submit is Friday, June 14th at 4:00 p.m. Proposed names will be reviewed by an advisory panel of which the DDBIA are members. Short listed names will be voted on by the public, with Council making the final decision. The name will be in both English and Hul'q'umi'num.
Join Us for Downtown Duncan’s Safety and Security Focus Groups – June 12 and 13th
As we continue to develop Downtown Duncan’s safety and security initiative, we wish to extend an invitation to you to participate in one of our “problem definition” focus groups. These sessions, scheduled for June 12th (5:00 pm to 6:30 pm) and June 13th (7:00 pm to 8:30 pm) at the DDBIA office located at 201 - 111 Station Street will provide a platform for open dialogue regarding specific safety and security concerns and incidents from your perspective. Your participation and insights are invaluable as we strive to develop effective and sustainable solutions. For your convenience, we will record both sessions and provide a link to those recordings to the membership after the fact for those interested but unable to attend in person on either June 12th or June 13th.
Celebrate Duncan Pride with Us!
The DDBIA is very pleased to once again, provide sponsorship funding to the Cowichan Pride Society this year! Please join us for a day of equity, inclusion, and celebration of the 2SLGBTIA+ community in the Cowichan Valley! The Cowichan Pride Society is thrilled to once again host this joyous occasion. Our Pride Walk will take place on Sunday, June 23, starting at 11:00 am.
This human-powered procession welcomes marchers, cyclists, roller-bladers, and even those with handcarts—just no motorized vehicles, except for personal mobility scooters. The walk culminates in City Square for a lively festival filled with fun and camaraderie. Save the date and join us in spreading love and acceptance.
We’re also excited to announce a Window Decorating Contest for Pride Month! The DDBIA and the Cowichan Pride Society will give a shout-out to participating businesses with posted window displays on our social media. The winner will be announced at the Pride Festival on June 23rd and will be presented with a gift basket. We encourage all downtown Duncan BIA members to decorate their windows in celebration!
There are plenty of volunteer opportunities to sign up for here.
Let’s make this Pride celebration one to remember!
Help Needed for Duncan Days Fun!
With Duncan Days just around the corner (July 12, 13 and 14), we want to take a moment to express gratitude to those who have already volunteered to host family-friendly activities. Your enthusiasm and dedication are truly inspiring! As we finalize the plans for Duncan Day, we kindly ask those who have volunteered to host activities to confirm their commitment. Your confirmation will enable us to organize the schedule effectively and ensure that every aspect of the event runs smoothly. Additionally, if you haven't yet had the chance to volunteer to host an activity, we would greatly appreciate your support. By hosting, you'll not only contribute to the success of Duncan Days but also help alleviate the workload on our small DDBIA staff. Contact us today! Remember, Duncan Days is a community effort, and your involvement is vital in making it a memorable experience for everyone. Together, we can create a day filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories for families in Duncan.
Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to our community.
Become a Duncan Days Vendor on July 13th
Starting July 12th, Craig Street will transform into a bustling marketplace for the annual sidewalk sale, joined by retailers from other surrounding streets offering fantastic deals and endless discoveries for shoppers and businesses alike.
On July 13th, the celebration continues with a vibrant community gathering featuring delicious food, family fun, and fantastic vendors!
Vendor application forms are available now, and if you are interested in having a booth on Station, Kenneth, Jubilee or Craig Street, the Vendor Application Form is essential in helping us map the streets and ensure there's room for everyone to shine!
Don't miss your chance to be a part of Duncan Days 2024! Secure your spot as a vendor by filling out the application form today.
Let's make this year's festival truly unforgettable!
Duncan Days Grande Parade
Attention all community members! Do you want to be part of the excitement of the Duncan Days Grand Parade on Saturday, July 13? If so, download the attached PDF and send it to Jeff Leggat, the Grande Parade Marshall, at jleggat42@hotmail.com. Join us for a fun-filled day celebrating our community spirit!
Link to PDF (In May 08 Folder)
Street Closures for Duncan Days
It’s a three-day extravaganza this year – July 12, 13 and 14th. And that means some street closures so your shoppers and visitors downtown can enjoy all the events and activities! On Friday, July 12th – Craig Street will be closed between Government and Kenneth – so everyone can enjoy the Duncan Days Sidewalk Sale! On Saturday, July 13th – we will close all of Station, Craig, Kenneth (from Canada to Jubilee) and Jubilee from Government to Kenneth! And Sunday, July 14th, all of Station and Kenneth. Watch here and on social media for more news about all the specific events and activities planned for each day!
39 Days of July LAUNCH
The Duncan-Cowichan Festival Society invites everyone to the launch of 39 Days of July, 2024 on Wednesday, June 19th in City Square. Come to witness the big reveal – the line-up has never been better! The event starts at 6pm. Come and enjoy live music, hot dogs and grab some programs to distribute in your business or in your neighbourhood- “Let’s make this one a gooder” says Longevity John. We agree!
Duncan Farmers’ Market Night Markets coming to City Square
And your opportunity to get in on the night action! That’s right – the Duncan Farmers’ Market is holding 6-night markets this year – starting on Thursday, June 20th, with additional markets on July 18th, August 15th, September 19th, October 17 and November 21. We are creating a marketing campaign to support night shopping in downtown Duncan on these dates – so please let us know if your business will participate by staying open and welcoming shoppers on these dates – times are from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Transform Your Storefront with the Facade Improvement Grant!
Are you looking to enhance the visual appeal of your business and make a lasting impression on customers? We are thrilled to offer you the opportunity to do just that through our Facade Improvement Grant!
How It Works
Make your plan and gather your documents: Submit your application to the DDBIA.
Approval Process: Ensure your application is complete and approved by the Development Committee.
Transform Your Business: With the grant secured, proceed with your exterior enhancements.
Submit receipts at the end of your project: Receive 50% of your spend up to $5,000 (before taxes).
Important Reminder: To qualify for the Facade Improvement Grant, your application must be complete and approved before any work begins. Don't miss out on this chance to invest in the visual appeal of your business and attract more customers! Questions or need assistance? Contact the DDBIA at ddbia@downtownduncan.ca. Email us and request the application or find it here on our website.
Grab Your Spot on the Digital Billboard for September!
Are you searching for opportunities to boost your visibility? Our Co-advertising Program for our members is a fantastic Digital Billboard Offer: For a dynamic and impactful presence, take advantage of our digital billboard located on Highway 1. Enjoy a two-week cycle of exclusive advertising for only $150. This limited-time offer ensures your message reaches a wide audience in a high-traffic area – literally! Act fast to seize this incredible deal. For reservations and inquiries, contact us at ddbia@downtownduncan.ca.
Future Events
· Applications for Duncan Days Vendors closes Friday, June 7.
· Duncan Days – July 12, 13 and 14
· Member Social – July 25 location is at Redefined Clothing Boutique – 162 Station Street.
· Member Social – November 7 location TDB
· Christmas Kick-Off – November 22nd
· Christmas Contest Window Themes (two BIG PRIZES this year): The Christmas Sweater OR West Coast Christmas.
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