On The Horizon - May 30, 2023

In This issue:

• New: Canada Summer Job Posting

• Downtown Duncan Future Events

• Expanded DFM

• Pride Decal Available

• Duncan Days

• Pride Window Decorating Contest

• Facade Improvement Program

• Station Street Common Placemaking Project

• Member News

NEW: Canada Summer Job Posting

The DDBIA is hiring! Canada Summer JOBS position - Membership Engagement Worker

In this role as Membership Engagement Worker the successful applicant will engage with the Downtown Duncan Business Improvement Area Society’s membership to ensure our landlords and downtown businesses are fully aware of all DDBIA programs and events, to increase engagement of all our offerings and to better understand the DDBIA’s businesses unique challenges like their safety and security concerns. This is a physically active role and one in which the Membership Engagement Worker will engage frequently with our membership in their stores, at events, and in scheduled meetings. See the full job posting here.

​To apply, applicants should send a resume and a cover letter explaining why they will excel working in this position to devine@downtownduncan.ca

Future events now in progress – it’s LOOKING BRIGHT!

·       BIA Member Social June 8 – Spool Yard at the Spool Yard (371 Brae Rd Unit #102)

·      Duncan Days Sidewalk Sale July 14.

·       Duncan Day and Panago Parade July 15.

·       BIA Member Social July 27.

·       Cowichan Valley Arts Council co-sponsored event downtown July 29.

·       BIA Member Social October 12.

·       Spooktacular kids daytime program and evening Zombie Crawl October 28.

·       Christmas Kick-Off November 24.

·       The 2023 Christmas Window Theme is “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. 

New: Expanded DFM

You may have noticed that the Duncan Farmer’s Market has grown even larger! For the next few weeks the market is enjoying an expansion that includes Kenneth Street from Craig Street to Canada Ave.

Come out next weekend and see the new expansion for yourself!

NEW: Pride Decal Order Link

Make a donation for a “We support Cowichan Valley Pride” decal for your business window or door.  This donation will help the Cowichan Valley Pride festival continue to grow every year.  The Decal Order Portal is now open! Access it here: https://forms.gle/K3hxdC91VMQ9HjYc8

See more ideas for how to participate in Pride below.

Duncan Days

Duncan Days is coming up on July 14th and 15th, and we would like to extend an invitation for your store to participate.

Duncan Days are an excellent opportunity to showcase your business and engage with the local community. We are looking for retailers who would be interested in engaging in street sales on the days of the event. This would involve setting up a display outside of your store and offering special promotions or discounts to attract customers.

If you are interested in participating in Duncan Day, we would be happy to provide you with more information on how to get involved. Please reply to this email and let us know if you are interested in being a part of this exciting event.

JUNE 25 Pride Day Window Decorating Contest

The DDIBA is co-sponsoring Pride Day in downtown Duncan this year on June 25th.  There will be a parade.  There will be singing.  And dancing.  And drag.  And celebrations and speakers.  Show your support by

·      STAYING OPEN on Sunday and get your sidewalk selling for you! 

Please respond to this email and let us know if you are planning to participate in the PRIDE WINDOW CONTEST so we can be sure to let the Pride Committee and judges know!

Façade Improvement Program

Need a repair to the outside of your building?  New signage?  We’ve got you covered!  The Façade Improvement Program provides a grant of up to $5,000 for your new signage and outside improvements to your business.  Email us and request the application or find it here  on our website. 

Let’s get in the know about the Station Street Common Placemaking Project

As you likely have heard, the Government of B.C. has announced a grant through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) for $1,000,000 for the City of Duncan’s Station Street Placemaking Project, an initiative to revitalize our beloved Station Street Common (corner of Station and Craig). 

This is an invitation to review the initial designs again and provide some feedback to the DDBIA.  The DDBIA is holding information sessions on June 27th (8:30 to 10:00 am), June 28th (noon to 1:30 pm) and June 29th (5:00 to 6:30 pm) at the Duncan United Church (Ingram Street).  We will provide images from the original design concepts and look forward to our conversations with you.  Refreshments will be served. 

If you wish to look now please visit bigconversations.duncan.ca/stationstreet.

OUR MEMBER NEWS

It’s MUSIC time again - welcome 39 Days of July!  The Duncan Cowichan Festival Society, on behalf of 39 Days of July, has some opportunities for you to promote your business.  Plans this year are to build it a bit bigger and better.   We need to find some sponsorships and advertisers to help pay for this always ambitious endeavour.  This year’s theme is ‘inclusion for all’.  There are advertisements available for sale (various sizes) in the 20,000 copy program schedule, as well as sponsorships of an evening in the park, a day in the park and an evening in City Square.  For more info and to sign up contact Longevity John, 250-597-1554 or longevityjohn@shaw.ca.