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On The Horizon - November 8, 2023

Updated: Mar 15, 2024


In This Issue:


Annual Christmas Window Contest register TODAY.


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Get ready to count down those 12 days of Christmas and spread some holiday cheer and showcase your creativity in our annual Christmas Window Decorating Contest. It's time to transform your storefront into a festive wonderland and share the joy of the season with the community. Here are the details:

  • Registration Period: Now until December 14th – but the sooner you get it up the better.  Voting opens November 24th! 

  • Display Installation Deadline: Displays (ideally) should be up by Christmas Kick-Off on November 24, 2023 (we will announce voting opens that night)!

  • Theme: "The Twelve Days of Christmas," and we encourage you to interpret it creatively, infusing your unique style and flair.

This is your chance to delight the community with your holiday spirit, your Christmas lyrics familiarity and win the coveted Best window ribbon!  Simply respond to this email to register for the contest. Be sure to include your business name.  Displays will be open for public voting, allowing everyone to pick their favourites (voting opens November 24).  Winners announced on December 15, 2023.



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

·       Christmas Kick-Off November 24th.

·       Window Display voting begins November 24th.  The theme is “The Twelve Days of Christmas”.

·       CDAP technology grant Lunch and Learn seminars – November 29 and December 7

·       Downtown Duncan Sip and Shop, December 1st – 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

·       Christmas Window Display winner announced – December 15th.

·       Member Social, January 25, 2024

·       Member Social, April 25, 2024

·       Member Social, July 25, 2024

·       Member Social, November 7, 2024


December 1st SIP and SHOP in downtown Duncan.  REGISTER TODAY.


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On Friday, December 1st, retailers in downtown Duncan are holding a 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Sip and Shop event.  Participation is easy.  Starting at 6:00 pm – open your doors to Sip and Shop shoppers who will come to your store, have a sip and nibble (apply for your liquor license  here if you wish) and shop your merchandise.  Please let us know if you plan to participate in the December 1st Sip and Shop – and have those shoppers in your store from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Friday, December 1st.  REGISTER TODAY by clicking here . 


Get Ready to Jingle and Mingle at Christmas Kick Off!


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Join us for a magical evening of holiday festivities as we kick off the most wonderful time of the year! Mark your calendars for Christmas Kick Off on November 24th, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in downtown Duncan. 

  • 🎁 North Pole Crafts Station: Get creative with paper ornaments and help spread messages of peace and good cheer.

  • 🎶 Live Entertainment: Enjoy the sounds of the season with live music and dance performances.  Come hear “Trip ‘n me” and sing along with everyone!

  • 🔥 Roasted Chestnuts: Savor the warm, nutty goodness of roasted chestnuts.

  • 🎅 Pictures with Santa: Capture the joy of the season with photos alongside Santa Claus himself.

  • 🎆 Fireworks: The evening will culminate with a spectacular fireworks that will light up the night sky. We’d like to thank our fireworks sponsor, Stonebridge Law for making the night shine!


Calling All Volunteers: We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make this event a huge success.


Whether you can lend a hand with event coordination, crafts, or ensuring the festivities run smoothly, your support is invaluable. If you'd like to get involved and spread holiday cheer, please reach out to us.


LAST day to register as a Non-Profit Vendor for Christmas Kick-Off!


Each year the DDBIA invites non-profit organizations to fundraise as Christmas market vendors during the event. Organizations bring a 10x10 tent and table, decorations etc. and sell to the public who are enjoying the music and entertainment. Examples of items sold include baked goods, hot chocolate, burgers, and Christmas decorations.  If you would like to participate this year, please contact is TODAY via email at ddbia@downtownduncan.ca.


Important Notice: Parking Restrictions during Christmas Kick-Off on November 24th


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As we gear up for the festive holiday season, we want to ensure that everyone has a jolly and safe experience during the Christmas Kick-Off event on November 24th. To facilitate the festivities, please be aware of the following parking restrictions and road closures:


  • Craig Street will be closed from Station Street to Ingram Street starting at 12:01 am, November 24th.

  • Kenneth Street will be closed from Canada Avenue to just west of Craig Street starting at 12:01 am, November 24th.


All parking lots on Kenneth Street will be open and available and Station Street remains open throughout.



Attention Businesses Opening on November 24th!


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If your business is planning to open its doors on December 24th, we want to help spread the word and promote your festive offerings. Let us know about your special holiday hours, unique promotions, or any exciting events you have in store. Together, we can make this holiday season even more delightful for our community.  Contact us today to share your plans, and we'll make sure to feature your business in our holiday promotions!


Downtown Duncan Dollars – The Perfect Holiday Gift!


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Downtown Duncan Dollars are a "universal" gift certificate that can be used at most shops in the downtown Duncan. They can be purchased through the Downtown Duncan BIA office with just a simple email or phone call to arrange a pickup date and payment type.  These revamped Downtown Duncan Dollars are now available in a range of denominations to suit all occasions and budgets: $5, $10, $15, $20, $25, $50, $75, and $100.


Unlock the Power of Digital Transformation with a $2,400 grant.  Attend the FREE Lunch and Learn.


Are you looking to embrace the opportunities of the digital age? Join Alacrity Canada and the DDBIA for one of two informative Lunch and Learn seminars that will introduce you to the incredible benefits of the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP).  With grants of up to $2,400 available, you can revolutionize your online presence and drive your business to new heights.  Whether you're looking to enhance your eCommerce platform, invest in CRM software, improve your website's user experience with chat widgets, implement online booking systems, or fortify your cybersecurity measures, CDAP can make it happen.


Seminar Details:

  • Date: November 29 and December 7, 2023

  • Time: Noon

  • Location: DDBIA Office at 201-111 Station Street


RSVP TODAY. To reserve your spot or for more information, please respond to this email and let us know which date you would like to attend.


Transgender Day of Remembrance - Vigil being held in City Square – November 20, 2023

 

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.  Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) was started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence since Rita Hester’s death and began an important tradition that has become the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.


Let Your Voice Be Heard! Join the Discussion on Downtown Garbage Pick-Up


Are you passionate about keeping our downtown area clean and vibrant? Do you have ideas and concerns about garbage pick-up in our downtown business community? Are you interested in joining a group of other downtown businesses to discuss solutions to get your garbage picked up instead of taking it home every night?  We want to hear from you!  If there is sufficient interest we will call a discussion meeting and get some solution building on the go. 


Member Social – LOOKING FOR A HOST!


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Join us for the upcoming DDBIA Member Social on January 25, 2024! It's an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow members and enjoy an evening of networking and camaraderie. We're currently seeking a member venue to host this exciting event, so if you're interested in showcasing your space and business, or have any suggestions, please reach out to us.


Grab Your Spot on the Digital Billboard for December!



Looking for an excellent way to promote your business or event this December? We're excited to offer you prime advertising space on our digital billboard located on Highway 1 for a two-week cycle at an exclusive rate of just $125.  For reservations and inquiries, contact us at ddbia@downtownduncan.ca. Don't miss out on this fantastic advertising deal to make your December unforgettable!


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.


Are you up to date?

Do we have your most up to date information in our online directory? Check here and let us know what needs changing!


CWAV Job Posting – Raven’s Nest Advocate






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We acknowledge with respect that the Downtown Duncan Business Improvement Area operates on the unceded traditional territory of the Cowichan Tribes. As stewards of this land, Cowichan people have maintained a deep connection to it for generations. We are committed to honoring this connection and working in partnership to support a thriving and inclusive community for all.

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