PR: June 11 2025 - Downtown Duncan BIA Launches Vandalism Recovery Grant Program to Support Local Businesses

DUNCAN, BC – The Downtown Duncan Business Improvement Association (DDBIA) is pleased to announce the launch of its new Vandalism Recovery Grant Program, a financial support initiative aimed at helping businesses recover from the damaging effects of vandalism. This program was officially adopted by the DDBIA Board earlier this month and is now available to eligible businesses within the downtown core.

“When vandalism strikes, it’s not just a broken window—it’s lost revenue, increased stress, and disruption,” said Hitchcock. “When we support our business community through challenges, we strengthen the entire downtown.”

The grant offers up to $1,000 per incident to assist with out-of-pocket costs related to deliberate property damage, including broken windows, graffiti removal, or damaged signage. While filing an insurance claim is encouraged, it is not mandatory. Applicants must provide proof of the incident—such as a police report or photos—and receipts for repairs or deductible amounts to be considered.

Key Features of the Program:

• Available to businesses within the Downtown Duncan BIA boundaries

• Covers damage from deliberate vandalism or malicious mischief

• Reimburses insurance deductibles or direct costs not covered by insurance

• No matching funds required

• Prioritizes first-time applicants and significant community-impact incidents

• Applications must be submitted within 90 days of the incident

The program is administered by the DDBIA and funded through the association’s annual operating budget. With up to $15,000 allocated annually for grants, the program will operate on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are fully disbursed.

Full program details and application forms are available at www.downtownduncan.ca/member-programs/vandalism-recovery-grant, or by contacting the DDBIA office directly at 250-715-1700 or ddbia@downtownduncan.ca.

For further information, please contact:

Thea Hitchcock, Executive Director, Downtown Duncan Business Improvement Area hitchcock@downotownduncan.ca, 250-715-1700.

About the Downtown Duncan BIA: Established in 1997, the Downtown Duncan BIA (DDBIA) is a non-profit organization under the direction of an elected volunteer Board of Directors. The purpose of the Downtown Duncan BIA is to foster a unique, diverse, and vibrant downtown business community.