757 replies to this topic

[Mike K.]

The DVBA has said its membership says they have seen changes. It’s difficult to parse what is and what isn’t getting better. But I am not holding out much hope.

[Tony]

A journey of 100 or 1,000 km always starts with the first step.

[Victoria Watcher]

A free shuttle will run through downtown Victoria this December, offering locals and visitors an easier way to reach holiday shopping and events, organized by the Downtown Victoria Business Association.

 

The new free shuttle runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the month of December, with Sunday service starting Dec. 19.

 

“Whether you’re shopping, dining, or just soaking in the festive atmosphere, the shuttle makes getting around easy and stress-free,” says Jeff Bray, CEO of the DVBA.

 

 

[...]

 

There is no fixed schedule, but it operates on continuous routes, stopping for a couple of minutes before continuing.

 

 

https://cheknews.ca/...cember-1294303/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That's kind of lame.  I guess it replaced the free horse-drawn trolleys.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 13 December 2025 - 02:58 AM.

[Mike K.]

We had free horse drawn trolleys?

There’s nothing on the DVBA’s website or socials regarding this shuttle service.

[Victoria Watcher]

2023:

 

 

 

In addition, for the first time in years, the DVBA is offering free horse-drawn trolley rides around downtown. These will be available from 5 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16.

 

Read more at: https://peninsulanew...-trolley-rides/

 

 

 

 

Victoria Horse Alliance (no date):

 

 

 

https://banhorsecarr...-trolley-rides/

 

 

Sorry Victoria, There Are No Free Trolley Rides.

 

What is the real cost of a free ride?

Each year, the Downtown Victoria Business Association sponsors free horse-drawn trolley rides through the city of Victoria.  This was previously marketed as shopping tours and is supposed to be an attraction to encourage people to spend money in the downtown core during the holiday season. While the tradition of exploiting horses to go in circles where we could otherwise just walk may appear innocent, the cost to the horses and community is anything but.

 

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 13 December 2025 - 08:17 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

The Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA) and the Victoria Police Department will pair up for a walkabout in downtown Victoria next week to connect with local businesses ahead of the holiday season. DVBA CEO Jeff Bray and VicPD officers will walk the 700 block of Fort Street on Dec. 17, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., speaking with business owners about safety and day-to-day concerns during the busy shopping period.

Read more at: https://vicnews.com/...iday-walkabout/





Congrats on the hour-long walk. That’s leadership right there. What does Bray do the other 39 hours each week?

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 15 December 2025 - 12:51 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

On Wednesday morning, they’re clearing out the alcoves where people may be sleeping along the 700-block of Fort Street.

 

“It’s pretty clean right now. for sure. Yeah,” Wishlaw said.

 

A few doors down, Teri Hustins opens the gate to her store, Oscar and Libby.

 

“The gate was…I resisted. But we finally had to get a gate.”

 

Too often Hustins says she would find people in the doorway.

So the gate keeps it clear.

 

 

https://cheknews.ca/...patrol-1295557/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 17 December 2025 - 05:49 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

When someone took a swing at a Russell Books employee recently, coworkers quickly snapped a photo.

 

They shared the photo in a newly created WhatsApp group chat for business owners on the 700 block of Fort Street, along with a message saying which way the person was headed.

 

“For us to be able to say: ‘Hey, someone that is possibly addicted and having a mental health episode just took a swing at one of my staff, and now they’re coming up the street,’ it’s probably good for people to know,” said manager Jordan Minter.

 

The group chat is part of the Neighbour Network pilot, an initiative by the Downtown Victoria Business Association that aims to strengthen communication between business owners, property owners, residents and agencies on the 700 block of Fort Street.

 

The initiative provides businesses with information on who to report issues to, whether that’s police, bylaw, public works or another agency.

 

Minter said he’s already seeing an impact from new connections made through the group chat. Where previously he didn’t know who to contact about issues with a building on the block, he now has a direct line of communication to the leasing agent and Vancouver-based property owner, and he can share photos of what’s going on with the building.

 

 

https://www.timescol...hbours-11639589

[Mike K.]

No success for the City’s safety plan this year, I suppose.

[Matt R.]

^ sometimes, the best way to get results is to go around government.

[LJ]

We did get a full-page article in the latest issue of Car and Driver for some PR.

 

They mention beautiful architecture, famous landscapes and culinary delights.

 

We also boast a vibrant car scene for a city where the local speed limit is a languorous 30km/h(19 mph).

 

They also mention the VI Motorsport Circuit, Northwest Deuce Days, Wheelies Motorcycles & Cafe, the BC Aviation Museum, Pacific Marine Road, and Miniature World.

 

Not bad.

[Victoria Watcher]

Something underlying for several years will emerge through the cracks for 2026. “If people can’t get around downtown easily, they’ll go elsewhere,” Bray said, noting “second-floor” businesses like dentists, accountants, physiotherapists, remain concerned about needing to go where customers and clients are.

Amid record-breaking vacancy downtown, Bray said he’d like the city to consider taking a break from adding bus and bike lanes and instead consider a fix for pinch points like the Johnson Street bridge and other areas “where traffic’s not flowing very well.” “As a regional downtown, our businesses need people coming in from Central Saanich and Colwood,” Bray said. “Right now they’re not.”

Read more at: https://vicnews.com/...ntown-victoria/



How does a city, with I’m sure an absolutely crack team of transportation planners - mess up a brand new traffic installation?

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 27 December 2025 - 03:35 PM.

[Matt R.]

Usually by committee.

[Victoria Watcher]

Police presence up, problems persist: Six months into Victoria’s safety plan

https://cheknews.ca/...y-plan-1296922/

[Matt R.]

I just saw a “memory” on FB about relish on Pandora ave on this day back in 2017. Sure was some gaslighting on that comment thread…. ‘Oh it’s not that bad” or “I feel perfectly safe on that corner”. Wonder if they’d say the same now?

[Victoria Watcher]

Those poor young guys with the food place. Imagine having to operate with those issues.

[Mike K.]

I just saw a “memory” on FB about relish on Pandora ave on this day back in 2017. Sure was some gaslighting on that comment thread…. ‘Oh it’s not that bad” or “I feel perfectly safe on that corner”. Wonder if they’d say the same now?

I’m sure many have since left the city.

Legions of Johnny Come Latelies love to comment and show up the long time residents when issues fit for now-vs-then comparisons come up, then they quietly move away and never look back.

[Matt R.]

Yes the biggest gaslighter on that thread moved to salt spring.

No, it wasn’t me. I was already here.

Edited by Matt R., 30 December 2025 - 10:35 AM.