My point was that it's too bad there wasn't an organized, concerted effort back a few years ago to turn Govt. Street into a shopping mall when those stores were first expanding to Victoria. In my fairy land, ideal world, stores like H&M and BR would be downtown (Govt St would be ideal) instead of Mayfiar/Hillside/Uptown.
Baskin Robbins?
I think much of the trouble lies in attracting locals to support the retail on this street the entire year around. If Mike is right and Government is one of the most expensive streets in the country, very few of the other expensive streets are full of shops that hock cowichan sweaters, smoked salmon, maple syrup and carvings. Although I think alot will disagree, I feel the BK and the 7-11 serve as a tiny draw for the non tourist crowd, whether you like it or not is up for debate.
Honestly on a typical night I don't think Stephen Avenue, or Sparks St are a very far cry from the activity level of Government. In fact Stephen Ave is busier now that the let cars drive down it at night than before when it was only pedestrian 24/7.
I'm not supportive of issuing tax breaks at the municipal level, I can't see this working in any capacity.