A florist, sauna and boutique shops set the scene for a rejuvenation of downtown Victoria that started in spring.
All told, 19 new businesses aim to flourish in a downtown facing several challenges, according to the city.
Some areas are quickly becoming destinations such as Upper Government Street, between Herald and Chatham, with a unique mix of small businesses including Credo 75, Public Mercantile, Gallery Merrick, Fat Sisters, Torch Song, Proper Poke, and Parlour Hair Salon.
This block is now a go-to for shopping, self-care, and dining, built by a dedicated group of local entrepreneurs, the city said.
Most recently, Vancouver-based clothing company DUER officially opened in the former Lululemon space on Lower Johnson Street (LoJo), marking its first Vancouver Island location and adding to the vibrant retail mix. Next up, Aerth Saunas prepares to welcome guests later this summer.
A few blocks south, the 600-block of Johnson Street is becoming a magnet for the young and stylish. With the recent arrival of Key Vintage, Artavi Skate & Snow newly relocated downtown, and Grove Outdoors expanding next door, the block is full of fresh momentum. These join existing businesses like Second Degree Vintage, Lonely Roads, and Goodnews Skateshop, reinforcing the street’s creative and youthful vibe.
Soon, the corner of Government and Johnson will offer even more reasons to visit as Cocobella’s menu of milkshakes and baked treats moves in.
“The DVBA is delighted to welcome all the wonderful, unique, locally owned and operated businesses downtown. Despite the challenging narrative, this kind of investment in downtown is encouraging. Downtown Victoria proudly hosts the largest concentration of locally owned businesses on the Island,” CEO Jeff Bray said in a news release.
The surge that started in April comes as the city reaffirms a commitment to public safety, approving reallocation of $10.3 million for community safety initiatives.
The plan prescribes a system-wide shift to address community safety with “upstream” interventions and “downstream” enforcement, allocating resources to change how the city provides its own services and how it collaborates with other governments, community service providers and residents. Initial actions include hiring a dozen more bylaw staff; requesting nine more police officers for specifically the areas of Pandora, Princess and downtown; rebuilding public infrastructure on Pandora and Princess; enhancing the emergency weather response including establishing new short-term shelter options; and investigating purchasing and staffing a vehicle to assess and move people living on Pandora, Princess and downtown.
“Victorians are frustrated with the rising degree of street disorder and the consequences from that affect the daily lives of residents seeking uninterrupted, calm use and enjoyment of public spaces and businesses,” Mayor Marianne Alto said in a news release. “While responsibility for the services that address poverty, homelessness, addictions and health lie primarily with the provincial government, Victorians expect their city government to respond to these crises. Today we begin that work with a new focus and a blueprint for action in the new community safety and well-being plan.”
