Focused on revitalizing Victoria's downtown core, the one-year-old OUR DWTN program, which funds beautification, programming, cleaning and safety-enhancement projects, just won two awards.
Granted by the International Downtown Association and the Union of B.C. Municipalities, the awards recognize unique urban management projects.
"OUR DWTN initiatives have included two scrub-up events in partnership with the Downtown Victoria Business Association, pop-up indoor pickleball courts at Crystal Garden, free outdoor concerts, holiday craft workshops and the popular Sleigh the Day family-friendly event," said the city in a news release. "A free, multi-day winter arts festival was held over the Family Day weekend, and significant infrastructure upgrades and recreational and cultural programming have been implemented at Ship Point.”
Since Victoria founded the project last May, it has already invested close to $2 million in downtown revitalization efforts, and it has allotted almost $950,000 more for events this year, which include mix of new retail experiences, pop-up culinary options, recreational and cultural programming and placemaking initiatives.
“We are honoured to receive not one, but two awards of excellence that recognize the exceptional quality and regional impact of the city’s OUR DWTN revitalization program,” said Marianne Alto, the city's mayor, in a news release. “Staff were tasked with exploring how to make Victoria’s downtown a destination for all to enjoy year-round. Both awards recognize council’s vision of intentional transformation and the creativity and collaboration demonstrated – and delivered – by OUR DWTN team.”
