In 2006, Douglas writer David Lennam wrote, “Here we are a year away from Victoria’s 150th birthday and we’re still wondering … is downtown dying?” Despite ongoing concerns about empty storefronts, a host of new developments and businesses are reviving key areas such as Yates Street, Chinatown and the Old Town area near the no-longer-blue bridge.
One man who has carried the torch high for downtown throughout the decade is Ken Kelly of the Downtown Victoria Business Association. Kelly retires in June after 12 years as downtown #yyj’s booster. His successor, Kerri Milton, formerly of the Downtown Penticton Organization becomes the new DVBA executive director in July.
Downtown Victoria Residential Development
In the past decade, 2,982 new residential units have been added within the boundaries of the Downtown Victoria Business Association. “This is a remarkable transformation,” says Kelly, “and a wonderful tribute to our development community who, through thick and thin, has brought us to the point that the very nature of our downtown has been transformed … with more to come!”
For further information about changes to downtown Victoria, visit InvestDowntownVictoria.ca
