The City of Victoria’s OUR DWTN revitalization program has won two awards of excellence!
These awards include the International Downtown Association (IDA) Award of Excellence in Urban Place Management, as well as the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Community Excellence Award in Service Delivery.
OUR DWTN revitalization program focuses on Victoria’s downtown core, investing in beautification, year-round use of downtown spaces, and enhanced cleaning and safety.
According to a media release, since it was established in May of 2023, Council has invested close to $2 million to refresh downtown. The program is funded by the City’s parking revenue.
“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 Mayor Marianne Alto.
“Both awards recognize Council’s vision of intentional transformation and the creativity and collaboration demonstrated—and delivered—by the OUR DWTN team. Actions like these, [sic] show how cities can make positive change in our communities.”
Actions such as Scrub-Up events, infrastructure upgrades, recreational and cultural events, pop-up indoor pickleball courts, free outdoor concerts, holiday craft workshops and the popular Sleigh the Day family-friendly event.
Other projects include the Feet on the Street program, focused on proactively enforcing bylaws and a fast-acting cleaning crew to respond to calls for service.
Additionally, OUR DWTN was responsible for organizing and implementing the Tam Kung Temple mural in Chinatown by artist Carolyn Wong, increased seasonal décor, Adirondack chairs and turf in public plazas and spaces.
In case you’re not familiar, the IDA’s Award of Excellence in Urban Place Management recognizes impactful organizational approaches and projects in a variety of areas—such as safety, cleanliness, hospitality, placemaking and more.
UBCM’s Community Excellence Award in Service Delivery is one of four annual awards, going towards a local government that has gone above and beyond in meeting the purposes of local government in BC.
