The Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA) has released its 2025 report on downtown, shedding light on the critical challenges facing local businesses.
The report, which includes responses from a record number of businesses, reveals a bleak outlook for many, with nearly half of surveyed business owners stating they would consider closing if their lease were up within the next 12 months.
According to the DVBA’s findings, 39% of businesses reported a decline in net profit over the past year, and 69% of respondents believe crime has increased in the downtown area.
Retail vacancy downtown was 11% in 2024. In terms of overall satisfaction, more than half of businesses rated downtown Victoria a C+ or lower as a place to do business.
“Our call is simple: all levels of government must act now. No more studies. No waiting on perfect solutions. We need bold, immediate action in 2025, or we risk a wave of closures, job losses, and a dramatic erosion of downtown’s vitality,” said Jeff Bray, CEO of the DVBA.
Bray addressed the concerns during a press conference held in downtown Victoria Thursday morning and stressed the urgency of immediate action.
These findings come amid ongoing struggles with street-level disorder, crime, and rising concerns over the safety and the attractiveness of downtown.
Businesses are facing challenges that extend beyond financial hardship, with many owners citing a direct link between the increasing disorder and a decline in foot traffic and public perception. These issues, however, are not unique to Victoria, with similar concerns raised in other BC urban centres.
The findings of the DVBA report were echoed by Save Our Streets (SOS), a coalition of over 120 community and business organizations from across British Columbia.
Jess Ketchum, Co-founder of SOS, stated that the issues outlined in the report are not new to their members. SOS is also experiencing firsthand the impacts of retail theft, vandalism, open drug use, and violence in the downtown core.
“We are witnessing the destruction of Victoria’s global image as a safe and friendly city,” Ketchum said.
“Our Communities Driving Change Forum in January showed that evidence-based solutions are working in other places, but we are not seeing the necessary investments here in British Columbia.”
While the DVBA and SOS call for immediate government action, the provincial government recently introduced the Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement Program (C-STEP), a $5-million initiative designed to address street-level crime and public disorder across BC’s downtown cores.
This announcement comes just days after national media reported on the growing street disorder in Victoria, specifically focusing on the challenges facing Pandora Avenue, a once-vibrant corridor now associated with open drug use, street crime, and visible sheltering.
According to the Province, the C-STEP initiative aims to bolster policing around high-impact but non-violent crimes like theft, shoplifting, and vandalism.
It also seeks to improve collaboration between police, social services, and local businesses to address public safety concerns. BC’s Minister of State for Community Safety, Terry Yung, emphasized that the program is about ensuring safe communities for residents and business owners alike.
In addition to C-STEP, the City of Victoria has already committed nearly $25 million since 2023 to services for unhoused residents, encampment cleanup, and increased bylaw enforcement.
Despite these efforts, business owners continue to report that street-level disorder is taking a toll on downtown foot traffic, public perception, and overall business vitality.
In light of the growing concerns, the DVBA’s report outlines a series of advocacy priorities for all levels of government.
These include a call for immediate enforcement of bylaws related to public disorder, a stronger police presence in the downtown area, and expanded mental health and addiction services from the provincial government.
The report also highlights the need for reforms to the justice system, including more funding for Crown prosecutors, sheriffs, and detention facilities to address repeat offenders who contribute to the ongoing crime issues.
Both the DVBA and Save Our Streets are urging the provincial and federal governments to act quickly and decisively in addressing the challenges facing downtown Victoria.
The groups are calling for a comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes of crime and disorder while providing support for business owners, vulnerable populations, and the community at large.
While the introduction of C-STEP and the city’s ongoing investments in public safety are steps in the right direction, business owners argue that more immediate and sustained action is necessary to restore safety and confidence in downtown Victoria.
Without meaningful change, they warn, the future of downtown businesses remains at risk.
