After last year’s successful pilot launch of the busking program, Victoria city council has approved its continuation and has introduced an updated and refined Street Vendors Bylaw.
The need for a revamped program came from a series of complaints about the quality, timing and location busker performances.
The approved changes from council include regulating amplification, providing electronic tipping options, have buskers audition for certain key or “elevated” sites, and establish a code of conduct for the artists.
Auditions will be held for a total of eight elevated busking sites: the Upper Causeway near the visitor centre, Ship Point, Johnson Street plaza, Douglas and Broughton Streets, Bastion Square, northwest corner and northeast corner of Broad Street, northwest corner of Fort Street, and northeast corner of Yates.
Amplification will only be enabled during certain times of the day, and will only take place at elevated locations like Ship Point.
Government Street will have five busking locations that any licensed busker can perform at, so long as it’s between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
As described in the amendment, buskers will not be able to perform in the same location for longer than two hours after completing their complete list of skills or “repertoire.”
Additionally, while the artist is performing at a location, they’re not allowed to repeat any skill, drama or musical work that’s included in their repertoire.
In a survey conducted between June and September 2024, most responses to the proposed busking program were positive, saying it added vibrancy and life to downtown Victoria.
However, there are some concerns, particularly with downtown residents, who have stated that the noise can impact quality of life.
The city hopes that the adjustments will ensure downtown residents don’t feel neglected, and that busking will continue to provide overall satisfaction.
How do you feel about the busking program, Victoria?
