OUR DWTN

ReWilding is a new public art installation on Douglas Street that brings the story of a buried creek back into view.

The artwork focuses on Johnson Creek, which once flowed through the area before being buried as downtown Victoria developed. By layering Lekwungen cultural knowledge, art, ecology and local history, ReWilding highlights the significance of the land beneath the city and reflects the City’s commitment to reconciliation, biodiversity and creative placemaking.

The project will be marked with a public celebration on May 3, held as part of Design Victoria. The gathering will include Lekwungen singers and dancers and a welcome and short talk by Melissa McClurg, reflecting on the land, the creek and the history of the area 

The installation was created by Brianna Bear, with support from Christine Lintott Architects Inc. and the University of Victoria’s EcoVisualization Studio.

ReWilding is funded by the City of Victoria’s OUR DWTN program. 

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We’re shining a spotlight on the people, places and everyday moments that make downtown Victoria unforgettable, all through the lens of local creatives.

The I ❤️ DWTN video series on Instagram follows artists as they share what a perfect day downtown looks like to them, from hidden gems and beloved small businesses to iconic spots and simple joys.

This City-led campaign is proudly supported by the Downtown Victoria Business Association.

👉 Every like, view and visit supports small businesses and the creative community - support local and share the love. #IHeartDWTN ❤️🧡💛 

Need an extra layer of security? Call 250‑686‑3715 and a parkade security guard will meet you and walk you to your vehicle.
The number is also posted at all parkade elevators, stairwells and entrances.

New Creative Spaces Downtown
The City of Victoria’s Storefront Activation Program is bringing new energy downtown through arts and culture.

 Three projects are transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant hubs for creativity, learning and community connection: 
🎨 VIVAS – Affordable artist studios and an exhibition hub at 1101 Yates St. 
🧶 Beehive Fibre Arts Centre – A 5,500 sq. ft. fibre arts hub at 1205 Blanshard St., open now through March 2026. 
🔊 Monkey C’s Artcade - The Alien Lab, an interactive sound-and-light playground at 706 Fort St., coming early 2026. 

If you would like to receive more information about this project, please email: amahimwalla@victoria.ca 

Learn what you can do to report, remove and prevent graffiti downtown on private and public property. 

The City's Feet on the Street program provides a visible presence in the core, with bylaw officers making regular downtown patrols where they engage with the business community and proactively enforce bylaws relating to nuisance activities. 

Under the OUR DWTN program, the City now has a dedicated OUR DWTN service person, who monitors and coordinates downtown cleaning and maintenance. This service person conducts regular downtown inspections and works with a larger cleaning crew to target areas of high need.
Submit a request

Bright pink street teams are out every Friday & Saturday, 11:30 p.m.-3 a.m., making nightlife safer and more welcoming.
✅ De-escalation & bystander support
✅ Creating inclusive spaces
✅ Encouraging participation in activations

Funded by the OUR DWTN Ideas Fund, GNO helps everyone enjoy downtown with confidence and care.