Streetscape Enhancements
The DVBIA is committed to addressing many of the aesthetic issues of the downtown. This is done in two ways: careful monitoring and reporting of issues to the appropriate civic agency and through on the street programs to both clean and beautify areas of the downtown to improve the streetscape.
Beautification, quality maintenance and cleanliness are vital components of security and economic development. The DVBIA subscribes to the "fixing broken windows" philosophy pioneered by Dr. George Kelling of New York (once a DVBIA guest in Vancouver), who argues that disrepair and untidiness invite more of the same, inevitably leading to escalating levels of vandalism, crime and depressed property values. Attractive, well-managed neighbourhoods achieve the reverse: more customers, happier and more prideful staff and more investment.
Best Foot Forward Program
The DVBIA's Best Foot Forward Program asks members to conduct a monthly "walkabout" through their specific downtown district. They identify problems like graffiti, garbage, poor lighting, vagrancy and property damage, all of which directly affect the perceptions and enjoyment of the area.
Comprehensive, user-friendly checklists covering a vast range of concerns are used during these patrols. All reports are analyzed, providing an extraordinary, up-to-date, x-ray of our downtown. Each month over 100 audits are performed throughout the 23 audit areas.
The City or relevant authorities are notified of problems and the DVBIA resources monitor solutions for these "hot spots."
Those who have contributed to this project report considerable success, and a sense of personal satisfaction. More participants would make the program even better. You can become an integral part of the solution. By participating in at least one 30-minute "walkabout" per month, you can make a significant contribution to the quality of life in your community.
To volunteer, or for more information about this, call the Downtown Ambassadors® at 604-689-4357. We appreciate your support in helping keep downtown Vancouver safe, clean and beautiful.
Downtown Clean Team
The Downtown Clean Team is a partnership between the Coast Foundation, United We Can, the DVBIA and the City of Vancouver. Workers gather from early morning to early afternoon, five days a week, working to remove posters and stickers, and to provide a cleaner downtown area. The Coast Foundation helps recovering patients who have suffered from mental illness, and United We Can is an agency that provides transitional employment to its clients.
Street Banners The DVBIA creates decorative street banners each year, as both a beautification exercise and a branding device for Granville Street. Other banner locations downtown are managed by the City. For more information:
http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/transport/banners/index.htm
Hanging Flower Baskets
In partnership with property owners throughout the downtown, the DVBIA oversees the installation of hanging flower baskets each Summer.
Other Beautification Initiatives
The DVBIA is in constant liaison with the City and businesses throughout the area with respect to any matter impacting upon beautification: lighting, street furniture, trash receptacles, newspaper and magazine vending machines, landscaping and seasonal decorations. A major example of this was the achievement by TransLink of a long-term contract for bus shelters throughout the Greater Vancouver region. DVBIA input assisted in both the choice of contractor and the ultimate design.