Introduction

In an alarming trend for one of British Columbia's charming urban hubs, two longstanding businesses in downtown Victoria have recently closed their doors, shedding light on a troubling local issue. The Subway restaurant at 1420 Quadra Street, a fixture in the community for over 30 years, has shut down amid declining foot traffic and rising safety concerns.

Reasons Behind the Closures

Mark Hardoon, the building's landlord, expressed his frustration, citing a chronic drop in business linked to multiple factors, particularly the growing challenges posed by homelessness and drug use in the area. "You have the homeless situation, you have people using drugs and whatnot right in the vicinity," Hardoon stated, illustrating the tough reality local businesses face. Despite being a staple for locals and tourists alike, the establishment has become increasingly unviable, falling victim to a deteriorating environment.

Next door, Bold Butcher is grappling with similar difficulties. Owner Jeremiah Oberg-O’Brien highlighted the unsettling experiences staff encounter—such as patrons locking themselves in the bathroom and having to fend off unwanted visitors. He described the unusual measures taken to create a safer environment, including constructing a private garbage enclosure to deter scavengers, and noted a significant shift in consumer behavior, with customers opting for takeout rather than dining in due to concerns about the area's safety. "Nobody wants to dine in because the area is sketchy," he lamented.

Moreover, Subway isn't alone in departing from downtown Victoria. The 7-Eleven store at the corner of Johnson and Douglas streets has also closed, aligning with the company's broader strategy to shutter hundreds of locations across North America. While management declined to comment on the matter, this trend raises questions about the sustainability of major chains in volatile urban centers.

Opportunities for Local Entrepreneurs

Despite the gloomy news, Jeff Bray, CEO of the Downtown Victoria Business Association, sees a silver lining. “These closures open doors for local entrepreneurs,” Bray asserted, emphasizing the uniqueness of independent businesses. "There’s only one Frankie’s Modern Diner and one Dutch Bakery," he observed, suggesting that opportunity thrives even amidst adversity.

Call for Government Action

At 1420 Quadra Street, a 2,000 square foot second-floor space is available for new tenants, following the departure of a tech company that left due to serious safety issues, including drug use in the stairwells and the presence of discarded needles.

With public safety often dominating discussions leading up to the provincial elections, Bray emphasized the urgent need for government action. “We need the provincial government to step up bigtime with long-term solutions for people with mental health and addictions,” he urged, advocating for immediate intervention to tackle street behavior that impedes business operations.

Conclusion

The situation in downtown Victoria serves as a cautious note for emerging businesses and urban planning initiatives in similar cities across Canada. The dual closures are not just a reflection of corporate decisions, but a deeper sign of the challenges cities face—balancing growth and community wellbeing in an ever-evolving landscape. Will the doors of opportunity swing open for local entrepreneurs, or will downtown Victoria’s charm continue to fade? Only time will tell.