The following letter of support was sent to Mayor and Council on behalf of the DRA Board:
July 20, 2015
Re: Government Street Pedestrian Mall – “LoveGov” Pilot Project
Dear Mayor and Council,
The Victoria Downtown Residents’ Association (DRA) supports the amended Council Member Motion to the Governance and Priorities Committee, dated July 15, 2015, referred to as the “LoveGov” Pilot Project, which calls for the temporary closure of Government Street to vehicular traffic on specific weekend days over the next several months, to create a pedestrian mall.
The DRA believes that such a pilot project will allow the City, Government Street businesses, and residents of Downtown Victoria to experience and assess the viability of a local pedestrian mall. Not only is the DRA looking forward to participating in this project, we are seeking to become involved at the level of co-sponsor, thus providing local residents with a say in the organization of the events. If Government Street is indeed to become “a place that is first and foremost…for locals”, then our input during the planning process is vitally important.
The Victoria Downtown Residents’ Association looks forward to working with the organizing team, and contributing our perspectives to the successful implementation of the “LoveGov” Pilot Project.
Sincerely,
Nicholas Harrington Kaela Schramm Co-Chairs Downtown Residents Association