We will be running our annual shop local campaign, posters, bags and entry forms will be coming to businesses during the last week of November.
The campaign will run until December 13th where 5 people will win $200 in LDBA bucks.
Old Time Christmas 2023 – Dec 8
From 5 pm to 8 pm.
We have decided not to do the Elf on the Shelf this year as the businesses feedback was overall not great. Instead we would like to focus on the activities and treats that each business offers.
Once again, CrossFit will be hosting the Christmas Market, Wild Poppy will have a craft for the kids, Bakery will have cookies and beverages, and, of course, the Mactier Group will host Gingy at the Selfie Station.
For some additional inspiration here is what was done last year:
- Plantitude – mini-cupcakes
- Juniper & Sage – hot chocolate
- Neck of the Woods – chai tea & cookies
- Red’s Emporium – selfie with Santa
- Chamber – Apple Cider
Please let us know how you will be participating ASAP as we are starting to advertise in greater detail next week.
Photo courtesy of Michael Dean Art.
AGM Minutes – 2022
At June 6th’s AGM at Bayview Brewing, the 2022 AGM’s minutes were approved:
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Town of Ladysmith – Single Use Plastics Business Survey
The town is seeking feedback from the businesses regarding single-use plastic. Please go here to fill out the survey and make your voice heard:
Parking in Ladysmith – Update
April 2023: We met with the Town to discuss the ongoing issue of parking. They are working to increase the budget for bylaw enforcement. Reminder to all business owners to please not park in front of your, or other businesses, as a joint effort to reduce the congestion downtown. We are working on a parking promotion to remind the locals of parking etiquette.
We want to make sure that you and your customers have easy access to and know about free downtown parking options.
We would like to ask that all business people, owners and employees please park in the designated parking lots and not on First Avenue and side streets.
We must ensure that there is available parking adjacent to the businesses where customers are shopping and doing business.
Ease of parking is directly related to customer traffic in our stores and businesses, the more easily a customer finds a parking spot near their intended destination, the more likely they are to patronize that business. And we can always use happier customers and more business!
Crime Prevention Tips for Downtown
We have been alerted that there have been several incidences downtown that left our members feeling unsafe and exposed. Wes Olson of the RCMP responded below.
. . . .
I’m not sure if the downtown business association is familiar with CPTED (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design). There are many things a business/homeowner can do to mitigate vandalism and thefts. Surveillance cameras can catch the act but unless there is a notifying feature on the camera that can alert the person monitoring the system then it is evidence gathering after the fact. I personally use Arlo Security cameras at my residence which I can monitor on my cell phone and receive alerts when motion triggers the camera to record. The cameras can be purchased at Best Buy or Costco when they have them. They work off a rechargeable battery and wi-fi so they can be mounted anywhere and are of good quality. They have built-in night vision so darkness is not a problem.
Trimming back hedges, removing big objects and improving lighting around buildings are other suggestions. Roving security patrols are also helpful. I believe there are security companies locally in the Cowichan Valley that offer this service. Police patrols can supplement the security patrols when we have time. Our ability to complete pro-active patrols is dependant upon response to Priority Calls for service and a member’s workload.
One must also be cautious of unreal expectations of what the court will do with an offender if we are successful in charging somebody. Unfortunately, property crime is not given the same weight as a person’s crime and generally, the punishment does not fit the crime especially in the eyes of the victim. Our priority offenders know the legal system well and are not fearful of it.
In my 31 years of policing, I have found that making things difficult on an offender is the best way to prevent criminal activity in specific areas. Offenders are creatures of habit and it’s like having a good fishing hole. People will keep going back to the same locations until all the fish are gone and then move onto a new target-rich environment. Locking doors/windows and having a strong covering like metal roller shades or bars, having a security system (alarm and cameras), having a well-lit area and nothing to hide behind are all things that make it difficult for an offender. They will move on to easier targets especially if their chances of getting caught are greater in one area over another.
Regards,
Wes Olson
W.W. OLSEN, S/Sgt
Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge
Ladysmith Detachment
PO Box 260, 320 6th Ave
Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A2
Tel: 250-245-2215
Fax: 250-245-6060
Wes [dot] olsen [at] rcmp-grc [dot] gc [dot] ca