Project Title:

Station Street Common

Project Organization:

Downtown Duncan Business Improvement Association

Project Investment:

  • Island Coastal Economic Trust: $8,188
  • Applicant Contribution: $8,188
  • Total Budget: $16,376

This project transformed an unused grassy area in downtown Duncan into a Covid-safe, open-air food court. Local restaurants impacted by indoor seating restrictions benefitted from new ways to safely interact with customers, facilitated by a centralized, contactless online ordering system that places QR codes on cafe tables. Diners order and pick up food themselves, and enjoy it in the heart of the business district, surrounded by the area’s unique shops and services.

This approach is intended to create new vitality in the downtown core, while supporting the transition to hybrid digital and in-person service in the downtown’s food sector businesses.

In addition to increasing restaurant seating capacity, the food court also reduces the need to repurpose vehicle parking spots and creates an appealing dining space for visitors to the nearby the Duncan Farmers’ market, and 39 Days of July festival attendees. Food court amenities included eight portable tables, umbrellas, speakers, signage, and a sanitation station. This pilot was so successful that the area has now been turned into a permanent outdoor space with heavier more weather-resistant tables installed.

Island Coastal Economic Trust funded this project on 2020 through the Community Placemaking program.