It’s car-free day; thousands expected
Nine-block section of Douglas will be closed to vehicle traffic for annual celebration
The annual Car Free YYJ celebration is expected to draw 35,000 people to the downtown core today, with a nine-block section of Douglas Street shut down to vehicle traffic.
Car Free YYJ, which was created four years ago by the Downtown Victoria Business Association to give a boost to the downtown business sector, has become a fixture of Father’s Day weekend. Organizers say 25,000 people took in the festivities last year, making it one of the most well-attended summertime events in the region.
“Sometimes events come and go, but my feel is that this is one of those events that has taken root and become a bit of fixture,” said Jeff Bray, executive director of the Downtown Victoria Business Association. “I see exploring other avenues and growing it, but in terms of Car Free YYJ, it’s here for a while.”
Car Free YYJ is presented by the Downtown Victoria Business Association in partnership with the City of Victoria and B.C. Transit.
Production of the event is handled by Atomique Productions, which has set up entertainment stages at Fisgard and Yates streets. More than 350 vendors are participating.
Victoria police have said they will be placing cameras at various junctions around the event, to be used in accordance with B.C. and national privacy legislation. The cameras will be taken down a short time after the event, according to police.
The event begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 6 p.m.
B.C. Transit bus service to and from the area will be affected during that time, with Douglas Street being closed from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. A total of 16 stops through the downtown core will be closed and buses rerouted to Blanshard Street. Bus service will return to normal on Monday morning.
Johnson, Yates and Fort streets will be open to vehicle traffic during Car Free YYJ, and parking will be free at city-run parkades and street meters. But organizers are hoping attendees will use alternative transportation to go to and from the event. A free valet service will be available on Pandora Avenue to accommodate those arriving by bike.
“It creates a unique presence on Douglas Street, which is a major thoroughfare,” Bray said. “For one day, it becomes something different, which is invigorating and exciting.”