Inner Harbour Summer Line Up returns to the Lower Causeway
Ship Point food trucks added to the popular artisans’ market showcase
April 28, 2021, Victoria, BC, Canada – The not-for-profit Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) will bring back a modified and smaller version of the Inner Harbour Summer Line Up along the Lower Causeway for the summer of 2021.
The Inner Harbour Summer Line Up returns this year with measures in place to ensure safe distancing and protect artisans, vendors, food vendors, and causeway users. Half of the spaces available for artisans and vendors will be in place this year, with up to 23 people spaced out along all three sides of the Lower Causeway.
“Relaunching the Inner Harbour Summer Line Up will bring life back to the Lower Causeway, which is part of the centre of tourism for the downtown core,” said Ian Robertson, CEO, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority. “In 2020, we were unable to safely find a way to allow artisans and vendors to interact with causeway users. Thanks to the work between our team and Island Health, as well as a year of understanding how this virus spreads, we have found a way to restructure the activation of this space for this summer.”
Artisans and vendors will set up daily between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. starting on Saturday, May 1, 2021. The Inner Harbour Summer Line Up will end on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021. Artisans and vendors will offer everything from handmade jewelry and artwork to lemonade and mini donuts. Masks will be worn by all vendors to ensure an added layer of protection.
“I am very appreciative of the chance to return to the Inner Harbour after these uncertain times,” said Mike Hill, one of the causeway artisans. “As a twenty-year participant of the Victoria waterfront scene, I am excited to bring my jewelry back to the causeway and I look forward to seeing all the folks who come down and support the local artists.”
This year, GVHA is also launching a food truck space at the east end of Ship Point, closest to the 3D Canada sign, featuring a selection of takeaway food options from Songhees Seafood & Steam, Cup-A-Roni, and Bubble on the Run. Additionally, Hot Dog Hustling, The Lemon, Elixir, and Empire Donuts will be set up along the Lower Causeway.
The Songhees Nation will also welcome their artisans along the south apron of the causeway, below the Welcome to Victoria flower garden. Explore Songhees will expand their cultural tourism offerings over the course of the summer with spaces and activation throughout the Lower Causeway and at Ship Point. Detailed plans for these activations will be announced later this spring.
About the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that is committed to the stewardship and sustainable growth of Victoria’s dynamic working harbour. The organization is governed by a 13-member Board of Directors, represented by four independent community members and eight Member Agencies: Esquimalt Nation, Songhees Nation, Capital Regional District, City of Victoria, Township of Esquimalt, The Chamber, Victoria Esquimalt Harbour Society, and Destination Greater Victoria.
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority owns and operates several high-profile community amenities including the Ogden Point Breakwater, Inner Harbour lower causeway, Ship Point, and customs dock at Raymur Point. Within its commercial and marine industrial holdings are The Breakwater District at Ogden Point, Fisherman’s Wharf, four Inner Harbour marinas, and the historic Steamship Terminal. The organization manages the Victoria Cruise Terminal at The Breakwater District, which contributes more than $130 million annually to the Greater Victoria economy and is responsible for 800 direct and indirect jobs.
[Note: Image taken pre-COVID]