The Government of Saskatchewan has announced that it has established Main Street Saskatchewan as an on-going program.
"Our historic downtowns and commercial districts are centres of pride in our province," Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport Mark Docherty said. "Through its new, on-going program, Main Street Saskatchewan will work with communities to promote, conserve and capitalize on the things that make these areas unique. By helping create jobs, businesses, and areas for cultural experience, this new program will improve our quality of life and contribute to the remarkable growth we're experiencing across the province."
The new Main Street program will provide two levels of participation: Accredited and Affiliate. Accredited communities are eligible to receive all benefits and services offered by the Main Street program, including training and advisory services, support in developing their streetscape design guidelines, eligibility for three matching grant streams, and a one-time, $25,000 matching grant to assist the community in developing their long-term vision and work plan for the downtown.
Communities selected at an Affiliate level will receive a package of benefits which includes eligibility for the capacity building grant and some training and advisory services. Following the September 5 deadline for applications to the Main Street Saskatchewan program, two new Accredited communities and an unlimited number of Affiliate communities will be selected.
Main Street Saskatchewan is a community-driven program that works to revitalize historic downtowns and commercial districts. It combines community organizations, economic restructuring, heritage conservation and design, marketing and promotion to conserve and capitalize on the unique strengths and assets of Saskatchewan communities.
To participate in the program or to learn more about Main Street Saskatchewan, please visit www.pcs.gov.sk.ca/MainStreet.
