Revitalizing downtown has been an ambitious goal for the the Government of Saskatchewan.
Bruce Dawson Manager of the Historic Places Program reported at the Main Street Saskatchewan (MSSP) Conference on Nov. 5 that all the 17 communities involved with MSSP have done some work in one way or another and many at the 7 accredited level communities are on their way to revitalizing their downtown main streets.
“We’re seeing great physical changes where communities are being inspired by the historic look and feel of their downtown buildings...they’re going back to those original looks and using traditional materials.”
This reversion back to the tradition look at the building has made a more attractive downtown.
Tina Cresswell, who owns a cafe in Maple Creek says that it was a complete turn around for her business after they remodeled their exterior.
“We reopened our doors the day after the facade was done and people just flowed in. They wanted to tell us how beautiful it looked, they had a cup of coffee.”
Cresswell says that business has gone up 75 per cent, they’ve hired a new employee and they are going to extend their hours.
Change is coming for Maple Creek downtown, not just on the inside but the outside as well.
“The retailers that have already changed their storefronts are stepping up inside as well as out.” Says Cresswell. “Once you make something beautiful, you have to live up to it.”
Dawson says he also sees this attitude change towards downtown after communities have made these changes. In some communities, downtown was getting hollowed out in favour of suburban areas.
“Now we’re seeing people go, ‘oh, downtown gots some great things, great atmosphere, it’s the place we want to go do our business, it’s the we want to go and invest.’” Says Dawson.
Along with more attractive businesses, these main street focused programs are bringing in more arts and culture in the community as well, with communitiy groups planning new things like theatre programs.
Part of this transformation back to the traditional look and feel of downtowns is bringing back that culture hub.
“It’s a place where you came to meet and greet and do your activities and you did your shopping there as well.” Says Dawson.
The approach to revitalizing main street has been a two level process.
Along with the accredited level that is already seeing changes in 7 Saskatchewan communities, the affiliate level has been for communities who want to learn about revitalizing their main street before they start with any revitalization projects or committees.
“It provides them learning opportunities, conference opportunities and networking opportunities to help them learn more about the (four-point) model.” Says Dawson.
The accredited participants have been chosen through a competitive process and already have done revitalization efforts for their main streets. Whether it be gathering committees and resources and staff, these communities are already on the road to main street revitalization.
Humboldt is an accredited community that has an improvement committee set up that is separate from council that is manning that process.
“What I got out of the main street conference was a lot of good ideas but also some reassurance that we’re heading in right direction and doing the right things,” says Mayor Malcolm Eaton.
Melfort is also an accreditted main street community and have been very active in their past year with the program.
Donna Ponath is a city councillor with Melfort and is the chair of the Main Street Melfort committee.
They have their Main Street board in place along with hiring a program director, says Ponath.
The city has also sent out a survey to local businesses on what the city can do for local business retention.
“That’s helping us understand what the existing retailers and property owners feel and what they think should be happening to encourage business in the core.” Says Ponath.
The Main Street Four-Point Approach is based on four cornerstones of activity that are implemented in a coordinated and integrated manner:
Community Organization focuses on bringing community residents, merchants and other Main Street stakeholders together to work towards a common goal.
Economic Restructuring means strengthening the existing economic base while developing ways to diversify and expand the local economy by introducing new compatible businesses and building uses.
Design/Heritage Conservation involves creating an inviting, pedestrian-oriented downtown for people to shop, work and play.
Promotion involves creating awareness of Main Street assets through a combination of special events, business-enhancement promotions and marketing initiatives.
- http://www.pcs.gov.sk.ca/MainStreet/Four-PointApproach
