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Township receives blueprint for sprucing up downtowns By Liz Dadson |
Huron-Kinloss council To Comment on this article Click Here |
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Huron-Kinloss council has received a blueprint for sprucing up downtown Ripley and Lucknow, so now it's up to the township to do something about it. At the May 16 meeting, Kara Van Myall presented the Spruce the Bruce toolkits for the two villages in the township, noting the municipality can now take this information and implement a plan to improve the two commercial cores. "We have defined the action plans and tools to move the process forward," said Van Myall, noting Bruce County, through the Spruce the Bruce program, can provide resources and grants for the improvements. "This program supports the downtowns which make up two-thirds of your assessment and are the heart of your communities," she said. Regarding Ripley, the important aspects are: filling the vacant storefronts, diversifying the economy, creating a competitive environment, and improving the marketing and promotion of the area. Under the branding of "Homemade and Hands-on," Ripley would feature artisans and crafters, and the idea of "getting your hands dirty" while creating such things as pottery or stained glass, said Van Myall. She said Ripley has already been successful with its downtown beautification. Now, council must develop an environment that welcomes more retailers, including a business retention and expansion program, and a Community Improvement Plan incentive program. Council should also develop a marketing strategy to promote Ripley as an artisan/crafter day-trip tourism destination. As for Lucknow, Van Myall said it is also faced with vacant storefronts on the main street. The branding here is of a "General Store," where people can purchase almost everything they need in the village. The major aspect is to improve the physical design in order to encourage traffic to stop and shop in Lucknow. Council also must improve the physical appearance and functionality of the main street buildings.
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"Managing your downtowns is essential," said Van Myall, "and that's where the Spruce the Bruce program can help." She said fixing up the downtowns is an ever-evolving plan which never really ends Council accepted the report and plans to move forward with an action plan for economic development in the two downtowns The township has also approved the hiring of Taralyn Martin as the new business and economic officer. Scrolling stops when you move your mouse inside the scroll area. You can click on the ads for more
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