(DT) A Vital Downtown.... its all about the plan

"The future is not someplace we're going, but one we're creating.
The paths to it are not found but made"
John Schaar

Development in downtown Brandon is happening in a vacuum without the context of a longterm vision and plan. The vision of what our downtown could be- functionally, physically, socially, economically, is a critical first step.

An example of a clear vision is Winnipeg's CentreVenture and their Public Destinations Committee. The Committee's vision is to make downtown Winnipeg the place it used to be, but in a different way. Downtown Winnipeg used to be the place you went to see the best that the city had to offer. The Committee wants to restore that reputation by investing in parks with a world-class feel. The skateboard park at the Forks (designed by the same firm doing our own Campbell Skateboard Plaza) and the reinvention of Central Park are solid examples of striving for excellence.

But you don't need to be big to plan well. Carberry, Virden, and Russell are also known for their impressive downtown revitalization efforts. Achieved because they have leadership, vision, and a plan.

Why is a plan important?

• Good planning is the bridge that links us from where we are to where we want to be.
• Planning gives us a sense of direction.
• Planning increases our potential for success
• Planning helps determine how to allocate resources.
• Planning ensures that we can accomplish defined objectives- how do we know we're successful if we don't know what we're measuring against?

So where do we want to be with our downtown. Do a bit of imagining or bluesky thinking. What if our vision for downtown is a arts culture entertainment centre with historic architecture and a distinct atmosphere, with casual-chic restaurants and a compelling night-life? For example, imagine that every parking lot was now an outdoor cafe.... can you see yourself strolling along 9th Street to meet up with friends on the patio for a pitcher of Sangria? Maybe we'll pop over to the new Thai restaurant that just opened and then catch the new show at the Strand- who's performing? Or maybe your vision is more focused on retail. Imagine showing off some out of town guests the funky little boutiques that downtown is famous for, or dropping by the brew pub for a quick pint. Or maybe it's about living downtown. Leaving the loft with those exposed brick walls and walking up the street to Princess Park for some early morning tai chi then popping into Ginger Cat for a latte before heading off to work or class.

These are all wonderful, compelling visions for downtown. What would we need to do to get there?

• linkages with government agencies such as NRC or Renaissance Brandon. Each sector has a role to play and each must understand the strengths and limitations of the other in order to forge an effective partnership.
• design that enhances the historic architecture- capitalizing on its best assets and pedestrian friendly streetscapes is just part of the story. An inviting atmosphere created through attractive window displays (see the upcoming design blog for the artists in the windows idea), parking areas, building improvements, street furniture, signs, sidewalks, streetlights and landscaping convey a positive visual message about the downtown and what it has to offer.
• promotions and marketing sell a positive image of downtown Brandon and encourages consumers and investors to live, work, shop, play, and invest in downtown Brandon.
• economic restructuring and diversification strengthen Brandon's existing economic assets while expanding our base. Brandon needs to put more effort into Ren Brandon and Economic Development to help sharpen the competitiveness of existing business owners and recruit compatible new businesses and new economic uses to build a downtown that responds to Brandon's current needs. Part of that effort could be converting unused or underused commercial space into economically productive properties which would also help boost the profitability of downtown. The City may have to use both sticks and carrots to ensure that property owners are part of this process.

But first we need leadership to say that downtown is a priority for Brandon. And then we need the plan....

This post is 3rd in a series about revitalizing downtown Brandon. Next up is a look at how other communities are using their downtowns.