(DT) What I imagine downtown Brandon to be....

Great cities have great downtowns. A great downtown draws people in; it inspires, energizes, and tells the story of the people who inhabit it. Downtowns tell us who we are, where we've been, and where we're going (and at what speed).

The head and heart must work in concert if we are to begin such a critical and arduous journey as revitalizing downtown. It requires the most important asset downtown Brandon has- memory and the emotions it unleashes. But downtown revitalization also has tangible benefits that should appeal to our practical natures. A downtown recovery means more residents and more jobs, both downtown and elsewhere. Downtowns are an important recruitment tool for New Economy workers and the "creative-class" jobs. It means more out-of-town visitors bringing more outside money into the area. Property values (and the City's tax base) are enhanced.

Downtown has a diversity of meanings. When I've been talking with people, they mention the role it plays in civic pride and community aspirations, it speaks of our confidence and prosperity, and can be a showcase for sustainability.

For me, downtown Brandon should be....

• For All Brandon- downtown should be integral and integrated with the city and the region, a welcome social gathering place for all Brandon.
• A Complete Livable Community- downtown should be a neighbourhood where people live, meet, stroll, shop, congregate, learn, and play.
• Gorgeous- downtown should be a source of civic pride, with a strong identity.
• Connected- downtown should connect to surrounding neighbourhoods and the activities within.
• Dynamic- downtown should be animated and vibrant 24-7-12.
• A Hub- downtown should be a centre of arts, culture, creativity, innovation, and knowledge and serve as an incubator for artists and entrepreneurs.
• Walkable- downtown should offer a streetscape that encourages people to walk.
• Safe- downtown should be a place where people feel safe and welcome, providing Jane Jacob's "eyes on the street".
• Healthy- downtown should foster healthy lifestyles and sustainable environments.
• Accessible, Inclusive, and Diverse- downtown should be open to all, and foster a diversity of uses, people, activities, and living choices.
• Historic- downtown should build upon its unique identity and heritage.

This is a series outlining opportunities for downtown Brandon. Upcoming posts will deal with the role City Hall could play in redevelopment, innovations in zoning, economic development, and other issues core to the successful revitalization of the core.