(DT) A Vital Downtown- Parting Thoughts

When it's all said and done, the key feature in all of all of the successful downtown redevelopments that we have looked at in the Vital Downtown blog series has been patience. A relentless effort, a well designed strategy, and energy from many directions are integral to the revitalization that will make downtown Brandon distinct and thriving. The Vibrant Downtown posts represent some practical, technical, whimsical, and forward thinking ideas for downtown Brandon.

Goal 1: Carving out a distinct economic role
Other communities have found success in developing their downtowns into vibrant centres of arts and entertainment. We looked at Fargo and their focus on restaurants, and another is Phoenixville, where a three-block area is being repositioned with a strategy that utilizes public art installations, live performances, film, theatre, dining, and the development of creative cultural events.

Goal 2: Encourage more people to live and work downtown
To make downtown Brandon an attractive, safe, interesting place to live and work we must respect and celebrate downtown Brandon's unique built heritage. Residential opportunities must be diverse and include affordable as well as market rates.

Goal 3: Develop a macro-economic strategy for downtown Brandon that supports existing business and attracts new development.
This means re-visioning downtown Brandon as a magnet for visitors. Redevelopment projects must be capable of regenerating their economic base. To be sustainable, downtown Brandon must be equipped to seize new economic opportunities (perhaps within a structure such as CentreVenture in Winnipeg). And finally, development must reflect downtown's unique characteristics, which means establishing a new system for planning approvals, re-evaluating property tax principles, and zoning.

Why is downtown revitalization needed in Brandon? Research shows that a healthy, vibrant downtown boosts the economic health and quality of life of the whole community. It creates jobs, incubates small businesses, reduces sprawl, protects property values, and increases the communities options for goods and services.

A healthy downtown is also a symbol of community pride and history.

The importance of downtown and the future of downtown are two different things. I do not know what the future of downtown Brandon will be, but I do know that October 27th- election day- is going to be critically important for the future of our downtown.

I am certain that:

• If we are to have an effective environmental policy, downtown Brandon is important.
• If we are to have an effective mass transit program, downtown Brandon is important.
• If we are to have meaningful heritage preservation, downtown Brandon is important.
• If we want to have Smart Growth, then downtown Brandon is not only important, but critical.
• If we are going to be fiscally responsible, downtown Brandon is imperative.
• If we are going to attract new people and new businesses to our community, downtown Brandon is irreplaceable.
• If new businesses, innovative-creative businesses are going to be fostered and encouraged, then Brandon will need its downtown.
• If we are to have buildings with meaning, buildings with value, they will be downtown.
• If a community is going to embrace diversity and celebrate diversity, it will happen downtown.

This concludes the series on remaking Brandon's core into A Vital Downtown. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions and can be reached at shariformayor@gmail.com.