On the Road to Revitalization…

 

Local residents, cottagers and tourists alike, have long recognized that North Hastings, that distinct area “North of 7”, is a very special place.  People are drawn here by the rugged natural beauty, a rich heritage based on the land, minerals and logging and more recently for the adventure and cottaging opportunities that abound!

 

In the fall of 2007, three forward thinking municipalities in North Hastings, The Town of Bancroft, the Municipality of Hastings Highlands and Wollaston Township, recognizing the value in working together, embarked on a new project in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, to revitalize the communities of Bancroft, Maynooth and Coe Hill.

 

Using the “Main Street” approach used in hundreds of towns all across North America, these three communities are undergoing a period of self-assessment.  They are taking a step back and looking at their physical appearance, the quality of services offered, how their streetscapes can be made more pedestrian friendly, how to attract innovative new businesses and how to enhance and better promote the many special events, cultural and heritage assets of the region.

 

The Town of Bancroft, the Municipality of Hastings Highlands and Wollaston Township, are committed to finding ways to make your visit to their “neck of the woods” a rich experience for every member of your family.  By attracting new businesses and encouraging existing businesses to expand the services and products currently offered, you will never have to leave North Hastings!

 

Already, Revitalization has initiated restoration projects for both the Bancroft and Maynooth Railway Stations, brought together a number of local groups to plan the new “Think Snow” winter event to be held on the new Family Day Weekend in February, and 

initiated the development of the Loggers’ Fields in Maynooth that will ultimately turn Maynooth into a year- round tourist destination, and much more….

 

In 2009 the Revitalization Committees will each develop an Action Plan that will initiate strategically planned change that recognizes and promotes our heritage, respects and protects our natural resources and celebrates our cultural assets. 

 

Local and seasonal residents, tourists and potential investors in our region, are invited to contact the Downtown Revitalization Coordinator, Chris Drost weekdays at 613-332-6246 for more information.

 

What is Downtown Revitalization?                                                  

 

• A process that communities undertake to bring new economic, social and physical life to their downtown
• A process that has been successfully carried out in hundreds of communities all across North America
• A process that encourages and depends on participation from local business and members of the community
• A process that results in a new vision for the community with a corresponding action plan to make it happen
• A means for strengthening local business and encouraging development
• A means for creating people friendly streetscapes and a mix of creative activities
• A means for encouraging the protection of our local heritage buildings

          Why are we doing Downtown Revitalization?

• Research indicates that for every dollar spent on revitalization, a community will see $28 in return
• It will open up opportunities for business expansion
• It will create a healthier downtown with businesses that offer a positive alternative to big box stores
• Experience shows that it will result in an increase in occupancy rate and higher property values
• It will help protect our heritage buildings and the economic value they can bring to the community
• More employment opportunities and a stronger tax base will be created

          The Revitalization Process

Main Street Management Committee created with a Chairperson from each of the three participating municipalities of Hastings Highlands, Town of Bancroft and Wollaston. Project Coordinator reports to this committee

Revitalization Team established in each of the three communities. Project Coordinator works with each team to guide them through the revitalization process

Each Revitalization Team does self-assessment exercises for their community to identify areas of need

Surveys and business visits are completed. They include: building and business owners surveys, resident surveys, a business inventory and a customer origin survey. A business mix analysis and trade area report is created from survey results

A public Community Design Workshop will be conducted to ensure community members have an opportunity to share their vision of a revitalized community