Downtown

[AntonK]

Tom Girvan, Director of Downtown Economy, provided an update on the Downtown Action Plan to Downtown residents last night. A few interesting tidbits not mentioned on the forum yet:

- Moving ahead with Public Spaces Plan for the new lot purchased east of Freemason's Hall. There is money in the CRL to develop it. More coming later this year.
- Tom's department is doubling down on beautification this summer with over 300 planters.
- City received a provincal grant for trees and tree grates. The temporary looking wood tree grates should be replaced with real metal ones later this year.
- The farmer's market footprint will be the same as last year, just shifted a towards Jasper Ave.
- City is planning programming throughout the Downtown in 2026 with over 600 activations over 225 days in parks, plazas etc.
- Adding tree lighting to 108 Street
- More sidewalk and permanent repairs in priority areas in 2026 than in 2025. (pavers etc as well)
- 250 winter lighting decorations

Mostly minor improvements, but they all add up!

 

[Tropical]

Mostly minor improvements, but they all add up!

New pocket park = big improvement

 

[ADob]

I do hope it'll be a park with plants and trees and ot just attractive pavers and a bench. More green would be lovely!!!

 

[Gronk!]

Pickleball?
Basketball court?

 

[ADob]

Sure, I'm Polish, I like pickles!