the heart of a community

The Heart of a CommunityBob Somers MALA, CSLA - Scatliff+Miller+Murray Inc. The Heart of a Community

The Heart of a CommunityBob Somers MALA, CSLA - Scatliff+Miller+Murray Inc.

Every community is unique, yet many of the issues facing communities, be they large or small, are remarkably similar. The urban centre of every community should be a reflection of pride and attitudes towards itself and, in a vibrant community, this centre should be active and alive. To get there, a master vision that looks beyond the design and into the heart of a community is critical to its long term success.


Urban Centre Revitalization

How did we get here?- Declining infrastructure.

- The struggle for the smaller community’s ability to attract and maintain residents and businesses.

- Making smaller communities more attractive to a younger demographic.

- Attracting and keeping tourists interest.

And what can we do?- Piggyback infrastructure projects with urban beautification projects.

- Celebrate our uniqueness by showcasing “who we are”.

- Attracting activity and life to our urban centre with new public amenities.

- Prepare a vision and a way to achieve it.


City Hall Courtyard -Beautification of Public Space.

- Necessary Infrastructure Improvement.

- Greening of Downtown.


The Forks Skate Plaza -A commitment to youth.

- Adding activity to the urban centre.


French Quarter Master Plan - A phased-in approach to revitalization.

- Economic Re-development.

- Urban Centre Beautification.


Waterfront Drive -Encouraging Economic

Development.

- Improving Local Infrastructure.

- Improving Safety.



The Process1. Determine the community’s goal(s)

2. Inventory the community opportunities and constraints

3. Identify “who we are” as a community

NOTE: This process is definitely NOT linear



The Goals- Attract new investment (residential, commercial, industrial)

- Attract tourism.

- Improve Community Pride.

- Maintain and build on existing population.

- Reduce crime and other negative attributes.

- Improve infrastructure.

- Provide community infrastructure (green space, playgrounds, etc…)

- Improve quality of life for residents.

- Provide opportunities for local youth.

- Celebrate heritage/culture/identity.

- and much more…



The Goals

Waterfront Drive -Encouraging Economic

Development.

- Improving Local Infrastructure.

- Improving Safety.

- Take advantage of Waterfront Property.



Opportunities and Constraints- Historic Resources.

- Commercial Resources.

- Existing Land Use.

- Land Ownership.

- Development Activity.

- Safety Issues.

- Community Needs.

- Events Programming.

- etc…



Opportunities and Constraints

Waterfront Drive -Potential development conflicts.

- Safety issues.

-Infrastructure survey.



Who We Are- History/Heritage of Community.

- Cultural heritage of Community.

- Established traditions.

- Natural Landscape.

- Existing Land Use.

- Home of the World’s Largest _____

-etc…



Who We Are

Waterfront Drive - Celebrate River History.

- Working Waterfront.

- Potential Development Opportunities.

- Exchange District Historical Site.



The Master Plan- The culmination of looking into “who we are” and “what we want to be”.

- A long term plan that identifies projects, budgets and goals.

- A vision for the future of the community.

- Raises the enthusiasm and interest in the community.



The Master Plan



What Next?- Determine priorities based on timing, available money, etc…

- Fundraise (Grants, Corporate sponsorship, sweat equity, etc…)

- Maintain momentum, physical changes can affect overall community buy-in.

- Look at opportunities to provide beautification possibilities with day to day infrastructure requirements.

- Solicit for government support.

The Heart of a CommunityBob Somers MALA, CSLA - Scatliff+Miller+Murray Inc. The Heart of a Community

the heart of a community

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