Building a healthy downtown is important for creating a prosperous community. A downtown is the heart of a community and the only genuinely shared public space that is accessible to all. It symbolizes the heritage of a community and provides a sense of identity.
Thriving central business districts are typified by high levels of pedestrian activity, a differentiated retail offering, well preserved historic buildings, strong tourist appeal and the presence of respected civic & institutional amenities. Downtown living is critical to bringing activity, creating safe spaces and generating on-going demand for services.
Revitalizing a downtown stimulates business growth, maximizes the utilization of public resources and provides tax diversification. Features such as unique shopping and dining opportunities, tourist attractions, residential living, employment possibilities and recreational facilities translate into economic stability and a positive image. A healthy commercial core is integral to a community’s overall social and economic prosperity.
The Main Streets Exeter project sets out the vision for a revitalized commercial core.
The project is a collaboration with our partners; the Ontario Ministry of Food and Rural Affairs; the Exeter Community Development Fund; the Exeter Business Improvement Area; the Municipality of South Huron and the South Huron Chamber of Commerce.
This multi-year project is based on the Main Street Four-Point Approach® a unique preservation-based economic development tool that enables communities to revitalize business districts by leveraging local assets - from historic, cultural, and architectural resources to local enterprises and community pride. It is a comprehensive strategy that addresses the variety of issues that challenge our rural community commercial districts.
