New Program to Benefit Saskatchewan’s Historic Downtowns

Released on July 8, 2014

The Government of Saskatchewan has announced that it has established Main Street Saskatchewan as an on-going program.

“Our historic downtowns and commercial districts are centres of pride in our province,” Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport Mark Docherty said.  “Through its new, on-going program, Main Street Saskatchewan will work with communities to promote, conserve and capitalize on the things that make these areas unique.  By helping create jobs, businesses, and areas for cultural experience, this new program will improve our quality of life and contribute to the remarkable growth we’re experiencing across the province.”

The new Main Street program will provide two levels of participation: Accredited and Affiliate.  Accredited communities are eligible to receive all benefits and services offered by the Main Street program, including training and advisory services, support in developing their streetscape design guidelines, eligibility for three matching grant streams, and a one-time, $25,000 matching grant to assist the community in developing their long-term vision and work plan for the downtown.

Communities selected at an Affiliate level will receive a package of benefits which includes eligibility for the capacity building grant and some training and advisory services.  Following the September 5 deadline for applications to the Main Street Saskatchewan program, two new Accredited communities and an unlimited number of Affiliate communities will be selected.

The decision to continue the Main Street program was based on the success of its demonstration program.  The program was launched in 2011 and included the communities of Indian Head, Maple Creek, Prince Albert and Wolseley.  Over the past three years, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested $1.65 million in these communities.  With the help of such investments, these communities combined have seen 66 new jobs created, 22 new businesses opened, $4.9 million committed to historic building and streetscape improvements and $6.5 million in property acquisitions.

“Participating in the Main Street Saskatchewan Program has helped our community better understand the connection between heritage conservation, first impressions, tourism and economic development,” Maple Creek Main Street Program Coordinator Royce Pettyjohn said.  “There is a much better appreciation of the role that culture and heritage plays not only in local pride, but in the long-term sustainability of our community.  Conservation of our community's past is helping us build our community's future.”

Main Street Saskatchewan is a community-driven program that works to revitalize historic downtowns and commercial districts.  It combines community organizations, economic restructuring, heritage conservation and design, marketing and promotion to conserve and capitalize on the unique strengths and assets of Saskatchewan communities.
  
To participate in the program or to learn more about Main Street Saskatchewan, please visit www.pcs.gov.sk.ca/MainStreet.

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For more information, contact:

Sean St.George
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9087
Email: sean.st.george@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8635