Since February, 2005
the
CIA committee has worked together
to identify the issues confronting the town and to learn as much as
possible
about the local economic and social situation. Now armed with
this
knowledge, Stirling is entering the action stage where they have
released a
strategic plan and begin to act on their findings and
recommendations.
The success of this initiative hinges on the collaboration and
participation of
all members of the community. It is development of the community,
by the
community.
The
Township of Stirling-Rawdon in partnership with the Stirling Community
In
Action (CIA) main street revitalization committee has had the
opportunity to
work together and take action to strengthen the downtown through
several
projects. One of the major additions to the downtown since this
partnership has
been the Stirling Identity Wall. This was constructed at the main
intersection
and gives members of the community the opportunity to contribute and
support
the achievements and further growth of the village.
Reinvestment
Figures/ Gains in Business Opportunities
The primary
objective for this project was to create a brand
for the collective Main Street Revitalization Initiative which was
intended to
build recognition for the overall program. These individual towns have
build
recognition based on a unique property, such as the Stirling Festival
theatre
creating its “Stirling Charm”.
Through this branding strategy our goal has continued to be
the revitalization of each of the downtown areas. Stirling is committed
when it
comes to satisfying their permanent resident’s needs by encouraging
members of
the community to shop locally, encourage long time cottage owners/
visitors to
think about converting to becoming a permanent resident, and encourage
visitors
to stop and enjoy the community instead of flowing through on to an
alternate
destination.
ComfortCountry
and Main Street have seen a majority of
improvements take place since this project began. We have seen many
physical
improvements in partnership with Economic Development such as new
street lights,
street signs, the construction of the “Stirling Identity Wall” and much
landscaping and additions that have truly beautified the downtown area.
By
creating a partnership with the other three municipalities involved
with
ComfortCountry we have also had the opportunity to organize workshops
and
events for business owners so that improvements can be made and they
can have
the opportunity to learn and potential increase the success of their
business.
Since
the Township of Stirling-Rawdon has created the Façade
and Signage Improvement Area Commercial Property Improvement Grant/Loan
Program we have seen substantial improvements to
many business locations in the
downtown area. This has noticeably increased traffic within the
downtown and
attracted new customers to these unique venues. Within the past two
years the
municipality has approved 14 Grant/Loan applications and we are very
excited
that business owners are taking advantage of this opportunity. This
program has
been very successful and has continued to create interest with
investors when
it comes to opening a new business in Stirling. The Municipality looks
forward
to continuing this program and improving the look of the downtown area.
FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN STIRLING-RAWDON
CONTACT:
Elisha Maguire
Economic Development Officer
Township of Stirling-Rawdon
234 North St., Box 40
Stirling, ON K0K 3E0
(p) 613-395-3341
(f) 613-395-0864
edo@stirling-rawdon.com
