Wrenford City Council approved the Downtown Revitalization Action Plan today. The plan guides the transformation of the downtown core into a safer, more welcoming, and vibrant destination for residents and visitors.
"This plan marks the start of a new chapter for our downtown," said Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price. "It is about creating a lively space that supports local businesses, restaurants, and venues while making sure everyone feels safe and welcome."
The action plan was shaped over the past two years through a multi-year engagement process. City staff gathered input from local business owners, residents, community groups, service providers, and the Downtown Wrenford BIA. The proposal was shared with the public earlier this year and received strong support for its overall vision.
The plan aligns with the City of Wrenford Official Plan, which sets the rules for how you can use land in the downtown core. It focuses on three main goals:
Defining distinct character areas
The plan divides the downtown core into three zones to guide future development and public space use. The Market Square zone will serve as a civic and commercial hub for events and markets. The Mill Street zone will focus on heritage, arts, and culture. The Water Street zone will connect the core to the river trail system and encourage mixed-use development near the Centennial Bridge.
Creating year-round public spaces
The plan calls for a pedestrian-friendly zone along the main streets. This will start with seasonal pedestrian closures and expand as streetscape improvements are made. The goal is to offer day and night programming, better seating, and unique design features that keep the area active all year.
Improving transit and infrastructure
Supporting a more walkable downtown requires better transit access. The plan includes early transit improvements, route adjustments, and upgraded bus shelters along the main corridors.
Safety and implementation
Public safety is a key part of the plan. The City will prioritize programs that prevent gender-based violence and improve overall safety after dark. Change will happen in phases. Near-term steps include zoning updates under the Zoning framework, pilot pedestrian zones, and the creation of a Downtown Management Plan. This management plan will work with partners to coordinate business activation, safety initiatives, and community programming.
You can track the city's progress and view meeting agendas on the Council page. To see how these changes fit into the broader goals of the City, visit the City Government section.