Spruce the Bruce Program
On May 17th, 2010 the Township of Huron-Kinloss Council passed a resolution that supports and authorizes the "Spruce the Bruce" project to proceed in the Township of Huron-Kinloss in partnership with the County of Bruce. Details on the program can be found on the County of Bruce's website under Spruce the Bruce.
Spruce the Bruce is an exciting new initiative and is one of the first regional programs in Downtown Revitalization in the Province. This program will see an infusion of cash and resources into enhancing, promoting and maintaining our traditional commercial cores.
Why do our downtowns need this?
Downtowns commercial areas make up more than 2/3 of the total commercial assessment base in the County. Since the majority of visitors to the area swim at our beaches, paddle our rivers, hike on our trails, and stay in rented cottages or campgrounds, we don't generate a lot of income from our core attractions or accommodations; downtowns are the main opportunity for our visitors to contribute to our local economy.
Additionally, our downtowns are facing significant challenges including aging infrastructure, limited adaptability to new accessibility standards and small footprints, not to mention increasing competition from large-scale retailers. This can create a downward cycle for our downtowns with residents shopping elsewhere, and visitors, who hear about the great destinations in Bruce County and arrive to find rundown main streets.
In short, the buildings look tired and the curbs are chipped and cracked! We want to help and the Spruce the Bruce grant program is one of the ways to begin the revitalization of our downtowns.
The Spruce the Bruce Team has completed the toolkits for Ripley and Lucknow to enhance, promote and develop your downtowns. Executive Summaries and Toolkits are in the left margin.
Please visit the County of Bruce's website for details on Spruce the Bruce grants and loans available to businesses and community groups. ** 2011 Grant Applications are now closed**
Downloads
- Lucknow Community Toolkit Final (2.03 MB)
- Lucknow Executive Summary (1.03 MB)
- Ripley Community Toolkit Final (1.65 MB)
- Ripley Executive Summary (378 KB)
Links
- Spruce The Bruce Grants
Grants available to businesses and community groups in Ripley and Lucknow
Contact Us
Phone: 519-395-3735
Fax: 519-395-4107
Email: info@huronkinloss.com
Address:
21 Queen Street, P.O. Box 130, Ripley ON N0G 2R0
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