Canmore’s Downtown Business Association will contract Canmore Business and Tourism for another year to engage in marketing of the downtown core and delivery of the organization’s strategic plan.
At its annual AGM, chair Marnie Dansereau said after CBT first took on the role half-way through last year, the association has seen quite a few changes occur.
“I think a lot of great things have happened,” Dansereau said. “We are forming great partnerships with the Town of Canmore and Canmore Business and Tourism and taking our organization to a more professional level.”
Councillor Sean Krausert, who sits on the board, said with 2013 being a year of transition for the organization, it was important to develop a strategic plan for 2014.
“With 2013 being a transitional year it was very important clarity was reached for the next year – clarity for the board and clarity for Canmore Business and Tourism – with goals and objectives that can be measured,” he said.
CBT President Andrew Nickerson said his organization is really happy about the partnership, as there are real synergies between what the destination marketing organization does and the mandate of the Downtown Business Association.
Nickerson said one of the strengths of Canmore as a tourist destination is its downtown core.
“It is imperative to us and everything we do that the downtown is vibrant,” he said.
In the strategic plan, CBT has set goals to meet over the next year, which include seeing 80 per cent of downtown commercial space filled, a 15 per cent increase in locals shopping locally, $27,500 in support for downtown festivals, a 25 per cent increase in visitor satisfaction, $5,050 for downtown enhancement and 50 per cent of retail businesses open until 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays.
The organization has also been tasked with seeing an event and road closure policy developed and have a downtown enhancement plan approved by council.
Dansereau said over the past year the association has worked on the issue of road closures of Main Street, signage and wayfinding with the municipality, a visitor’s guide that promotes downtown businesses, a new website and establishing a bus terminal behind the visitor information centre, as well as seeing on-street patios and bike corrals developed.
As well, the organization spent $25,000 on events like the Nordic Festival and establishing a snow track on Main Street.
For 2014, members of the association, which is legislated as a business revitalization zone under the Municipal Government Act, will not see an increase in mandatory levies. The total to be requisitioned remains the same as 2013, with $11,250 to come from property owners and $90,800 from businesses. CBT will receive $50,000 for its contracted work.
