Downtown Revitalization Project

Welcome to the latest update on the Town of Gore Bay's Downtown Revitalization project! Our vision is to create a vibrant, accessible, and attractive downtown area that serves as the heart of our community. This initiative focuses on improving public spaces, enhancing accessibility, and supporting local businesses to build a welcoming and thriving downtown for all.

Project Phases & Timeline

To keep our community informed and engaged, we will regularly update you on the project’s progress. Here’s an outline of each phase and expected completion dates:

  • Phase 1: Planning and Design
  • Key activities include community consultations, design planning, and preliminary assessments.
  • Phase 2: Infrastructure and Streetscape Improvements
  • Construction on sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, and public spaces to enhance pedestrian access and downtown appeal.

Start Date: Summer of 2024
Expected Completion: To Be Determined 

Project Highlights and Benefits

  • Enhanced Accessibility: Improved sidewalks, crosswalks, and street lighting for a safer, more accessible downtown.
  • Environmental Impact: Incorporating green spaces and additional trees, and new lighting.
  • Community and Business Growth: Opportunities for local businesses, more foot traffic, and a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.

How to Stay Informed

We’re committed to keeping the community updated on all project milestones. Here’s how you can stay connected:

Thank you for your patience and support as we work to create a vibrant and welcoming downtown area for the Town of Gore Bay! Together, we’re building a brighter future for our community.

Stay tuned for more details!

Downtown Revitalization Project – Update #1

The Town of Gore Bay is pleased to provide an update on the downtown revitalization project. With Council approval and funding secured, this transformative initiative will be moving forward in 2025 to enhance the vibrancy and appeal of our downtown.

As part of the early planning process, initial design concepts were shared and discussed during a meeting with local businesses and an open house with residents. 

Progress is already visible on Dawson Street, where sidewalk and lock stone improvements have been completed to align with the envisioned enhancements for Meredith Street. These changes set the stage for a cohesive and inviting downtown experience.

Additionally, Town staff recently visited Sault Ste. Marie to review their downtown revitalization efforts and gain insights from their successes and challenges. This trip also emphasized strategies on how best to support local businesses during the construction period and how to keep them open. Lessons learned from this visit will help refine our approach and strengthen the project's outcomes. 

The Town is currently reviewing the final designs, with anticipation of releasing the Request for Proposal (RFP) in late January 2025. The targeted timelines for this project are as follows:

  • Late January 2025: Release of Request for Proposal (RFP)
  • Late March 2025: Selection of Contractor
  • April/May 2025: Host public open houses to:
    • Share the project schedule
    • Share the final design; and
    • Meet the Contractor
  • Start of construction will be announced thereafter
    (Please note that these timelines are subject to change).

The Town is committed to ensuring this revitalization reflects the needs and aspirations of Gore Bay’s residents and businesses. Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to bring this vision to life.

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Welcome to Our Downtown Revitalization Page!

We are pleased to launch our project page, where you can stay up-to-date on Gore Bay’s exciting Downtown Revitalization project: https://www.gorebay.ca/en/municipal-services-provincial-offences/town-projects. 

The Downtown Revitalization project is part of our vision to create a vibrant, accessible, and attractive downtown area that serves as the heart of our community. Key elements of the project include improving public spaces, enhancing accessibility, supporting local businesses, and fostering a lively, connected hub for residents and visitors alike.

Here, you’ll find regular updates, project milestones, and details on future community meetings.

Please check this project page regularly for more updates.