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Cranbrook, BC (September 27, 2021) -- The City of Cranbrook is undertaking a comprehensive review of downtown initiated by Council’s Strategic Plan 2020-2024.  The Strategic Plan identifies the importance of ensuring adequate downtown parking supply for existing and future businesses, while identifying redevelopment opportunities based on infrastructure capacity. The review of the Downtown Plan will feed into the development of a Downtown Revitalization Master Plan.

Revitalization doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a step-by-step process that includes immense background research, evaluation of current conditions and carefully crafting realistic visions for the future. When discussing revitalization on a scale as large as downtown, the regeneration process is critical. Restoring existing charm and retaining what’s been done right while improving and refreshing what needs changing is key. 

“This process will allow the City to take a comprehensive look at the downtown from a land use, infrastructure, social and cultural perspectives with a goal to develop a vision and plan on how the City wants downtown to look and feel moving into the future,” says Rob Veg, Manager of Planning for the City of Cranbrook.

We’re all enamored by beautiful spaces in design magazines, but beauty must also be purposeful. We’ll be solving existing problems in downtown, testing ideas, and gaining insight as we continue to improve and design. Downtown Cranbrook can incorporate additional public spaces that would serve as engaging gathering spots for residents, visitors and professionals working downtown. Increased activity in downtown means a breath of fresh air and revival for the area creating economic opportunity and tourism draws. 

What is a Master Plan?

This long-term planning document is a conceptual layout that guides future growth and development of an area. Analysis, recommendations and proposals for the downtown’s economy, population, housing, transportation land use and community facilities will all be included in this dynamic document. The connection between buildings and the environment along with social considerations is what makes this document come alive. Master Plans play an important role in in shaping the urban environment.

What is a Master Plan based on?

• Public Input
• Planning Initiatives
• Existing Development
• Physical Characteristic
• Social Conditions
• Economic Conditions

How can residents learn more and get involved?

There are a variety of ways for the public to get involved in this exciting project. Visit the project website for more information: https://downtown-cranbrook.ca/.