A Town in Transition

In May of 2016, the Town of Arnprior embarked on the Town's most ambitious self-funded infrastructure project in the Town's history. The project is referred to as the Downtown Revitalization project, but it really is much more than an infrastructure project. This two year project does include traditional infrastructure renewal of all major public works, including roads, sidewalks, traffic signals, new decorative LED energy efficient street lights, watermains, sewers (including sewer separation). The project also places emphasis and shifts focus on the pedestrian and public realms with new street furniture, benches, trees, plantings, decorative garbage and recycling receptacles, wider sidewalks, bicycle racks, and more. A major component of the project is to become more inclusive for people with mobility or other disabilities by enhancing accessibility and partnering with the private sector. This has been accomplished through a number of physical improvements to eliminate stairs into businesses, shorter road crossing distances, audible crossings, textured markings, and more. But also the Town is offering a Downtown Business Accessibility Incentive Grant to any business who wish to install automated doors or ramps. Recently, the O'Brien Theater availed themselves of the Downtown Business Accessibility Incentive Grant to install a ramp into the theater opening up the theater to patrons with mobility issues for the first time since before the 1920's. With a Community Improvement Plan Grant for businesses who wish to partner on revitalizing the downtown's private realm, businesses have been getting on board to improve their facades.

During projects like these, it is not uncommon to see a drop in levels of investment until the project is completed, but Arnprior is experiencing a surge in investment. The vacancy rate in the downtown has dropped by almost one third over the last 18 months, with new restaurants and shops opening in the Downtown despite the on-going construction. A testament to the hard work and commitment the Town and our local investors have put towards economic development, renewal and growth. Next year, the project will move to Phase 2 with more enhancements in the Downtown core. Following that the Town will begin leveraging the new downtown for more investment, tourism, and more. Stay tuned, much more to come.