Transitioning Arnprior's Downtown

Last month, the Town of Arnprior embarked in it's largest self-funded infrastructure project in its history. This multi-dimensional project will tick many of the boxes from the Town's Strategic Plan, such as "improved infrastructure", "sustainable finances" and "economic development". In 2013, Council had a vision and charged Town staff with developing a strategy to make it a reality.  Through adopting the pay-as-you-go financial model, adopting reserve and reserve fund policies, the Town tightened its finances and the focus shifted to saving money for future pay-as-you-go projects, retiring existing debt and eliminating new long term debt. In 2016, the shovels went into the ground.

This two year project will address many of the Town's asset management strategies by "over investing" in life cycle replacement of its underground infrastructure and rehabilitation of roads and other surface infrastructure. Sewer separation will extend the capacity of the Town's Water Pollution Control Center, deferring the need and costs associated with expanding the plant, and mitigate combined sewer overflows. Sidewalks will be re-graded to eliminate up to 1/3 of steps into downtown businesses, making them more accessible. As an added measure and sign of commitment to accessibility, the Town will offer an Accessibility Incentive Grant for downtown businesses who wish to install accessibility ramps and automated doors. Enhanced streetscapes will include new wider sidewalks, improved landscaping, energy efficient LED streetlights and new enhanced street-furniture. But it is more than just revitalization of the public realm. The Town is also offering a facade improvement grant through its Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to help bolster business attraction and retention. Over the past 3 years, the Town's CIP program has helped facilitate almost $800,000 in new investment. 

The next two years will see a major transformation of Arnprior's downtown. Stayed tuned for updates.