Indian Head Main Street Saskatchewan Program Announced

Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Bill Hutchinson announce today that the Town of Indian Head along with Maple Creek, Prince Albert and Wolseley have been selected, through a competitive process, as demonstration communities for the Main Street Saskatchewan program. 

 The $1.65 million investment over three years will provide up to $125,000 a year for each of the four communities.  Indian Head was selected on the basis of community readiness, community capacity, community support, existing historic buildings and potential for growth.  The program features a four - point approach based on four cornerstones of activity in a community that are implemented in a coordinated and integrated manner;

Community Organization focuses on bringing community residents, merchants, and other Main Street stakeholders together to work towards a common goal.  This involves establishing a volunteer govening board and standing committees, both supported by a paid program coordinator.

Economic Rstructuring means strengthening the existing economic base while developing ways to diversify and expand the local economy by introducing new compatible businesses and building uses. 

Design/Heritage Conservation involves creating an inviting pedestrian - oriented downtown for people to shop, work and play. This is achieved through physical improvements and installations such as lighting, landscaping, sidewalks, and displays that create a positive and attractive image of the district.   Central to this approach is rehabilitating historic buildings and encouraging new construction that is sensitive to the area's heritage character.

Promotion involves promoting Main Street assets to local residents, visitors, investors, business owners, and others through a combination of special events, business - enhancement promotions, and marketing initiatives.  The goal is to create and enhance the perception of the commercial district as a hub of commercial and cultural activity and as a viable place for investment.