
Ingersoll has launched a plan to enhance its downtown core. (Contributed photo).
Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Town of Ingersoll has launched a Downtown Enhancement Plan to “strengthen the future of the downtown core.”
A news release explained the ambitious plan is designed to transform downtown Ingersoll into a vibrant, inclusive, and economically resilient district.
“With a focus on fostering sustainable growth, attracting new businesses, and creating a dynamic environment for both residents and visitors, the Downtown Enhancement Plan will serve as a strategic blueprint for the future of the town's core.”
The Downtown Enhancement Plan, set to be completed by April 2025, will include a comprehensive community engagement process. This will ensure that Ingersoll residents have a voice in shaping the future of their town. This input will help guide the development of a plan that aligns with the community's wants and needs.
The town has selected Urban Insights, in partnership with Durrell Communications, as the lead consultants in the plan’s development.
“We recognize the immense potential of downtown Ingersoll and are excited to collaborate with our community on a plan that will strengthen our historic core while addressing the needs of today's and tomorrow’s residents and businesses. This is an exciting opportunity to enhance our downtown as a place that reflects both its rich history and its dynamic future,” said Director of Economic Development and Tourism, Curtis Tighe.
The move was identified in the town’s strategic plan in 2022, more specifically, the goal to increase commercial activity. Tighe said many news businesses have opened in the core recently but retailers are facing new challenges.
“There are some opportunities to improve our downtown. A lot of towns would call this a revitalization plan but we have a strong core with a good traditional look. We thought we should refer to it more as an enhancement plan to make it ever stronger.”
He added there may be an opportunity in the future for new development along with improvements to what’s already downtown. Tighe explained the plan will guide the town and council through both and said hearing from as many people as possible is also key.
“We are going to be seeking input from council, staff members, the general public, business owners, building owners and stakeholders such as the BIA, Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Centre and Community Futures Oxford.”
The town will post online surveys and hold several public open houses and members of council will likely be updated a few times at regular meetings.
“We will seek council’s blessing but they will have an opportunity to provide input as each of them will be consulted. This is going to be a plan built by the community for the heart of our town. We are looking forward to seeing what comes out of it,” he added.
He added one of the town’s biggest strengths is the number of partners willing to step up and get involved with projects like the Downtown Enhancement Plan. While there is nothing in the works in terms of capital improvements to the downtown for the next 10 years, any input on beautification is welcome.
“We recently paved the downtown so we won’t have to tear the street up for quite some time. But what can we do? Plant some trees or add more flowers. How can we incorporate interim solutions and then have a vision going forward so we aren’t spending money now on something we are going to tear up later.”
Tighe explained the town is hoping the consultants will be able to provide clear recommendations, including costing, so a strategy can be implemented to complement Ingersoll’s asset management plan.
“It will allow us to save now and spend later and use our dollars as effectively as we possibly can.”
The consultants come with a price tag of $50,000
Mayor Brian Petrie is hoping the plan will make the downtown stronger as time passes.
“Ingersoll is deep-rooted in heritage and tradition. As we look to the future, we are committed to giving everyone an opportunity to contribute to our next chapter and working with a diverse range of stakeholders, community members, and local leaders to craft a thoughtful and actionable framework that will guide the future of Ingersoll’s downtown.”
Tighe also explained the town is looking at a review of its Community Improvement Plan.
“We have seen some success with that as there have been some façade improvements. We are incentivizing some additional housing in the downtown core so we are hoping to see future recommendations on both of those.”
He added the goal is to make sure the plan is meeting the needs of business owners.
Public engagement will kick off at an information meeting later this month. More information will be available at www.ingersoll.ca/do-business/downtown-enhancement-plan/.
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