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Hanover council endorses downtown plan, forms delivery team to start implementation
Summary
Council received presentations from JL Richards and staff and unanimously endorsed the Hanover downtown plan as a guiding framework, approving next steps that include forming a downtown delivery team and incorporating plan actions into annual work programs and budgets.
Hanover council on June 15 unanimously endorsed a consultant-crafted downtown revitalization plan that lays out a phased, community-led approach to strengthen the town’s commercial core.
The plan, prepared by JL Richards and Associates and presented at the meeting by Robert Voit and Allison Bucking, uses a four-pillar framework — economic vitality, design, promotion and organization — and groups actions into three work programs: (1) a beautiful and welcoming downtown, (2) a downtown for all ages and abilities, and (3) an easy downtown to visit and explore. The report and presentation emphasized pilot projects in years one and two, near-term actions in years three to six, and longer-term initiatives after year six.
“Everything that went before, including the entire history of the community, is what led to our position in time right now,” consultant Robert Voit said during the presentation, describing the asset‑based approach the team used. Economic development manager April Marshall told council the consultant work cost about $35,000, with a $10,000 contribution from the Downtown Improvement Area (DIA).
Council and the consultants highlighted several actions intended to boost activity and support local businesses: a seasonal pedestrian corridor on Veterans Way with movable seating and space for temporary kiosks, a proposed rent‑subsidy pilot to help new restaurants offset early operating costs, and a task force to explore a combined library, cultural and business centre. The plan also recommends a delivery team composed of municipal staff, DIA and chamber representatives and community volunteers to coordinate implementation.
“Once adopted this plan will be used as a roadmap for revitalizing our downtown,” Marshall said, urging council to endorse the plan and to fold its recommendations into annual work plans and budgets. Councillors asked for clarity about who would lead different elements, how volunteers would be engaged and how pilot projects would be staged; the consultants described a mix of municipal coordination and partnership with local groups.
Council voted to receive and endorse the downtown plan and directed staff to begin forming the delivery team and to identify short‑term pilot actions that could be started this year where budget permits. The endorsement was unanimous.
Next steps: staff will prepare terms of reference for the downtown delivery team, map near‑term pilot projects to available 2026 funds where possible, and report back to council with a recommended implementation calendar and budget items to support early actions.
