The City of Powell River is starting public engagement as it develops a vision for its downtown core.
The city says they want to create a “cohesive” vision for the area around Marine and Willingdon avenues.
The plan will include improved development permit guidelines, a detailed look at Willingdon Avenue, and land use concepts for the former arena site in the Willingdon Beach area, according to the city.
Public space will be one of the main focus areas of the plan. They say successful downtowns are pedestrian and bicycle friendly and have a mix of uses including retail, office, residential and hospitality among others.
The city says the area around Marine and Willingdon Avenues is important as it is a hub for Powell River residents.
“The Marine and Willingdon downtown core is a really important centre as it not only serves as a home for small businesses but acts as a connector from the waterfront to other parts of the community,” said Scott Randolph, director of [roperties, development and communications.
“This plan will help us to formulate a strategy with defined actions for increasing its vibrancy as a commercial district, place to live and visit.”
Planning services manager Daniella Fergusson says the project will take about a year to complete. She adds the first opportunity to see what the plan will look like is at Blackberry Festival on Aug. 19.
More information can be found on Participate Powell River.
The plan will be presented to city council for consideration once it is done. The city adds they have several other plans already adopted for the community.
They include a land management strategy, airport master plan, parks and trails master plan, recreation complex rehabilitation plan, and bicycle network strategy.
