Main Streets
Main Streets are unique and changing.
It is necessary to preserve the diversity and history of Nova Scotia’s communities – their history, community events, attractions, industries, and retail. While street design is often standardized, there is not a singular formula to the overall look, feel, and identity of Main Streets.
Communities are constantly evolving, building on current assets, and developing in new directions. Main Street should be integral to the overall evolution of communities. This includes fostering new ideas, events and businesses to become part of Main Street. As dynamic places that respond to the context of the community, they should be frequently re-evaluated for how they are meeting the needs of the community.
Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. The ammonite-design streetlamps reflect the town’s location on the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage site.
(Photo: Michael Maggs)
In 2010, nine bronze mouse statuettes, were installed throughout Downtown Charlottetown as part of the “Eckhart the Mouse Scavenger Hunt,” organized by Downtown Charlottetown Inc. During the game, children and adults alike are encouraged to find the bronze statuettes by following clues to find the mice located at places of historical significance. (Photo: The Guardian)
A place is a space in a community that holds meaning for people. Building on what makes a community unique, placemaking has the potential to create places that are vibrant, distinct, and that attract people to shop, socialize, and participate in civic life. Placemaking involves communities coming together to create inclusive, authentic places that people love. For small communities in Nova Scotia, placemaking has an essential role in both social and economic development.
Main Street as a whole may be considered a place that is the heart of the community. The same placemaking approach may be applied to specific locations throughout Main Street.
Denver Chalk Art Festival (Photo: millefiorifavoriti.blogspot.com)
Develop Nova Scotia is the crown corporation leading a place-based economic development strategy for Nova Scotia. They are committed to placemaking as a primary approach in their work and are working on placemaking tools and processes to be used with and by communities.
Visit Develop Nova Scotia’s placemaking page for more info.
Community-led placemaking can generate a sense of place that leads to community pride and ownership. Residents become stewards of and advocates for these special places in a way that enhances local identity and culture. In this context, the beauty, energy, and accessibility of place is a significant contributor to the creation of a highly livable environment that not only attracts residents, but also visitors and investment.