Vibrant and Healthy downtowns are key to a competitive community and a successful future. These attributes help to sustain and attract new businesses to the downtown but they also help define the downtown in ways that citizens can readily identify with. The development a successful Vitalization Strategy for The Pas’ Downtown required focus in removing barriers and capitalizing on the town’s downtown assets and character. The objectives of the Vitalization Plan were to establish a positive atmosphere and a unique identity for a downtown and waterfront that citizens of The Pas and its visitors can recognize and appreciate.

Some of the principles which guided the Vitalization Plan included:

• Urban design that creates high quality and interconnected living, working and recreational areas in the Downtown

• A Downtown that has animated and attractive spaces and creates a focus for people’s activities and economic investment

• A riverfront and downtown streetscapes that become destinations, are inter-connected, safe, inviting and bring people together

• A mutually supportive relationship between private and public stakeholders which recognizes the benefits of working together will be the key to revitalizing and sustaining the downtown.