The Downtown Improvement Reserve Fund Policy is:

a) to establish a reserve that is used exclusively for the Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement District for projects or programs as approved by City Council; and,

b) to assist the Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement District in their mission to facilitate the continuing development of a vibrant and prosperous downtown. 

Each year $40,000 to added the PADBID Reserve Fund.  The funds are the proceeds from parking meters fees.

Through the years funds have been used in a variety of ways for the benefit of the Downtown.  Here are a few of the projects from 2019:

The Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement District (PADBID) was established in 2003.  

Starting in June 2002, over a six month process, workshops were held with stakeholders and focus groups to determine a shared vision for downtown Prince Albert.

The evaluation agreed that the focus should be primarily on smaller-scale development and incremental projects that emphasize the rehabilitation and renovation of existing space and  building upon downtown’s strengths and assets.  These include the following:

• An attractive natural setting on the North Saskatchewan River.
• A rich history with historical buildings that provide opportunities for authentic themeing.
• A vibrant arts community with the Arts Centre and museum.
• Existing and proposed new ‘downtown anchors’ like the Gateway  Mall, City Hall, the Community Centre for Visual and Performing Arts, and Forestry Centre.
• A distinct aboriginal culture that provides opportunities for potential downtown  revitalization partnerships.
• Exposure to large volumes of traffic on 2nd  Avenue West (Highway 2).
• An inventory of underutilized buildings and real estate available at a reasonable price, some of which is publicly owned.
• A new power centre that draws people from the larger region and prevents retail ‘leakage’ to Saskatoon.

The PADBID receives it's funding from a 5.8% levy on businesses in the downtown region, which annually equals $78,000.  The City of Prince Albert adds $22,000  in lieu of taxes on their downtown properties.  Currently, the PADBID annual budget totals $100,000.

Prior to 2018 the PADBID also received $18,000 from the Province in lieu of taxes on their downtown properties but that was withdrawn with budget cuts.

Annually the PADBID receives $40,000 towards a Reserve Fund that receives it's funding from  proceeds from parking meters.  

The Downtown Improvement Reserve Policy is:

1. to establish a reserve that is used exclusively for the Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement District for projects or programs as approved by City Council; and
2. to assist the Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement District in their mission to facilitate the continuing development of a vibrant and prosperous downtown.

Our next blog post will go into further details about what projects the Reserve fund has been used for over the years.

Where are we in 2020?   A new strategic plan in the fall of 2019 has provided these priorities:

Prince Albert has a lot to celebrate in our Downtown.   

With it's diversity in locally owned shops, various organizations and office buildings, over 4,000 people work in the downtown.  Developers have been renovating residential suites to a high standard and young professionals are enjoying living the downtown vibe.

The University of Saskatchewan has purchased the Forestry Building, which has brought a lot of support to the downtown.  Due to their commitment to our City and specifically our historic Downtown we have seen an increase in new business and one of the lowest commercial vacancy rates in years.​​

The Arts community has been growing and developing and making their home in the downtown, with thanks to the Municipal Culture Action Plan through the City of Prince Albert.  The talent of local artists in Prince Albert and surrounding area is world class.

The addition of the new Indigenous People of Prince Albert and Area Interpretative signage along the Rotary Trail on the riverbank you can begin to understand the history and the story Prince Albert has to tell.

There are a lot more stories to tell and information to be shared.  Please follow along on our social on Facebook and Instagram.

Today we are starting a series of blog posts that will introduce you to downtown Prince Albert.

Over the past few months I have seen a lot of posts on social media based on ignorance regarding the downtown.  Ignorance comes from a lack of knowledge or information.  I will accept the responsibility for the of lack of information regarding all of the positive things that are happening in the downtown.  In order to correct this, I am starting a series of blog posts that will introduce you to and education you on all things downtown Prince Albert.

The area is rich in history and culture and the community atmosphere among the local business owners and local shoppers is unique and welcoming.

I have been the Executive Director for just over two years.  It is a pleasure to serve the downtown community.  The improvements and growth that I have seen in just two years is encouraging and more advanced than the majority of downtown's across Canada.  As a member of the International Downtown Association and the Canadian chapter I am able to see what other communities are struggling with.  Prince Albert is not only on the right track but ahead of the curve.

I have been able to participate in many walking tours of the downtown with Fred Payton and representatives of the Historical Museum.  I have lived in Prince Albert for over 20 years and I was unaware of the amazing history and settlements that took place here that have helped shape Western Canada.

Over the next few weeks I will be featuring blog posts that will help introduce you to what you can find downtown, the uniqueness of Prince Albert that will hopefully encourage you to explore Downtown Prince Albert and have pride in your hometown.

We will also be showing features on our Instagram page and you can share along with us by using #princealbertdowntown

 Downtown parking cards are the easiest and most cost effective way to park downtown.

You can purchase Parking Meter Cards from the Cashier Counter at City Hall that provides a convenient way to pay for parking at downtown parking meters. Parking meter cards are $25 ($5 activation fee and $20 preloaded value.) You can purchase $10 increments, up to $100 maximum value.

Reuse the same card to avoid paying the $5 activation fee. The same card can be preloaded multiple times.

They are easy to use:
You need to insert your card into the meter, in order to log IN to your account. Once you are logged IN, the meter will start using up your preloaded value. Before you leave your parking spot, PLEASE REMEMBER … you must re-insert your card into the meter to log OUT.
You must always log your card OUT before you can use it again.
Instructions to log IN:

1. Insert card firmly into the meter with the chip side down.
2. Remaining balance will be displayed.
3. Meter will say “IN” – you are now logged in.
4. Maximum amount of time allowed will show (or the amount of time left on your card, whichever is less).
5. Remove card. Your account is now logged IN and starting to use up your preloaded value.

NOTE: Do not remove card until meter states IN.

Instructions to log OUT:

1. Insert card firmly into the meter with the chip side down.
2. Unused time will remain on your card and the remaining balance will be displayed on the meter.
3. Meter will say “OUT” – you are now logged out.
4. Remove card.

NOTE: Always insert your card before leaving and log out. Even if there is no time limit left on the parking meter, you still need to log out.

By using a parking card you are only paying for the time that you are parked there.  Stop by City Hall to purchase your parking card.  Also, note that there are 2 hour and 5 hour parking stalls.  If you will be spending some time in the downtown choose a five hour lot to save time and money.  Click on the brochure below for the map.

Do you know that annually $40,000 from parking meter fees goes into the Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement District reserve fund?  That fund is used for a variety of purposes, such as events, signage, grants, and capitol projects.

Thank you for supporting and shopping local!

Each of the 6 signs tells a breig of the history from each Nation in English and  each Indigenous Group traditional language and their relationship to Kistapinanihk (gathering place).

The project was guided by the First Nations and Métis Knowledge Keepers from each Indigenous group in our City.  The project was organized by the Prince Albert Historical Society, Municipal Cultural Action Plan, the City of Prince Albert & the Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement District.  

A special thank you to the organizations that funded this project: the Northern Lights Community Development Corporation and the Municipal Cultural Action Plan.

Closing prayer from Dr. Leo Omani.