Here’s what happens when you “shop local.”

1. More of your money will be kept in your local economy.
For every $100 you spend at locally owned businesses, $68 will stay in the community. What happens when you spend that same $100 at a national chain? Only $43 stays in the community.

2. You embrace what makes your community unique.
You wouldn’t want your house to look like everyone else’s. So why would you want your community to look that way?

3. You create local jobs.
Local businesses are better at creating higher-paying jobs for your neighbors. When you shop locally, you help create jobs for teachers, firemen, police officers, and many other essential professions.

4. You help the environment.
Buying from a locally owned business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation and less packaging that ends in your local landfill.

5. You nurture community.
Local business owners know you, and you know them. Studies have shown that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains.

6. You conserve your tax dollars.
Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money available to beautify your community. Also, spending locally instead of online ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested where they belong— in your community!

7. You create more choice.
Locally owned businesses pick the items and products they sell based on what they know you like and want. Local businesses carry a wid­er array of unique products because they buy for their own individual markets.

8. You took advantage of their expertise.
You are their friends and neighbours, and locally owned businesses have a vested interest in knowing how to serve you. They’re passionate about what they do. Why not take advantage of it?

9. You invested in entrepreneurship.
Creativity and entrepreneurship are what the Canadian economy is founded upon. Nurturing local business en­sures a strong community.

10. You make your community a destination.
The more interesting and unique your community, the more we will attract new neighbors, visitors and guests.
This benefits everyone!

An email was sent to all the mayoral candidates asking 4 questions regrading the downtown.  Here are their replies in the order they were receive to our office:

Darryl Hickie: I see our downtown becoming healthier and more successful, however I know there’s more work to do.  
 
After speaking with local businesses in the downtown, and as a result of the Seniors Forum I had the pleasure of taking part in as well, I see a more concerted need for an overall Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) study done and implement those strategies.  This will enhance the downtown for additional traffic during the day, but more importantly I believe, will initiate the development of businesses that operate during the evenings and increase traffic to our downtown core as well during that time as well. 

Josh Morrow: The downtown is not healthy and successful if compared to other jurisdictions. I believe that a serious discussion and effort must be placed on the needs and requirements of the individuals and businesses that are located within this district. As for what I would do specifically, that is a loaded question that can not be answered alone and would require considerable feedback from every business owner before a statement can be made.

​If elected, I would love the opportunity to restart and approach things from a different angle. What I am committed to is looking at this from a fresh perspective and being open and receptive on how we can improve and maintain a healthy business environment.

Greg Dionne: No response

Dennis Nowoselsky: No response

Darryl Hickie: ​If I was to receive a $1 Million dollar grant I wouldn’t be the one directing how it’s utilized.   I would imagine the Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement District would appreciate the Levy imposed on them being dropped for starters.   I would turn to your organization for a strategic plan to utilize those funds and assist with the implementation of that direction from the City’s perspective. 

Josh Morrow: I believe that before any financial expenditures can occur the focus must be on creating a clean, attractive and walkable environment. The perception must change and the downtown must be promoted in a unique and receptive way. When the day comes that your children feel safe and secure in the downtown, I believe our objective will be accomplished. It would be a phased approach with tangible results.

​After the safety and security measures were successful, I would collectively hold committee meetings with the downtown businesses to implement a plan that would involve brainstorming and creative thinking on how best to allocate the grant. I am not a business owner in that district and would never pretend to know everyone’s concerns. If a million-dollar fund was available, it’s allocation would be decided by the businesses within the downtown core as they know best what needs to change. I would love to be a part of the discussion with like minded business leaders and play an important role in promoting a healthy and prosperous environment.

Greg Dionne: No response

Dennis Nowoselsky: No response

Darryl Hickie: I have no direct business experiences, however my time as a member of the Provincial Treasury Board and Minister of Municipal Affairs while in Government afforded me the opportunity to oversee budget development as well as policy and financial direction that directly impacted City and Business Functions. 

Josh Morrow: I have spent my life building and acquiring businesses. The opportunities and experiences I developed throughout the years has helped refine my skills and knowledge immensely. The challenges of bringing people together for the success of a project is something I get great satisfaction from. Spending the majority of my life in a team based environment, I learned quickly that in order to accomplish anything worth recognizing, you must have your team pulling in the same direction. My desire and motivation is to continually learn, grow and recognize areas that must be improved on to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of projects.

​My post secondary education specialized in Environmental Sciences. I hold professional designations in both Agrology and Biology, I hold a federal designation as an Environmental Professional and also as an Erosion and Sediment Control Specialist. One of the most important acquisitions I obtained was the Project Management Professional certification which is globally recognized. Our city desperately needs clear direction, a structured and respected council and someone who understands and maintains the principals of project management within the city’s framework. I strongly believe if elected, the residents of this city and especially the business community will recognize and appreciate my unique and balanced approach to growth and success.

Greg Dionne: No response

Dennis Nowoselsky: No response

Darryl Hickie: What I appreciate most about our community is the overwhelming desire to see it thrive and not simply survive.  I assure your members that’s a goal of mine given my extensive platform development and plan.  

Josh Morrow: If I were to choose one thing about the community that I appreciate most, is the untapped potential and possibilities that we could capitalize on if we came together more as a community and put a common goal and objective front and center. I appreciate the challenge of doing that, and the work that needs to be put in place to achieve that.

​We can all agree that if the right perspective and proper leadership was in place, this city would blossom and I strongly believe it would be contagious. We have the people, groups and businesses in our community to make this a reality. I want to see that come together and prove that we truly do have an amazing population of people here that can achieve much more than what we are today.

Greg Dionne: No response

Dennis Nowoselsky: No response

Thank you for learning more about the Mayoral candidates.  Please make the time to go and vote.  Advanced polls are now open - all voting information can be found here: ​https://www.citypa.ca/en/city-hall/pavotes.aspx

To learn about the Ward Two Candidates please CLICK HERE.

Dana Dirks: I think we can do better for our downtown, I think with proper security and homelessness plan and shelter in place we would improve the image of the downtown core. Putting up fences, cutting trees and removing benches isn’t exactly appealing to the general public and it certainly doesn’t help fix the core issue at hand. A proper shelter and actual plan in place would be of great assistance to the appeal of the downtown core in general.

Better parking access is required and for my vision, especially in the summer months, I would see us extending the outdoor atmosphere, create more street fairs, food trucks, restaurants, shops, farmers, crafts people selling their wares on the streets, create a walking atmosphere on Central Ave. and an overall engaging and welcoming atmosphere for the residents of Prince Albert and visitors to our downtown core and riverbank area.

Kim Conarroe: I feel that there are long term businesses that are doing very well in the downtown corridor. Businesses that have been strongly rooted in the downtown area for decades. However, in saying that our downtown area is not perceived as a desirable place to be due to safety concerns. We need to do a couple of chest compressions and breathe new life into our downtown area, while maintaining the rich history of Central Avenue.

With the University of Saskatchewan opening up on Central Avenue, we need to attract businesses that are relevant to the students as well as families and the Senior Citizens in the area.

I was pleased to hear that the homeless shelter is moving to the exhibition grandstand. That is a good start but more needs to be done. We need to have the supports for the homeless moved closer to the shelter as well.

I will never pretend to know all the answers, what I promise is that will work the citizens to find resolutions to their issues. I will not criticize what has been done in the past, we simply need to do better.

I would also like to look at the phasing out of parking meters in the downtown area, as I feel that parking meters are an antiquated system that raises barriers to downtown businesses.

Terra Lennox-Zepp: ​Downtown Prince Albert faces real and perceived safety challenges. We as a City need to invest funds into improving the Downtown.  I hear from many people including business owners and citizens who describe our Downtown as needing improvement in terms of health, and ability to achieve success. 

​There are many wonderful and unique businesses located in our Downtown, and people who want to appreciate the uniqueness of our Downtown, however we as a City need to improve the Downtown core.  

Devin Gorder: As communities grow outwards (e.g., Cornerstone) their downtown business sectors go through a stagnant period. I believe we are beyond that; however, we most certainly have a lot of work to do before our downtown is what community members believe it should be. In the past decade, we have experienced incremental growth and resurgence. I’m ready to work with residents, business owners and community organizations to enhance that growth.

Dana Dirks: I would implement a marketing blitz with a rental subsidy program designed to attract and retain new businesses into the downtown core long term.

Kim Conarroe: My million dollar grant would be used to make the downtown corridor a destination!

First, I would run a community based contest/survey, looking for a city animal (other cities have pigs, moose, geese, etc…), maybe Prince Albert could have a wolf or buffalo. Then I would have various local artists design/decorate a statue of the animal and display them permanently on corners, along the river bank, and in front of city hall.
Second, I would also like to make parking spaces available for pop-up businesses that do not compete with brick and mortar businesses in the downtown area.

Third, I would also organize free entertainment for the seniors that live in the area. A place that they can gather safely.

Fourth, I would also love to see a playground on the River bank or in front of City Hall.
 
When I was a kid, growing up I thought that Central Avenue was the place to be, the heart of our City. I want Central Avenue to be the place to be, a destination, the heart of our City.

Terra Lennox-Zepp: I made a motion at Council that was passed, to hire a consulting firm to develop a design and an implementation plan for completely revamping and renovating our downtown Central Avenue area.  The City received the completed Central Avenue Development Streetscape Master Plan on how to make these improvements.
 
City Administration advises that the underground sewer and water require replacement.  They advise us that these renovations can be less costly if done in a proactive way, instead of after a pipe bursts and is in need of emergency work, which can be more costly.  The roadways have not been substantially repaved in 20 years.  The sidewalk stones are 35 years old and crumbling.  This is the time to improve our downtown and make it a more inviting place to be.  The Streetscape Plan includes replacing all sidewalk and roadways for the entire downtown portion of Central Avenue.  You can take a look at the photos in the Streetscape Master Plan to get a sense of just how much better our Downtown could look.  Many studies show that when people take pride in a location, the crime rate drops, because more people are attending there, and participating in pro-social activities like shopping, socializing, etc.
 
The Streetscape Master Plan suggests that implementation should happen in several phases.  This can help us to be fiscally responsible, and do the work over time.
 
I have been advocating for the City to budget for this work to commence.  So far we have not yet placed this project into our yearly budgets to get done.  I am hopeful that City Council will pursue this project in an upcoming budget.  It would mean real improvements for the downtown.

Devin Gorder: I would consult with downtown residents and business owners to inquire their interests and perspectives. Some areas I feel are worth exploring include incentives to attract repeat consumers to our downtown businesses and development/implementation of a campaign that promotes our downtown as a destination for both our own residents but those from other communities. I would love to see the downtown regain the atmosphere that it had years ago.

Dana Dirks: I have been managing businesses for over 25 years, some of the highlights of that would be the fact I have worked with unions and non-union environments, with as many as 220 employees under management at any one time. I have implemented COR procedures from scratch in a challenging environment. I have negotiated multi-million dollar contracts and prepared multi-million dollar budgets. I think all of this when put together creates the ability to work well with others while sitting at the council chambers with the other councilors and mayor. This has taught me to bring a common sense approach with professionalism and conservative cash management with compassion for people.     

Kim Conarroe: I am not a business person. I am an educator and long term resident of Prince Albert. I want our City to be safe and to prosperous for everyone. Working in the education field I know how to work with others to build partnerships and get things done.

​I would work with the business community and listen to their concerns and ideas and try to move them forward by building meaningful partnerships.

Terra Lennox-Zepp: I have been a lawyer for the past twelve years, with eleven of those years working in an office located in Prince Albert’s Downtown.  This amount of time spent shopping, eating and socializing in our Downtown has led me to a real passion about the benefits that our Downtown has to offer.  For example, I have been volunteering with the PA Historical Society in leading a Downtown Walking Food and History Tour for the past three years.  This Tour has enabled me to get to know our Downtown restaurant proprietors in a more in depth way, learning about their background stories and why they have chosen the Downtown.  The Tour draws people to come and experience the unique foods and historical architecture that only the PA Downtown can offer.  The PA Downtown is one of the most historically significant locations in Western Canada.

Devin Gorder: For the past 15 years I have owned and operated Performance Chiropractic and Wellness. Despite limitations set on advertising in my profession, I have managed to engage a strong patient-base, while also working in collaboration with other healthcare providers in the community. Outside of my clinic, I also co-developed and launched a nationally-marketed wildlife sports publication that has readership, advertising, and subscriptions though out North America. I feel these opportunities have given me the ability of starting with nothing, and building up to something successful and lasting. In a community facing a rebirth of its downtown, growing crime problems, and new economic opportunities, I feel I can play a part in supporting growth for our Ward and City.

Dana Dirks: I love the compassion and friendliness of the community of Prince Albert, we always find a way to help each other out when it matters most. My family received such a beautiful outpouring of compassion and kindness when our son was terminally ill, we could have never won that battle without that compassion from friends family and strangers alike. Now that all is well in my family life it is my turn to give back to the community I love and call home, Prince Albert!! 

Kim Conarroe: What I most appreciate about Prince Albert, is that is not like Saskatoon or Moose Jaw. We are unique. You can walk from one end to the other easily. Odds are you know of most people through a friend, or family or work.

​Prince Albert has a lot of potential, with a lot of residents who care about what happens to our City.

Terra Lennox-Zepp: There is so much to appreciate about Prince Albert. During my last 4 years as Councillor for Ward 2, I have been appreciative of the people of this City.  Many of our citizens are well informed on City issues, and have a common sense approach to the topics that we at City Council are asked to decide upon.  I am always encouraged by how many people want to contact me as Councillor, and want to work on making positive changes in our community.

Devin Gorder: I most appreciate the strong roots that generations of families have either maintained here, or have decided to plant here. Prince Albert has a steady base of residents. That is important and valuable for sustaining growth and longevity.

Thank you for learning more about the Ward 2 candidates.  Please make the time to go and vote.  Advanced polls are now open - all voting information can be found here: ​https://www.citypa.ca/en/city-hall/pavotes.aspx

Tomorrow we will be hearing from the Mayoral Candidates - be sure to check back then.

How has COVID affected the Downtown?  I get asked this question a lot.

The Downtown has seen a lot in its years.  There are even a few downtown businesses that can tell you how the Downtown has weathered decades of ups and downs.​

There is something special and unique about Downtowns.  Shops, restaurants and galleries are locally owned.  The owners live in our community.  They rely on the income from their businesses to pay their mortgage, to buy their groceries, to pay for activities for their children.  When COVID essentially closed their doors, they needed to adapt in order to survive.  

It was incredible to see how quick the shops changed to curbside pick up and home delivery.  It became a race to update websites in order to accept online orders and payments.  Customer interaction and service was now via social media and the challenge was accepted as many Downtown stores kept busy by the support of those in Prince Albert that chose to shop local.

Many shops and cafes took the time to do a few renovations and improvements.  Many small business owners find that the day to day operation of their business keeps them abundantly busy.  This unforeseen experience gave them an opportunity to pause and reflect on their business goals and make plans for the future.

Some business owners really made the most of the opportunity like Cody at Limitless Gear who wrote a book!   Icon Realty purchased PA Rental and Leasing and relocated downtown.  Off the Cuff Improv moved into the Jam Street Sessions studio to continue to operate what Lucy James began and to expand on it's services.

New Business opening in Fall 2020: YPA Makers Market, BJJ Lab,  African Grocery Store, and SS River Designs.

Weekly, I take part in meetings with the International Downtown Association and I hear many of the struggles and frustrations from across North America regarding Downtowns.  Downtown Prince Albert has weather this storm admirably.  The Downtown businesses have seen the support of the people of Prince Albert, at times they are pleasantly surprised by the amount of traffic coming through their doors.  Because of the generous support they are finding that they have to restock their items more regularly and have extended their hours.

The University of Saskatchewan campus downtown has brought it's share of support and enthusiasm, but the Downtown business community has something that can not be found in a box store maze. 

If you haven't visited the Downtown in a while I invite you down.  Visit the new stores that have recently opened and stop by the businesses you know and trust.  The fall colours, the history that remains and the friendly smiles you will encounter are all waiting for you.

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: