Programs

Planning & Development
Downtown Fredericton provides a forum for member businesses and key stakeholders to unite and work in partnership to develop strategies towards achieving a common goal of fostering growth and prosperity in the downtown. Also see "Strategic Development" under Committees.

Developing the Vision - Revitalizing Downtown Fredericton May 2001

In the Spring of 2000, an independent committee was struck to create and prepare a 5 year action plan in support of the continued revitalization and sustainability of downtown Fredericton as a quality shopping, dining and entertainment area. Staff and board members of Downtown Fredericton Inc. as well as volunteer community members representing different sectors participated in the planning process. The committee reviewed reports and plans specific to Fredericton, researched materials from other centres to get a wider view of how similar sized cities are dealing with downtown issues and held two “think tank” sessions with larger groups of stakeholders and interested participants.

The resulting Developing the Vision - Revitalizing Downtown Fredericton (download PDF version) report outlines 23 strategic directions or recommendations towards encouraging downtown development; improving its physical, economic, cultural and social environment; fostering the creation of quality attractions and events; promoting the features and benefits of downtown Fredericton; and identifying the specific actions and means in various sectors to implement these initiatives.

Promotion



DFI's promotional efforts seek primarily to market the downtown to new and existing consumer markets as the preferred place to work, shop, live, visit, play and do business. DFI implements yearly marketing campaigns incorporating a partnership approach whereby businesses are provided opportunities to participate through purchase of cost shared advertising packages. Also see "Marketing and Communications" under Committees.

Programming includes:

Downtown Parking Token Program
Co-op Advertising Packages
Marketing Campaigns (Summer and Seasonal)
Cost-Shared Promotions (Around Town This Week - Newspaper weekly event listing- summer)
Convention Delegate VIP Dining Card
Seasonal Promotions (Winter -Skating in the Square, Sweetheart Skate)
Entertainment/Event Programming (Summer - The Tannery)
Promotional Brochures
E-Newsletter

Physical Improvements



Programming designed to provide an attractive, safe, clean, pedestrian friendly downtown include initiatives such as streetscape improvements, signage, landscaping, access to vehicular and pedestrian traffic routes, and other physical attributes.

See below to download the application forms for these programs.

Programming includes:

sidewalk and curb beautification and reconstruction
pedestrian amenities and walkways
signage
landscaping (Weed 'n' Seed);
maintenance of small municipal park areas;
surface parking projects;
Physical Improvement Program (PIP) (financial assistance for façade and security improvements)

Physical Improvement Financial Assistance Programs 2006

Downtown Fredericton Inc. offers an annual Physical Improvement Program (PIP) which offers financial assistance incentives for downtown property owners/tenants wishing to implement façade or security improvements to their properties or business.

All private property owners/tenants located within the Downtown Fredericton Inc.'s Business Improvement Area (BIA) are eligible to apply to Downtown Fredericton Inc. for financial assistance towards the cost for façade and security improvements to their property or business.

Property owners must not be in arrears on payment of BIA Levy. Tenants must have a letter of approval from property owner.

For more information contact Downtown Fredericton Inc. or (click here) to download 2006 brochure.

Economic Development

Downtown Fredericton Inc. works in partnership with private developers, all levels of government and community agencies to develop strategies to support and seek to enhance the level of economic stability of the downtown core. Activities include:

consultation in Municipal and Regional Strategic Planning
redevelopment projects (vacant and under-utilized land)
business retention, recruitment & expansion strategies
tourism development initiatives & support (Regent St. Wharf, Historic Garrison District)
grants for downtown festivals and special events (for more information, Contact Us)

Advocacy

Downtown Fredericton Inc. provides a unified "voice" for downtown business on issues and areas of concern affecting the downtown core working to inform and generate awareness among government representatives, policy makers and staff.