Rural communities across Canada face a common challenge: how do they maintain economic vitality while preserving their unique character?
Stonewall, Manitoba, is tackling this head-on with an innovative Main Street Revitalization Project. This initiative is transforming the town’s commercial core into a vibrant hub for businesses, residents, and visitors, proving that rural communities do not have to wait for change, they can create it.
Background and Context
Historical Overview
Founded in the late 1800s as a limestone quarry town, Stonewall has grown into a thriving small-town center just 25 kilometers north of Winnipeg, Manitoba. While the quarry industry has faded, the town remains rich in history, with Quarry Park and historic kilns preserving its industrial past.
Main Street once thrived as a commercial hub, lined with bustling shops and services. However, shifting economic trends and changing consumer behaviours have led to underutilized spaces, prompting the need for revitalization.
Identified Needs
Despite its solid foundation, Stonewall faces challenges common to many rural communities:
- A tax base heavily reliant on residential property taxes, with 85% of tax revenue coming from homeowners and 15% from commercial properties, limiting municipal flexibility.
- Long-term vacant commercial properties, with many held as legacy investments, slowing business turnover, and contributing to economic stagnation.
- Event-driven tourism does not translate into sustained local spending, as visitors often stay in Winnipeg rather than supporting Stonewall’s local economy.
- Proximity to Winnipeg makes it difficult for Stonewall to compete in traditional retail and services, impacting local business growth and economic diversification.
Recognizing these challenges, Stonewall’s leadership took a proactive approach to economic development, focusing on revitalizing its historic Main Street through a multi-phase plan that balances economic opportunity, placemaking, and sustainability.
Initiative Details
Revitalizing Stonewall’s Main Street is a strategic, long-term effort to transform the heart of the community into a thriving economic and social hub. This initiative is based on research, collaboration, and a phased approach to ensure the community gains from meaningful and lasting economic benefits.
Description
The Main Street Revitalization Project is an initiative designed to enhance the economic and social fabric of Stonewall. The project focuses on placemaking, business development, and pedestrian-friendly enhancements, ensuring that Main Street remains a dynamic destination. By prioritizing a people-first approach, the town is fostering a more engaging, walkable, and business-friendly environment.
Stakeholders Involved
Collaboration is at the core of this initiative. A diverse group of partners has come together to contribute expertise, resources, and leadership to ensure the success of Stonewall’s revitalization efforts. Each stakeholder plays a key role in driving the project forward:
- Town of Stonewall: Leading the initiative, securing funding, and engaging the community.
- University of Manitoba, Department of City Planning: Conducting research and assessments to inform decision-making.
- Scatliff + Miller + Murray (SMM): Designing the revitalization plan with a focus on sustainable urban planning and community needs.
- Stonewall & District Chamber of Commerce: Participating in the planning, ensuring local businesses have representation and benefit from the initiative.
Funding and Resources
Stonewall’s strategy prioritizes affordability and incremental improvements. The project started with research, planning, and partnerships at minimal costs. The pilot phase will be funded through municipal budgeting, with future phases seeking provincial and federal grants. The town is also exploring opportunities to attract developers to further enhance Main Street’s long-term viability.
Implementation Process
Stonewall is using a well-structured implementation process to ensure that the revitalization of Main Street is strategic, measured, and community driven. This allows the town to make informed decisions, adjust strategies as needed, and maximize long-term success.
Timeline
From the assessment to pilot launch, Stonewall is taking swift yet decisive action to bring the project’s vision to life.
- February 2024: University of Manitoba students assess Main Street.
- April 2024: Findings presented to town officials, identifying key opportunities and weaknesses.
- July 2024: Community forum, introducing revitalization concepts and gathering feedback.
- August 2024: Pilot project proposal developed, detailing key steps to undertake.
- April 2025: Town Council will finalize the pilot project plan.
- May 2025: Pilot project launches with temporary street transformations.
- October 2025: Pilot project evaluation and next steps determined.
Strategies and Actions
The key strategies and actions Stonewall is undertaking include:
- Pilot Project Before Permanent Changes: Testing pedestrian-friendly enhancements, outdoor seating, and streetscape improvements in a temporary setup to measure effectiveness and gather feedback before committing to permanent changes.
- Community Engagement: Ensuring residents and businesses experience proposed changes firsthand before finalizing the long-term plan, allowing for broad-based support and informed decision-making.
- Community-First Placemaking: Going beyond infrastructure improvements, Stonewall is using placemaking strategies to create a Main Street that is inviting, memorable, and uniquely reflective of the town’s character. By putting people first, the project is shaping a vibrant and engaging downtown experience.
Outcomes and Impacts
While the project is still in its initial stages, the expected outcomes highlight how these revitalization efforts will enhance Stonewall’s economy, business landscape, and community well-being. By creating a more vibrant and commercially active downtown, Stonewall aims to strengthen its local economy, attract visitors, and improve the overall quality of life for residents.
Economic Impact
The Main Street Revitalization Project is designed to generate economic benefits that will create new business opportunities, increase visitor spending, and strengthen Stonewall’s financial sustainability. As the project progresses, the anticipated economic outcomes include:
- Increased foot traffic and visitor spending along Main Street, boosting local businesses.
- Stronger business retention and attraction, reducing commercial vacancies and supporting entrepreneurs.
- A healthier tax base with more balanced residential and commercial contributions, reducing the financial burden on homeowners.
Community Benefits
Beyond economic growth, the revitalization project is expected to enhance community identity and create a sense of place. A more inviting Main Street will serve as a gathering space for residents and visitors alike, contributing to a stronger, more connected community. Anticipated benefits include:
- Improved public spaces such as walkways, green spaces, bike paths, and seating areas to enhance quality of life and increase visitation.
- A strengthened sense of identity and local pride, with Main Street becoming a centerpiece of community life.
- More reasons for residents and visitors to spend time in downtown Stonewall, increasing civic engagement and cultural vibrancy.
Sustainability and Future Plans
The project is designed to evolve based on community feedback and economic trends. By focusing on adaptable, community-led solutions, Stonewall is ensuring long-term success without overextending municipal resources. Future phases will explore permanent infrastructure upgrades, policy adjustments to encourage investment, and expanded marketing efforts to position Stonewall as a destination town.
Insights and Lessons Learned
Stonewall’s Main Street Revitalization Project offers valuable takeaways for other rural communities looking to enhance their downtown cores. By taking a research-driven, phased approach and prioritizing community engagement, Stonewall has built a solid foundation for long-term success. The following insights highlight key success factors, and best practices that can be applied in similar initiatives.
Success Factors
The success of this initiative is rooted in careful planning, strong leadership, and a commitment to data-driven decision-making. These factors have positioned Stonewall to make impactful, lasting changes:
- Research-Driven Decision-Making: The town prioritized economic assessments and expert input before defining its strategy.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with universities, economic development groups, and urban planners provided valuable insights.
- Pilot Launch: Evaluate ideas before large-scale community engagement and investment to ensure effectiveness and reduce financial risk.
Best Practices
For other communities considering a similar revitalization project, Stonewall’s approach provides a roadmap to success. These best practices ensure a strategic and sustainable revitalization process:
- Start with research to identify challenges and opportunities.
- Assess ideas through low-cost, temporary projects before committing to permanent changes.
- Engage the community in meaningful ways, letting them experience proposed improvements firsthand.
- Prioritize sustainability by taking an incremental approach to funding and development.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Stonewall’s Main Street
Stonewall’s revitalization efforts are just getting started, but the town’s commitment to smart planning, collaboration, and incremental progress ensures a promising future. By prioritizing people-first development, placemaking, economic sustainability, and community-driven innovation, Stonewall is laying the groundwork for a thriving, resilient downtown.
Want to learn more? Read the full case study for a detailed look at how Stonewall is transforming its Main Street and setting a new standard for rural economic development.
Ready to start your project? Start with an assessment of your Main Street using one of the available toolkits. The Main Street Vitality Toolkit, developed as a revitalization framework for municipalities within the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region, helps transform Main Streets into vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable spaces that contribute to regional growth plans and the WMR’s vision. The Main Street Revitalization Strategy Toolkit focuses on key areas such as transportation, public amenities, urban form and design, environment, and economy. Both toolkits provide valuable insights for communities looking to explore or advance Main Street revitalization projects.