Planning downtown revitalization in a small city : change through collaboration in Swift Current, Canada

Abstract

Swift Current, Saskatchewan has experienced business expansion and a resurgence of downtown activity over the past 3-5 years. The city is focused on maintaining growth and a good quality of life for its residents, including good amenities, safety, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene. The growth plan includes further downtown revitalization, which City Administration aspires to achieve through civic input to ensure development meets community needs. This action research inquiry identified strategies for the city to successfully engage the community in a democratic process to plan further community change. Findings revealed residents' strong interest in helping to define how the city develops. Recommendations include a collaborative, democratic approach to civic engagement for revitalization planning that would be well received by the community--a process with potentially far-reaching positive implications for the community. This inquiry posed minimal risk to the community and adhered fully to Royal Roads University ethical guidelines.