Partners launch Downtown Creemore Visioning Project
The village of Creemore is embarking on a visioning project to ensure the sustainability of its iconic downtown and enhance its public realm. The initiative aims to preserve Creemore’s unique small-town charm while fostering a vibrant, welcoming environment for residents, businesses and visitors.
The project is being led by a Downtown Creemore Visioning Committee, a volunteer group created in partnership by the Creemore BIA, Clearview Township and the Creemore Community Foundation, with participation from business
owners and residents dedicated to shaping the future of Creemore downtown
Committee members include: BIA president Nancy Johnston, who will serve as committee chair, BIA board member Laurie Severn, Creemore Springs Brewery’s brand home operations manager Heather Harding, Clearview Township’s community economic development officer Briar Kelly, Creemore Village Green manager Jeremy Mantesso, Creemore Area Residents’ Association president Greg Young, Clearview Township Ward 5
Councillor Robert McArthur and Daniel Shearer.
“This project represents a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community and imagine the future of our downtown,” saidJohnston. “Focusing on sustainability, beauty, and heritage, we’re not only preserving what makes Creemore special but also setting it up for long- term success.”
The committee has contracted ERA Architects to support this initiative. ERA Architects is renowned for its conservation, beautification, and community design expertise. They will guide the process by blending their professional insight with the village’s character and history, ensuring the vision aligns with Creemore’s identity.
The success of the project relies heavily on community input. BIA members, both building and business owners, will be tapped for their ideas and feedback. In addition, a public workshop will be held to gather input, ideas, and priorities from residents and stakeholders.
The work will be divided into two phases and will focus on the following topics:
- Streetscape improvements are needed to create safer spaces for pedestrians and vehicles;
- Strategies for supporting local businesses and fostering economic vitality;
- Green initiatives to enhance environmental sustainability;
- Beautification efforts, landscaping and streetscaping.
The process will culminate in developing a Downtown Visioning Plan, outlining actionable steps to realize the community’s goals while honouring the village’s history and aesthetic.
“We are looking forward to the results of this committee as they recognize the historical tourism value of the district to the township,” said Clearview Township Mayor Doug Measures. “Community engagement will be the key to this initiative to ensure we are supporting a downtown that will captivate the generations to come.”
ERA will be announcing dates for community engagement once they have gathered all the information and an inventory of current assets. Community members will be encouraged to participate in the visioning process by attending the public meeting, sharing ideas, and staying informed.
For more information about the Downtown Creemore Visioning Project, please contact Nancy Johnston at experiencecreemore@gmail.com, or 416-315-7255.
