Phase one starts at 2nd Avenue Northwest.
Phase two will be 1st Street Northwest, between the Dental Clinic and the Dauphin Rail Station. Dauphin, let's talk Craft District. What is Craft District? Well, it's an initiative that the City of Dauphin has started. It's focused on the continued revitalization of downtown Dauphin.
Dauphin is already an extremely welcoming and special place. Craft District aims to enhance it even more.
"It's a project to make the street more pedestrian-friendly and enhance its presence," said Martijn van Lujin, economic development manager. "We're doing some beautification. In essence, we want to make it an attractive street that people want to come to."
2nd Avenue NW will remain open to vehicle traffic, and parking will continue to be available along the street. Improved loading areas and accessibility features are being incorporated to better serve businesses, customers, and residents.
A new pedestrian crossing in the middle of the block will provide a safer and more convenient connection for people moving throughout downtown. In addition, wider sidewalks will improve accessibility. The project is designed to support existing businesses while creating a more attractive, comfortable, and inviting public space.
As the project moves ahead, there will be additional trees and landscaping. It will include enhanced pedestrian-scale lighting. The City will also add benches, seating areas, and gathering spaces.
van Lujin says it's thrilling to be a part of the project.
"We've been working on this now for a couple of years. We've been slowly getting to this point in time when we are ready to tender the project and hopefully, see some construction this summer," ended van Lujin. "We've been building excitement. We've worked with stakeholders, and some local business people are on our community to provide feedback. Everyone is excited about it. This is another positive that we're creating for our downtown."
You can also expect public art, Indigenous art installations, and murals that celebrate our community's culture and history.
The Craft District is a part of the city's 25 years of downtown rehabilitation efforts.
This includes the restoration of CN Station, the development of City Hall, improvements to CN Park, and storefront enhancement programs.
