Township accepts report outlining vision for downtown Ripley revitalization

Huron-Kinloss council has accepted a report that outlines a vision for the revitalization of downtown Ripley.

The report was presented at the committee-of-the-whole meeting, Feb. 3, by economic development officer Amy Irwin.

In her report, Irwin states that downtown Ripley revitalization was identified as a priority in 2024 by economic development staff. A community engagement session, with 26 attendees, was held March 26, 2024, to gather feedback and ideas of what was needed in downtown Ripley

Several consistent key themes emerged from the community meeting, and included: the need to address derelict buildings and empty lots downtown, downtown aesthetics (paint, shutters, etc.), downtown flowers and planters, address lack of parking or improve parking signage, make business attraction a priority, rehabilitate the gazebo in Lewis Park, build a dog park, increase health-care and daycare services, and have more activities/a hub for youth.

A Rural Economic Development (RED) grant was secured in July, and with funding from the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), was used to engage the consultant, Plu.ral, to create a downtown Ripley envisioning document. A current state analysis was conducted, input was gathered, and streetscape recommendations, as well as envisioning renderings, were created.

The goals of the project were to fill up vacant, tenant-ready spaces downtown; envision the potential of derelict buildings; rethink the purpose of vacant lots; and increase promotions and events downtown.

The report includes phasing and implementation recommendations, with immediate actionable steps that the township can achieve independently, as well as multi-year plans in co-ordination with private landowners. It also includes grander façade renderings to be used for development attraction purposes, to demonstrate Ripley’s potential in conceptual form only. The renderings are to be used to inspire, not as a guiding document.

Irwin reported that targeted business recruitment campaigns will be carried out, using some of the elements in the report to garner interest with developers about the potential that downtown Ripley holds and to create leads, but are not intended to be actionable by staff. The budget estimates are for information purposes only and are not a recommendation by staff.

In her report, Irwin states that staff will continue to work on business recruitment strategies and downtown revitalization efforts to work toward the desired outcomes of a vibrant and attractive downtown, where people want to live and do business.

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An artist’s rendering of new development on the northwest corner of Queen and Huron Streets in downtown Ripley

The Plu.ral report outlines about $250,000 worth of projects to revitalize downtown Ripley over a phased-in period of time.

Among the recommendations are:
 

• Upgrades to street lamps, and strategic placement of potential new light standard locations
• Storefront accessibility improvements, either temporary or permanent ramps
• Strategic placement of benches or seating areas along the street to rest and observe
• Additional elements to aid in streetscape presence, such as twinkle lights, pavement design, sidewalk decals, etc.
• Create patio spaces and place storefront awnings for shade in the summer months

To read the entire Plu.ral report, click here.



An artist’s rendering of the restored historic buildings at 48 and 46 Queen Street, Ripley, with seasonal adornment



An artist’s rendering of the proposed Heinisch Parkette beside the Ripley Fire Hall