Downtown Armstrong. (Vernon Matters photo)

By Pete McIntyre

reimagined main corridor

Revitalization project gets government funding

Apr 18, 2023 | 3:45 PM

Armstrong is a step closer to getting an upgrade to its look, thanks to a grant from the B.C. government.

The province is providing $500,000 from its rural economic development and infrastructure program to help the city plan for a revitalization project.

“This funding will allow the city to reimagine the main corridor, from Smith Drive, along Pleasant Valley Road/Boulevard to the new City Hall, and consider improvements to make Armstrong more attractive to businesses and residents, prepare for the arrival of the Rail Trail and be more inclusive and welcoming to all,” a city news release stated.

“This is a great opportunity to build on previous work and bring focus to improving the way our downtown’s look and function” Mayor Joe Cramer said. “The funding from the province’s REDIP grant gives us the resources to talk to our community and build a plan that reflects our needs.”

This project will not only leverage funding budgeted for planned capital improvements and grant funding previously received from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI), it will build on the support of community partners such as the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce, Communities in Bloom and Community Futures North Okanagan.

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“The project involves the creation of a revitalization plan that includes pulling together all the previous studies, integrating the Rail Trail connection, wayfinding and signage development designing active transportation routes, landscaping upgrades and road improvements,” the new release informed.

The funding also allows Armstrong to hire a consultant and a two-year project coordinator who will help develop the process and timing for the project, including the community conversations.

Funding for construction is not within the scope of the provincial grant and will be considered through the city’s budget and grant application processes.

It is expected the planning project will begin in May 2023.

The city did not say how much the provincial grant is worth.