Thank you for the interest in our community. We are currently updating this site...stay tuned!
In the meantime if you have any questions for us or expectations for the site please contact us at [email protected]
In the meantime if you have any questions for us or expectations for the site please contact us at [email protected]
Introduction: Main Street as a Model
As the population of urban centres all across North America are expanding, the idea of a a sustainable, "complete community," is becoming more and more relevant. 21st century problems points towards the emergence of urban centres over suburban neighbourhoods. Millennials are drifting away from the suburbs and moving nearer to urban centres. Baby boomers, meanwhile, are retiring from a suburban lifestyle and want to live near walkable urban centres. The benefits of a walkable community are growing increasingly clear to many Canadians. Communities all across the continent have banded together and are building solutions. Within the HRM, there are a number of local groups working for change. There are, however, significant challenges to change going forward. In Main Street Dartmouth, an area that has recognized the future, the result will be a model urban centre, Main Street Dartmouth Village.
Why Main Street?
Main Street Dartmouth was developed as a commercial hub in the 1960s. The area suffered some decline when shopping trends moved to malls. However, with a daily average of up to 40,000 cars passing through the area, Main Street remains a vibrant area. There are 170+ shops and services within a 1KM radius or 10 minute walk. It's a health hub of the HRM with over 45 health and wellness facilities. Even though there are so many services on Main Street, development, especially residential, has been stalled. That all changed with new by-laws approved in 2013.
In 2008 a vision was established for the Main Street area. After public consultations and the work of the Main Street Business Improvement District, established in 2008, a progressive vision for Main Street was approved in 2013. New developments will transform the area into a more pedestrian-friendly town centre. There are jobs and services in the area, but not enough residential buildings. With four new developments already underway, Main Street can become the model of transforming a once commercial area into a thriving urban centre. A new resident will be able to find everything he/she needs, all within a pedestrian friendly 1 KM area.
In 2008 a vision was established for the Main Street area. After public consultations and the work of the Main Street Business Improvement District, established in 2008, a progressive vision for Main Street was approved in 2013. New developments will transform the area into a more pedestrian-friendly town centre. There are jobs and services in the area, but not enough residential buildings. With four new developments already underway, Main Street can become the model of transforming a once commercial area into a thriving urban centre. A new resident will be able to find everything he/she needs, all within a pedestrian friendly 1 KM area.