85%

of Canadians live within 
1km of a main street

280K

businesses are operating 
on main streets

1.9M

jobs are provided 
on main streets

$300B

in annual revenue is 
generated on main streets

98K+

civic & community
 infrastructure assets

Why Main Streets

Main streets are the front lines of local life. They’re where small businesses thrive, neighbours connect, and communities express who they are. When main streets are strong, communities are resilient, inclusive, and full of opportunity.

From everyday services to public spaces, main streets shape outcomes across:

  • Housing & Infrastructure
  • Wellbeing & Social Connection
  • Economic Opportunity & Business Health
  • Placemaking & Quality of Life 

They’re not just part of the economy—they're the heart of it. 

“Main streets are the cornerstone of ‘complete communities’, where Canadians can live, work, and play all within their local neighbourhood. They are our economic powerhouses and social connective tissue. Decision-makers should invest in solutions to issues like housing, public safety, and sustainability at the scale of the main street, and now there’s a way to do it.”

— Mary Rowe, CEO, Canadian Urban Institute 

What We Offer

Main Street Canada delivers a suite of services, data tools, research, and peer networks to support community-building leaders across the country. From strategy development to real-time metrics, national benchmarks to local insights—we help community-builders strengthen their main streets and grow resilient, inclusive economies.
Turn insight into action
Main Street Metrics
Our data dashboards and impact reports help communities understand who’s on their main street, what’s driving change, and where to focus investment. Built on national datasets and tailored to local needs.
Strategies that stick
Main Street Advisory
We help communities develop actionable plans to revitalize main streets—backed by local engagement, economic analysis, and policy alignment—and grounded in what’s worked and built to support real outcomes. Whether you’re just getting started or scaling up, we’re here to help.
Stronger together
Main Street Exchange
A national network for main street leaders to connect, learn, and grow. From peer roundtables to Canada’s Main Street 100 Index, the Exchange brings communities together to share what works.

Why Main Streets Matter More Than Ever

Main streets are the backbone of Canadian communities. They are where local businesses fuel the economy, where people connect, and where culture comes to life. Yet, main streets face mounting pressures - from rising costs and global market shifts to changing consumer behaviors and climate challenges. Investing in their resilience isn’t just about preserving the past; it’s about securing the future.

We are the Canadian Urban Institute

CUI is Canada’s urban policy and research hub, working with communities, governments, and businesses to build more resilient, inclusive, and economically vibrant cities. Through data, leadership, and place-based solutions, we strengthen the backbone of Canada’s local economies—our main streets.
Learn More