CityTalk Live Webinar
5 Key Takeaways
The new tool, measuringmainstreets.ca, is a comprehensive mapping and analysis platform for main streets across Canada. It provides data on business types, civic infrastructure, and neighborhood demographics, helping communities visualize and assess their main streets’ health and resilience. Greg Spencer explained that the tool was initially designed to measure the impact of civic infrastructure on main streets, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tool helps identify resilient streets, those that bounced back quickly after the pandemic, often because of strong local community support.
1. Place impacts our everyday behaviour
Nader Shureih emphasized the importance of geography in understanding human behavior, noting that the relationship between people and places is crucial. The Measuring Main Streets Platform (MMSP) aims to empirically define main streets through various factors like density, business presence, population, and visitation levels.
2. Our demographics are changing
The discussion highlighted significant demographic shifts in Canada, such as increased urbanization, more people living alone, aging populations, and higher immigration rates. These changes have substantial implications for communities and main streets, necessitating accurate measurement and predictive analysis.
3. Data and community development go hand in hand
Puneeta McBryan from Edmonton discussed the challenges of managing and utilizing data for community economic development. The MMSP provides up-to-date data that helps identify gaps, opportunities, and economic shifts, which can inform grant funding and development strategies.
4. Urban development can be sustainable
Michael Powe highlighted the importance of investing in existing community infrastructure rather than constantly expanding into greenfield developments. This approach aims to maximize the utility and longevity of infrastructure investments, promoting sustainable urban development and maximizing resources.
5. Data-Driven Advocacy for Infrastructure
Cheryll Diego from downtown Yonge highlighted how data can aid in advocacy for necessary infrastructure in high-density areas. With significant population growth projected, having detailed data on available infrastructure helps build complete communities and supports planning and decision-making.