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A lively Francophone city in the northwest part of New Brunswick, Edmundston is a place to enjoy unique food, community events and proximity to nature. For over 40 years, Downtown Edmundston has operated to support the heart of the city. Initially established to connect business owners, the organisation has evolved to facilitate economic growth in the area, while still advocating for its businesses, visitors and residents.
Coming together
Downtown Edmundston was created in September, 1982 by a collaboration between local government, businesses, and property owners. Its initial mandate was to represent and support property managers and business owners in the area. Events the organisation planned were focused on forming partnerships between local entrepreneurs and providing an opportunity for related stakeholders to discuss matters that affected commerce. It then acted as a collective voice to advocate for change with municipal and provincial governments.
As Downtown Edmundston evolved, its role shifted towards attracting more visitors and increasing economic activity in the district.
Building momentum
A few short months after being created, Downtown Edmundston hired its first full-time employee, and its team slowly grew over time. In the mid-‘80s, the organisation began managing a familiar hot topic for many downtowns: parking. While this is typically handled by local government, Downtown Edmundston took a unique approach and began monitoring and enforcing parking regulations for its downtown area. The move allowed the organisation to add a parking agent to its team, as well as utilise any profits to help fund larger initiatives. Parking is also another way the organisation improves the experience of its downtown. For example, it offers some free two-hour parking spaces during the week to encourage more activity in the area.
Kurt Pelletier, current general manager of Downtown Edmundston, says that as the organisation’s leadership changed over time, so did its mandate. Eventually, its focus shifted towards tourism and economic development. In the ‘90s, the organisation took over management of the area’s farmer’s market, supporting local vendors. Downtown Edmundston events also became more community-focused and now aim to attract more people to the city’s core. It helps plan festivals, concerts and a summer-long initiative where a street is closed off from car traffic, allowing pedestrians to more freely explore the area. Pelletier says there are activities each day throughout the week including yoga, zumba and live performances.
Edmundston’s downtown has also seen changes from a recent influx of immigration. Pelletier says that many newcomers to the area have opened businesses, which has added diversity to the city’s vibrant core.
The road ahead
Downtown Edmundston continues to support growth and represent its local business community. Looking forward, Pelletier says the organisation hopes to expand its downtown area by incorporating other parts of the city into its core. Speaking of the town’s tourist appeal, Pelletier commented: “Edmundston is known for its welcoming people. There’s always something happening in the area and after visiting our downtown, it’s about a five-minute drive to enjoy nature. Everything is so close and there’s something for anyone.”
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