Rebuilding Downtown With a Plan: Sidewalks

During my first term on council, I had the opportunity to work closely with a marketing expert who helped develop our town’s website and other initiatives. To better understand Gull Lake and its neighboring communities, he joined me for a tour of our trading area. We visited Maple Creek, Eastend, and Shaunavon before returning home.

When I asked how Gull Lake compared, he noted that our residential areas and recreation facilities were attractive — but our downtown looked tired.

Why Downtown Matters

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  Sidewalk extending from Canada Post to RM of Gull Lake Office

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  Upgraded sidewalks at the Royal Bank in the heart of downtown.

The vitality of a town’s economy can often be gauged by the appearance of its downtown. It should be a source of civic pride. With that in mind, council joined the Communities in Bloom Program and launched a downtown beautification project.

Through a façade improvement incentive, many businesses have refreshed their storefronts with new paint and repairs. The Economic Development Committee renovated the façade of the Wong Guy Shoe Shop, and a new crosswalk was installed in front of the Lyceum Theatre. These changes have already made a visible difference.

Addressing Sidewalk Safety

In 2016, after residents raised concerns about sidewalk conditions, council contracted Safe Sidewalks Canada to remove trip hazards. They also provided a full evaluation of every sidewalk in town. While many were still in good condition, others were failing — and downtown seemed the logical place to begin repairs.

Rubber‑paved sidewalk in front of the Town Office—part of our downtown improvement efforts.

In 2018, council approved a pilot project with Solid-State Rubber Paving to repair a section of sidewalk in front of Town Hall at a cost of $7,303.08. The rubber surface has proven durable and can be coloured for a more attractive finish, though it may not be suitable for alley aprons.

Concrete remains the most expensive option upfront, but it lasts the longest and is likely the most cost-effective over time. Pavement costs more than rubber, but it cracks sooner than concrete and visually blends into the street.

The Next Step: A Sidewalk Strategy

Our downtown looks far better today than when we began our beautification efforts. But the sidewalks—cracked, crumbling, and mismatched—still undermine that progress.

It’s time to create a clear, community-supported plan. That plan should determine:

• The type of materials we’ll use

• The order in which sidewalks will be repaired

• How the work will be funded

One option could be to allocate a portion of the paving levy toward the project. While repairs won’t happen overnight, with a strategy and public support, they are entirely achievable.

A Stronger Downtown for Everyone

Working together, the Town Council and Economic Development Committee can design and share a revitalization strategy that not only improves the look of our downtown but also shows appreciation for our local businesses—the heart of our community. It would send a clear message to potential new businesses: Gull Lake is open for business.

It all starts with a plan.

Blake Campbell