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

Sidewalk extending from Canada Post to RM of Gull Lake Office

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