Downtown Deep River: Welcoming streets for people

In 2022 and 2023, many residents contributed to a conceptual vision of our downtown core. Ideas and strategies were developed to improve the overall experience of people in the space. Key focus areas included accessiblity and safety, the layout and design of sidewalks and streets, the use of public spaces, features and art to create a sense of belonging and identity, and how the area connects with other parts of Deep River.

The next steps are to execute the strategy - a long-term and wide-ranging undertaking. Many of the improvements recommended in the streetscape strategy will require changes and upgrades to the public infrastructure (roads, storm, water, and sewer networks, etc.), and the rehabilitation of infrastructure in poor condition. This work will require a significant investment over many years.

In 2025, the project team will focus on the detailed technical design work. To get this right, we need your ideas and feedback to make sure the final design and layouts of any improvements consider the needs and wants of our community. The best designs are as much social and economic assets as functional elements. Well-designed downtown areas and streets encourage people to connect with each other, fostering a sense of community, and generate higher revenues for businesses and higher values for property owners at the same time.

Interested in participating? We encourage you to choose the activities that are best for you, including:

• Participating in the community survey (if you prefer pen and paper, printed copies of the survey will be available at the Town Hall and Library).
• Sharing your ideas, and building on those from others,
• Sharing a story or memory of the downtown,
• If you have a question about the project, ask it on the questions tool and the project team will do its best to get you the answer.
• Join us in person and tell us more. Check out the “Important Dates” for the schedule of walk/roll throughs.