Now that provincial pandemic restrictions are gradually opening up, the Canora Tourism Committee is able to meet and discuss community fundraising events for special projects.
The outdoor maximum group size presently stands at 150 people, but come August, the province should be open fully for all public and social gatherings, according to Brandi Zavislak, community development officer.
“We are fundraising for a variety of community enhancement projects,” said Zavislak. “We are dedicated to creating an impressive tourism-friendly destination by adding numerous placemaking projects to our already beautiful community. We are a core group of 14 community- minded individuals who are dedicated to bettering and revitalizing our community.”
Fundraising for upcoming community enhancement projects includes: outdoor speakers for downtown, new black street signs, new backlit welcome to Canora signs, street arches, and custom black plated signs for every business in Canora.
“The list goes on and on, and will keep growing in years to come,” continued Zavislak. “We have a very driven and productive committee. In addition to our 14 core members we have over 16 sub-committee members who are willing to help out at community events.
“The Live & Play Street Festival is coming up as the first fundraising event this year. On October 16 is the Live & Play Cabaret which will be a nice way for the community to celebrate the completion of harvest and get out and have a good time. We plan to bring exciting events to Canora, fundraise money for community enhancements and have a lot of fun while doing it. Our mission is to create the ideal tourism-friendly town, the most unique economically driven community that is a leader in rural revitalization.
“We already are surrounded by so much beauty. By adding some of these great enhancement projects throughout the Town of Canora we will be establishing a top-notch rural tourism mecca.
All of the upcoming placemaking projects will improve the design and management of public spaces. Placemaking capitalizes on a local community’s assets, inspiration, and potential, with the intention of creating public spaces that promote people’s health, happiness and well being.”
Zavislak said the black street blade signs are expected to be installed on a number of busy streets in and throughout Canora.
The new Town of Canora Sign is 20 feet wide by 10 feet high. This custom-made sign is backlit and is expected to have a high visual impact on motorists coming into the community. This sign is valued at $57,000 and the plan is to have two of these for both the south and north entrances coming into Canora.
“The black powder coated arches downtown would be a very unique backdrop to the community for many years to come,” explained Zavislak. “The value of these arches is $100,000. All of these placemaking items incorporated together will bring our community to a very high level of standards and will not only attract tourists and consumers but residents alike.”
Another fundraising project is to provide local business owners with black plated powder coated business signs valued at $600 each.
“We want to take our beautiful home to the next level and create the ultimate tourist destination. The new aquatic centre will be opening in June of 2022, and along with all of our placemaking efforts and community enhancement projects we will be able to achieve these goals,” said a confident Zavislak. “The best part about hosting community events is having a great team to work with and bringing exciting events to our great little community.”
