Swift Current's Main Street program is now under the direction of a new board of directors.

Main Street program provides communities with training, tools and access to competitive grant funding to support the promotion, economic development and physical revitalization of the historic downtown.

"Over the past couple of months, we've been working to get some individuals from a good cross-section of the community to be involved with the board for Main Street Saskatchewan," said board member and owner of Sputtergotch Toys, Garry Koebel. "We've got some representation from the City,  some representation for members-at-large, some business owners - to get a good cross-section of individuals who have a stake in a variety of different ways downtown to be a part of this initiative."

Starting in November, the board will be working with consultants to begin a visioning process for the entire downtown and will include engagement events to gain community input.

"As far as any deadlines, at this point of time, until that visioning is done, that probably is the first step prior to businesses making an application,' said Koebel.

The Lyric Theatre was the first Swift Current recipient to receive a matching grant last Spring. Maple Creek has been under the provincial program for several years.

 

Board members include:

  • Lloyd Begley – Chairperson, Swift Current Museum Director/Curator
  • Gail Leier – Vice Chair, Lyric Theatre representative
  • Darrell Weber – Treasurer, Stark & March representative
  • Garry Koebel – board spokesperson, member at large, owner of Sputtergotch Toys
  • Kim Marsden – member at large , MNP representative
  • Brock Friesen – member at large, Rittinger Men’s Wear
  • Cindy Hoskin – member at large, Historian
  • Gord Budd – City councilor
  • Jill Ahrens-Grutzner – member at large, Innovation CU
  • Cassie Ries – member at large, Chamber of Commerce representative