Downtown revitalization: The Kitchener experience

Abstract

Downtown revitalization is clearly in the minds of many communities throughout North America.  The driving force behind this agenda is the belief that downtown is the lifeblood of the city.  However, since the Second World War, people and businesses have moved out of the downtown to the suburbs. This paper reviews what has caused this historic pattern of decline and outlines the various myths and approaches that communities have employed in revitalizing their downtown. The City of Kitchener’s strategy for downtown revitalization is examined as a case study, concluding that lasting economic and social recovery for a downtown will come only when there is a collective vision implemented through an incremental approach.

Keywords: downtown revitalization, urban, suburban, City of Kitchener