Whether it’s Lions Lookout, the Algonquin Theatre, or the Canada Summit Centre, there is no shortage of incredible attractions and landmarks in Huntsville.
The Town of Huntsville is now asking for the public’s help to identify the area’s most important landmarks and to help find the most attractive and efficient way for locals and guests to find them.
The Town is currently in the midst of hosting a public survey on myhuntsville.ca to help find the best solutions for a local wayfinding strategy. The information gleaned from the survey will be used by consultants hired by the Town to help develop a brand new and innovative Community Wayfinding strategy for the area.
“We have so many assets here in Huntsville and we’re proud of what we have to offer. Signage is one of the tools that will allow us to direct people to those places and show them the face of our town,” says Deputy Mayor Nancy Alcock, who has been advocating for new signage throughout her two terms on council. “You’re talking about everything that makes our community tick and we need a consistent thread to tie all of these things together.”
Active transportation has been a top priority at the municipality for some time but Alcock says she felt the signage directing people to Huntsville’s many trails and walkways was lacking.
“It proved to be a bit more challenging than I had originally thought but now we’re in the midst of a multi-million dollar streetscape design and this is the time to make sure that everything is in place and coordinated,” she says.
Scott Ovell is Huntsville’s economic development officer and is spearheading the project for the Town.
“We want to hear from the public on what they believe is important for signage. We want to hear about the attractions, the facilities and landmarks that make Huntsville great, so that we can develop a comprehensive list of community assets ” he says. “And, it’s not only for people who live here but also for those who have visited in the past. What was your experience, did you have a hard time navigating to your destination? We want these answers so that we can improve our experience.”
Through the survey a list of assets will be identified, which will then be compiled by the consultants and delivered back to council for their perusal. The signage will be geared not only to motorists but to pedestrians, cyclists, and those using other forms of active transportation as well.
The consultants will also be tasked with creating design concepts for the new signage which will then be brought back for public input.
“We need to consider everything,” says Deputy Mayor Alcock. “That includes everything from basic directional signage like, ‘where is the nearest public washroom?’ down to helping people find our incredible cultural and artistic assets.”
The survey will be open to the public until May 28, and everyone is encouraged to visit myhuntsville.ca to play an important role in the way Huntsville is navigated and promoted locally to both residents and visitors. You can find the survey at myhuntsville.ca/community-wayfinding-strategy.
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Alice Gray says
I like all the wild places left. There are small pockets of unaltered green space. Put a path through instead of putting in lawns, townhomes and parking lots. The green space between Hanes Rd, Herman, Shay Rd. and Centre St should really be a wild park. A few paths and benches that is all. The Central Park of Huntsville!!!
Bill Beatty says
Love the Downtown docks area & park. Great area for relaxing , playing and as an entertainment venue . Right up there ( Pun intended) , is The Lion’s Lookout .
David Ian Gibson says
I agree with Alice that connected green spaces should be a priority. I recognize that many of the remaining urban green areas she mentions are well on their way to becoming subdivisions. Can the town regulate developments and work with developers so that key natural areas are protected and connected to enhance our community health and enjoyment?
Brenda Begg says
Re Huntsville’s Top Spots:
There’s no question that it’s important for visitors and locals to know where public restrooms are located. Unfortunately, the last time the Mall was open, the public washrooms were closed; this is just wrong. Thank you to all of our businesses that have kept their washrooms open.
I think our local garden centres are fun to visit. Some have little gift shops on their premises with a lovely selection of gifts, both locally made and otherwise. Local pottery making shops, hiking and biking trails also come to mind.