We will  be running our annual shop local campaign, posters, bags and entry forms will be coming to businesses during the last week of November.

The campaign will run until December 13th where 5 people will win $200 in LDBA bucks.

From 5 pm to 8 pm.

We have decided not to do the Elf on the Shelf this year as the businesses feedback was overall not great. Instead we would like to focus on the activities and treats that each business offers.

Once again, CrossFit will be hosting the Christmas Market, Wild Poppy will have a craft for the kids, Bakery will have cookies and beverages, and, of course, the Mactier Group will host Gingy at the Selfie Station.

For some additional inspiration here is what was done last year:

• Plantitude – mini-cupcakes
• Juniper & Sage – hot chocolate
• Neck of the Woods – chai tea & cookies
• Red’s Emporium – selfie with Santa
• Chamber – Apple Cider

Please let us know how you will be participating ASAP as we are starting to advertise in greater detail next week.

Photo courtesy of Michael Dean Art.

Ladysmith’s First Avenue wins national Great Places in Canada contest – Great Street!

Ladysmith, November 8, 2017 – Ladysmith’s beautiful and historic First Avenue has been selected by the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) as Canada’s 2017 Great Street. The award was decided by a jury of certified planning professionals during the Great Places in Canada contest. CIP’s review of 17 submissions from across Canada was based on a set of criteria of planning best practices that considered social, economic, and accessibility and safety factors, and elements such as design, culture, history, and landscape.

Jury Statement

First Avenue exhibits all of the qualities one would expect from a great street: visually-interesting building facades, generous sidewalks, attractive landscaping and artistic details, places to rest, and places to gather.

This street, with its diverse mixture of local businesses, housing and services, has been a focal point of daily life for community members for more than a century.  Streetscape enhancements, heritage preservation, the adaptive reuse of historic buildings, and the many unique and publicly accessible festivals and events held throughout the year, are key ingredients to First Avenue’s success as a Great Street.

The jury acknowledges the community’s commitment to defining and celebrating First Avenue as the heart of Ladysmith’s downtown core.

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“We are absolutely thrilled the Canadian Institute of Planners has chosen First Avenue as Canada’s Great Street. This is an incredible honour for our community and showcases the pivotal role First Avenue has played in helping to shape Ladysmith’s identity as a charming, diverse and vibrant west coast community,” said Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone.

Great Places in Canada contest winners were announced on World Town Planning Day, an internationally celebrated day that recognizes the accomplishments of professional planners and their contributions to communities. Other British Columbia winning communities included Coquitlam, which was awarded Great Public Space for its Town Centre Park, and Main Street in Smithers, which received the People’s Choice: Great Street.

“The last time a B.C. community received the Canada’s Great Street honour was back in 2011. Winning this award for 2017 truly acknowledges our community’s commitment to defining and celebrating First Avenue as the heart of downtown Ladysmith and highlights the significance of this exceptional street and its importance to our community,” said Guillermo Ferrero, Town of Ladysmith City Manager.