The Business Retention and Expansion Committee has been actively working on strategies to enhance the business environment in Olds. The business survey that was completed in 2007 had an immediate impact as it saw the "Uptowne Olds" committee start up, and gave them guidelines to follow.
The Uptowne Olds committee is in the process of developing an innovative marketing plan that will steer the town’s downtown core in the right direction. Our business owners can see the growth in our trading area. Our challenge is to capture that increased traffic flow and bring people downtown, retaining the downtown core as the heart of our community.
Important Documents
2009 - 2010 Strategic Plan Summary
2010 - 2015 Strategic Plan Summary
Main Street “Catalyst” Directive & Planning
As part of the requirement for membership in the Alberta Main Street Program, host or sponsorship organizations must provide a vehicle of
oversight, accountability, planning and supervision through the use of active committees. As with many other groups receiving governmental
funding, the ability to be accountable, and ensure due diligence is being met is vitally important. In addition to the four elements of responsibility, committees also serve the role of the organization's "workhorse", with committee members working on event planning, administration, fundraising and marketing. In the case of Uptowne Olds and the Main Street Program, we have three main committees: the 4 Points Committee, which is the administrative team, working together to build a sustainable and complete community revitalization effort through the 4 points (design, organization, economic restructuring and promotion) of the Main Street Program; the Marketing Committee; and the Leadership Team, which consists of the Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary/Treasurer of Uptowne Olds.
Four Points Committee
Leadership Team
Marketing Committee Terms of Reference
In April 2011, the Town of Olds, with assistance from Parkland Community Planning Services, started a process to prepare the Uptowne Area Redevelopment Plan. This plan is expected to look at the long term future of the traditional Uptowne Olds area and surrounding lands and set direction for such things as future land uses, types of development and improvements to public spaces. For more information, please visit Town of Olds Planning.
Uptowne Olds promotes the downtown core as the preferred place to live, work, and shop in town. It is an advocate for a vibrant and prosperous downtown. We want to make Uptowne Olds the destination of choice for Olds residents and visitors - for shopping, dining, entertainment, and other services.
Uptowne Olds spearheads the recent Heritage Programming in Olds, and assisted the community with the preparation of the three AHRF Grant
Applications.
Check out some of the events and activities:
- Olds Fashioned Christmas - November & December 2011
Schedule of Events [5 MB] | Olds Community Calendar
- One of the more popular programs hosted by Mountain Culture at the Banff Centre is the Banff Mountain Film Festival. Uptowne Olds and the Mountain View Museum, successfully brought the World Tour to the Transcanada Theatre at the end of January 2009.
- ArtWalk - An annual success since 2007!
From June through the September long weekend, you can stroll through the shopping districts of Olds to view the amazing talent of local artists. ArtWalk is organized by Wellspring Visual ArtNetwork Association. Professional art work is displayed at participating businesses for your enjoyment. Visit any participating business that displays the ArtWalk sandwich board for your copy of the ArtWalk Map and Brochure. Please patronize the businesses that support the arts, and enjoy your tour!
- Mountain View Pistons Show & Shine - Saturday of the Father's Day weekend in June
- Art in the Park - open to the public!
Uptowne Olds hosted "Art in the Park"
In conjunction with the Bergen International Sculpture Symposium, the public had a chance to meet five artists from around the world. Visitors were invited to look at samplings of work from artists from Kenya, Vietnam, Cuba, India and Ireland.
- Midnight Madness - November means special shopping downtown!
- Olds Fashioned Christmas - you don't fix what ain't broke!
- Passport to Christmas - Get stamped for a chance to win great prizes!
Business Retention and Expansion can go up or down over time. We want our retention rates to be 100% - for every business to become so busy that they need to add more employees!If you would like to become involved in promoting your business through Uptowne Olds, please contact Chair Leon Durand at 403-556-6616.
