My Main Street is built on the principle of supporting community economic development and creating vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods which will enhance the overall quality of life for residents while also promoting sustainable and inclusive community development. My Main Street is delivered by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI), and supported by a Government of Canada investment through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). The program provides direct-to-business supports as well as funding for placemaking projects, to boost local economic growth and foster vibrant, community-centered public spaces along main streets.
The program offered two key funding streams:
Business Sustainability: This initiative provided non-repayable contributions to small businesses located on main streets across southern Ontario. Businesses received financial support by presenting a solid business case that demonstrated how the support boosted their productivity, and strengthened their capacity for growth and stability.
Community Activator: Focused on high-impact placemaking projects, this initiative supported activities like events, festivals, streetscape improvements and other enhancements designed to bring more economic activity to local communities. This initiative supported a variety of transformative projects—from public art installations to cultural festivals—bringing a renewed sense of place to main
streets, and positively impacting the economic vitality of the community.
My Main Street programming is a powerful tool for rebuilding local economies, while reflecting the unique cultural and social assets of each community.
