In It Together: Bringing Back Canada’s Main Streets

A new report from the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) with partners across the country urgently shines a light on the impacts of COVID-19 on main streets in Canada, and offers dozens of actions for governments, business and community leaders to strengthen local economies, neighborhoods and communities.

Without further assistance for commercial rent, insurance premiums and emergency financing for small business, there will be a surge in main street business closures in coming months. COVID-related impacts on consumer behaviour and spending, local travel patterns, social service delivery and housing have all contributed to the struggles for businesses and local institutions. The second wave of the novel coronavirus, with further public health restrictions, amplifies the threats to main streets.

From financial incentives, micro-grants, and crowdfunding platforms that support businesses adapting to winter during the pandemic, to strategies and design guidelines for winter-friendly placemaking, In it Together: Bringing Back Canada’s Main Streets offers a menu of options that are nationally relevant but can be customized to local priorities with real-world examples from across the country and around the world.