We're Still Here!

Love Your Laneways is still active! 

Community Improvement Program grant applications to the Town of Midland are still being accepted and processed. (https://engagingmidland.ca/9983/widgets/38710/documents/17909) The deadline for applications is September 1, 2020. Now that pandemic rules are being eased and stores are gradually opening,  there is even more reason for King Street businesses to have appealing laneway entrances! Some have already made improvements, others have begun to spruce things up. Project Coordinator Burke Penny is still available to help with design decisions and filling out grant applications.

Last spring, the back of Georgian Bay Books looked like this:

Check out the difference from then until now!

Have a look at these before and after photos showing the how businesses have made their laneway entrances more attractive and easier to identify: 

Guardian Arcade & Jory Pharmacy:

Lilly's Italian Eatery, Cottage Friends & Image Salon:

Simply Country: 

Twist Yarn, Shoes to Boot & Tripps:

Other businesses are continuing their efforts to help make Borsa and Bourgeois Lanes a safer, more friendly and attractive part of downtown.

Midland Fish & Chips, Sheps and Sheps Baby, paving and adding signage:

 

Maple Canadian Pub, painting their south building wall: 

Dino's, adding signage:

We'll be sharing more photos in the days to come. 

Keep in mind, it's only early June - despite the pandemic, there is still all of summer to come! Sprucing up laneway entrances can only help to attract your customers and clients, both now and in the years to come. 

Love Your Laneways in the News Again!

Photo credit: Gisele Winton Sarvis/Torstar

Here is a link to a recent article about Love Your Laneways that highlights the recent Public Information Centre held at the Midland Public Library on January 23rd: https://www.simcoe.com/news-story/9834467--part-of-a-vibrant-downtown-love-your-laneways-project-a-hit-with-midland-businesses/ 

Public Information Centre, January 23

The Love Your Laneways proposal for laneway improvements has been delivered to Town of Midland staff and is now under consideration. A Public Information Centre (PIC) is being held on Thursday, January 23, 2020 to give everyone an opportunity to see the recommended plans. Representatives of the Love your Laneways Project and the Town will be there to discuss the drawings and supporting documentation. Also on display will be some of the drawings being used by downtown businesses to guide their laneway access improvements.

Come and find out what’s being planned for next summer as we turn Borsa and Bourgeois Lanes into vibrant public spaces!

Thursday, January 23, 2020

5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Assembly Hall, Midland Public Library

Love Your Laneways Update

Here we are at the end of November! Over thirty businesses are planning their laneway improvements, and some have already started upgrading their laneway entrances in anticipation of next summer's BIG DIG on King Street. Here are a few examples: 

 

These photos show just some of the general clean-up, new fencing, repaving and exterior improvements that have already occured. Stay tuned for more! 

If you are still thinking you want to make some changes to your business laneway entrance, don't delay! There are only a few days left to meet with the LYLAC design team and receive a full design package, including drawings. Of course the Action Committee will still be available to offer advice, go over design possibilities, and offer assistance on applying for funding from the Town of Midland or the BIA. Our Co-op student Martin is only here until the middle of next month - he creates the amazing laneway plan illustrations you have seen on previous posts. Get in touch now if you want the full package! 

Laneway Design Packages

It has been a while since I provided a Love Your Laneways update, so here it is! A number of downtown businesses have been through the Inventory and Analysis process (much quicker and simpler to do than it sounds 😉) and based on those conversations, design wizard Martin prepares a set of drawings! Businesses are free to use as much or as little of the design proposal as they wish. 

First up, Midland Fish and Chips. Here's the current laneway view: 

And one of the design drawings with some fun, easy to add improvements: 

There's a nice play on the nautical theme as well as some outdoor seating for customers. Much of the design incorporates existing elements of the restaurant's laneway look.

Here is the laneway view of Sheps: 

Adding some branding, fun pavement treatment and planters could lead to something like this! 

One more to share today - here is the current laneway entrance to Panache Spa and Hair Salon: 

An elegant awning, some wall art, and more plantings reflect the salon's vibe - and the entrance becomes accessible, as well! 

It will be exciting to watch so many downtown businesses beautify their laneway access! 

Saturday's Marche de Nuit

Saturday September 28th, the Town of Midland held its first ever Marché de Nuit, or Night Market! From 1 pm to 9 pm, the event was well attended, especially when when the sun decided to make an appearance. Love Your Laneways Action Committee was there with an information booth! The booth was staffed by project coordinator Burke Penny, councillor Jonathan Main, and LYLAC reporter Lois Laneway. ;)  

LYLAC getting set up for the afternoon and evening ahead. 

One of the information panels, as well as a display sign
thanking our many supporters! 

Participation in the Marché de Nuit was steady throughout the day,
and many people stopped by to find out more about the laneway rejuvenation.

Questions and conversation continued into the evening!