Project Overview
The Craft District Initiative is a downtown revitalization and infrastructure improvement project focused on enhancing the public experience, accessibility, walkability, and overall vibrancy of Dauphin’s downtown core.
The broader initiative area includes portions of 2nd Avenue NW and 1st Street NW, with a focus on creating a more welcoming, pedestrian-oriented, and visually connected downtown environment through infrastructure improvements, placemaking elements, lighting, landscaping, and public realm enhancements.
The initiative has been shaped through discussions with local stakeholders, project consultants, and downtown businesses as part of the broader vision identified through the City Plan (2024).
Following Council’s approval of funding within the 2026 Financial Plan, the City of Dauphin has advanced the detailed design and engineering components associated with Phase 1 of the Craft District Initiative. Phase 1 focuses on the block of 2nd Avenue NW located between Main Street North and 1st Street NW.
Building on 25 Years of Downtown Revitalization
The Craft District Initiative builds on downtown revitalization efforts that have been underway in Dauphin for more than two decades.
Since 2000, the City has invested in projects intended to strengthen the downtown core, support local businesses, improve public spaces, and enhance the experience of residents and visitors. Key initiatives have included:
- Revitalization of the historic CN Station (2000)
- Construction of the current City Hall (2001)
- Downtown streetscape enhancements including landscaping, bike racks, benches, signage, and public realm improvements (2016)
- Revitalization of CN Park (2017)
- Ongoing Storefront Improvement Incentive Programs supporting private investment in downtown properties
Why 2nd Avenue NW?
2nd Avenue NW is home to a growing concentration of locally owned businesses, makers, creators, and destination-oriented shops, including food, beverage, retail, artisan, and creative enterprises.
Its mix of pedestrian-oriented businesses makes it a natural location for public realm improvements designed to encourage walking, shopping, gathering, and community activity.
As a key gateway into downtown Dauphin, 2nd Avenue NW also serves as an important first impression for residents and visitors entering the city centre.
Enhancing this corridor supports local entrepreneurship, encourages investment, and helps strengthen Dauphin's identity as a regional destination.
Improving Accessibility, Safety, and the Public Experience
Phase 1 has been designed to improve accessibility and pedestrian safety while creating a more welcoming downtown environment.
Key benefits include:
- Wider sidewalks to improve accessibility for all users, including individuals with mobility aids, parents with strollers, and families
- Improved pedestrian crossings and connectivity
- Enhanced lighting infrastructure to improve visibility and comfort
- Streetscape improvements that encourage walking, gathering, and community activity
- Additional trees and landscaping that contribute to a more attractive and comfortable public space
Research consistently shows that vibrant, walkable downtowns support stronger local economies, encourage greater community activity, and contribute to safer public spaces through increased pedestrian presence and natural surveillance.
Project Evolution
The Craft District Initiative has been developed in collaboration with project consultants from Urban Systems as part of ongoing downtown revitalization discussions connected to the City Plan.
On April 10, 2024, the City hosted a stakeholder workshop where participants took part in discussions, visioning activities, and concept sketching exercises related to the future of the downtown corridor.
On April 11, 2024, an open-house design session was held at City Hall, providing an opportunity for participants to view the concept development process and discuss ideas related to the project.
Input gathered through these discussions and workshops helped inform the direction and priorities of the initiative.
On August 11, 2025, the City engaged Urban Systems to complete the technical design work associated with Phase 1 of the Craft District Initiative.
Project Status
May 29, 2026 - Design work for Phase 1 was completed in April 2026 and has been provided to electrical engineers for the design of underground electrical infrastructure, street lighting, and string lighting components.
The City anticipates receiving the electrical engineering design work by early June 2026.
Following completion of the design process, the project will proceed through the City’s procurement and tendering policy, including a public Request for Proposals (RFP) process through MERX.
At this time, construction timelines remain dependent on the procurement process, contractor availability, pricing submissions, and project scheduling.
City staff will engage with stakeholders and business owners to listen to concerns and suggestions during in-person session and individual meetings, before, during and after construction.
What is Included in Phase 1?
Council has approved up to $1 million within the 2026 Financial Plan for Phase 1 of the Craft District Initiative.
This funding is intended to support both visible streetscape improvements and critical underground infrastructure upgrades to the block of 2nd Avenue NW between Main Street North and 1st Street NW, including:
- Sidewalk reconstruction and widening
- Curb and gutter replacement
- Stormwater drainage improvements
- Underground electrical conduit installation
- Street and decorative lighting infrastructure
- Tree planting and landscaping
- Public furnishings and placemaking features, including trees, benches, bike racks, and string lighting
The investment represents a comprehensive infrastructure renewal project that combines utility improvements, accessibility enhancements, public safety considerations, and downtown revitalization objectives.
Vehicle Access & Connectivity
2nd Avenue NW will remain open to vehicular traffic. The project is designed to enhance the corridor through infrastructure renewal, accessibility improvements, landscaping, lighting, and streetscape enhancements while maintaining vehicle access to businesses, properties, and the downtown core.
Parking and Accessibility
The current concept anticipates the removal of approximately four on-street parking spaces within the project area.
Public parking remains available, including both on-street parking and the municipal parking lot located immediately east of Main Street on 2nd Avenue NE, as well as other nearby public parking areas.
Maintaining convenient access to downtown businesses remains an important consideration throughout project planning and implementation with improved loading zones and accessibility parking.
Business Access & Construction Planning
The City recognizes that construction activity within the downtown core may impact nearby businesses, residents, and visitors.
As part of the Request for Proposals process, proponents will be expected to outline approaches for maintaining accessibility and minimizing disruption throughout construction.
The City remains committed to working collaboratively with downtown businesses, property owners, residents, and community stakeholders as the project advances through detailed design, procurement, and construction planning. Additional project information will be posted to this page as it becomes available.
Questions regarding the Craft District Initiative may be directed to: ced@dauphin.ca or 204-622-3229