Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year from the Downtown Business Revitalization Zone!

The Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) would like to take this opportunity to wish all of its valued customers and clients a safe, enjoyable holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Free Two-hour Parking for Christmas Shoppers!

City Council recently approved a recommendation by the Downtown BRZ and the Downtown Redevelopment Steering Committee (DRSC) to provide two-hour regulated parking in the downtown for the Christmas shopping season. During this period of time, shoppers will not have to plug meters and will have up to two-hours to dine, meet for coffee or stroll through the downtown searching for that perfect gift.

The two-hour regulated parking will be in effect from December 7-25, 2009. The parking meters included in the program will be covered for the entire duration, with bags displaying a two-hour parking sign. If a parking meter is not covered, it is in operation. This includes all 38 minute and 10-hour parking meters, as well as, a small number of parking meters adjacent to businesses who have requested that their meters remain in operation.

Lethbridge Shelter clients making a 'clean sweep' of downtown Lethbridge

The Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) is proud to be involved in a great program that is having a significant impact on the downtown experience. For years, the BRZ and the City of Lethbridge have struggled with keeping sidewalks, gutters and lanes free of debris. Although the Summer Ambassador Program, which employs high school students, does an excellent job of keeping our streets clean from July through August, the build-up of unsightly garbage during the balance of the year was an ongoing challenge. The Employment Rejuvenation Program (ERP) has changed all of that. The program is a partnership between the Lethbridge Shelter and Resource Centre, the City of Lethbridge (Downtown Redevelopment Steering Committee - DRSC) and the BRZ.

Besides a cleaner downtown, a variety of social benefits are realized as a result of this important program. Shelter clients are paid a minimum wage for the hours they spend cleaning our streets and lanes. The program helps to provide participating clients with the tools necessary to become more employable and to eventually re-enter the workforce. It also provides them with the opportunity to give back to our community.

Everyone is a winner as a result of this program. The community benefits because the downtown is much cleaner. The clients benefit because it has positively impacted their lives in a variety of ways.

Many individuals from the business community have made the point to interact with the ERP members by saying thank-you and offering coffee on cold winter mornings. Others, such as Les from LOGOS Embroidery have supplied hoodies to the ERP team, to go along with coveralls that were recently provided by the BRZ.

Here are a few comments that have been received in response to the program;

"It was a delight coming to work each day during the summer season with the streets clean for the first-time since I have been working in the downtown. My customers also commented on the lack of garbage swirling around in the winds. Thanks very much for cleaning up the downtown core ... it is very much appreciated."

"They are doing such an excellent job, that I wanted to say 'thank-you' to the City of Lethbridge for hiring them and to the men and women who are getting up that early and doing such a good job. I hope that everyone who comes across them will give them a wave and tell them 'thanks' for their hard work. It is a real pleasure now to walk through the downtown."

"As a citizen born and raised in Lethbridge, may I extend a heartfelt thank-you to all the wonderful workers who clean our downtown streets. You are indeed a very special group of workers who do a very important service in this community. Our downtown streets have never looked better or cleaner. Please know that you are so very much appreciated!"

The Shoe Tree ... where shoes are everything!

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Jan Kostiw from The Shoe Tree takes some time out of her day to walk us around her store located on the beautiful, tree-lined Festival Square (6th Street South) in downtown Lethbridge.

She started her retail shoe business in 1999 on 4th Avenue. Jan built it from scratch ... contacting suppliers, designing, painting and renovating her new store. After a number of successful years of operation as a tenant in her 4th Avenue space, she recently made the move to her own heritage building on 6th Street. Once again, this new, larger space had to be totally renovated and remodelled. The result ... one of most inviting retail spaces in the downtown core.

Jan and her experienced staff, Kim and Cassie, take great pride in providing their customers with exceptional product knowledge and service. They always strive to make a difference with their customers and to create a positive shopping experience.

Although the store is located in a relatively small city, Jan has managed to stock her store with a 'little bit of everything' in order to satisfy the needs of her customers (Ecco, Franko Sarto, Birkenstock, Hush Puppies, Due Fratelli, Trotters, Sofft, Miss Mac, Romika, NAOT, El Natura Lista, Miz Mooz, MBT, Clarks and many, many other great shoe lines). From dress shoes, to walking shoes, to shoes with removeable footbeds and everything in-between, The Shoe Tree is 'the place' for shoes in Lethbridge. Although her customers are predominantly women, she also carries an impressive selection of quality men's shoes (Merrell, Echo, Rockport and Blundstone from Australia).

Besides shoes, they 'love' their boots and handbags at The Shoe Tree and so do their customers. From flat to high heel, from mid-heel to wedge ... they stock an impressive selection of boots. While in the store make sure to check out their great selection of handbags by Derek Alexander and stunning, custom-crafted handbags by a new, up-and-coming designer from Montreal - Mary-Ann Keverian (Miss MAK).

When you're in the market for new shoes or are looking for something to compliment your wardrobe, make sure to stop into The Shoe Tree in downtown Lethbridge - 326 - 6th Street South.

For more information about The Shoe Tree, call (403) 328-9484.

Blueprint Entertainment ... Downtown Lethbridge's independent record store

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Opened in 2006, Blueprint Entertainment was the brainchild of Mike Molloy and friend/business partner Jorden Ager. Although Jorden has since left to pursue another career (current Station Manager at CKXU - U of L's campus/community radio station), Mike has continued to successfully operate Lethbridge's only independent record store.

Mike has exemplified the true meaning of entrepreneurship. His love for music and the inability to find the records he was looking for at local stores, led to the creation of Blueprint Entertainment. He had a vision and brought it to life with a lot of hard work and determination. It's the perfect business for Mike because he's passionate about independent music and that's what his store is all about.

Although he stock's a selection of DVD's, VHS tapes and console games (XBox 360, PlayStation, ColecoVision, etc), independent/local rock music is the store's stock-in-trade. He also carries a selection of independent blues, country, folk, world music, classical, metal and punk. Mike primarily stocks used goods (buy, sell and trade), however the store also carries a varied selection of new release CD's and vinyl records. Mike shy's away from top 40 and leaves that to the retail chain record stores.

Mike has created a unique store that caters to a niche market ... exactly the type of business that sets downtown Lethbridge apart. Blueprint has been well-received by southern Alberta audiophiles and its list of patrons continues to grow.

Besides the retail side of the business, Mike also works with live-music venues such as The Slice, Henotic and the Blarney Stone to host and promote independent bands. Mike works extremely hard at promoting local music and musicians. The music scene in southern Alberta is strong and Blueprint Entertainment is doing its best to keep it that way.

So, if you're looking for a wide selection of music that goes beyond 'top 40', Blueprint Entertainment is well-worth the visit - 519 - 4th Avenue South.

For more information on Blueprint Entertainment, phone 403 320-8333.

2009 Bright Lights Festival set for November 20 in beautiful Galt Gardens Park

The Annual Bright Lights Festival will kick-off the holiday shopping season on Friday, November 20th in beautiful Galt Gardens Park. Santa arrives at 6:00 p.m. and Mayor Tarleck will flick the switch to light one of the largest trees at 6:30 p.m. Santa will then take time out from his hectic schedule to chat with his fans and find out who has been 'naughty' and who has been 'nice'.

Back by popular demand this year will be 'Christmas Movies in the Park'. We will be showing a number of Christmas classics during the evening.

Besides Santa and the movies, the traditional hayrides, hot chocolate, hot apple cider and popcorn will be available to attendees, free of charge, courtesy of the Downtown BRZ and participating merchants.

Our Midnight Madness event will also be taking place in conjunction with the Bright Lights Festival. Participating merchants will keep their doors open late and will be providing their valued customers with specials.

So, bundle up the kids and head downtown to take in the lights and festivities on November 20th.

For more information, contact the Downtown BRZ at 403 327-9002.

Downtown Business Revitalization Zone featured in Lethbridge Living Magazine

The Downtown is the featured 'cover story' in the lastest issue of Lethbridge Living Magazine.

Here's a short excerpt from the 'City Centered' story by Amanda Berg ...
The culture of Downtown Lethbridge has changed over the years thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (Downtown BRZ) and support from the City of Lethbridge. The community has embraced the changes to the downtown core, and with a 10 per cent vacancy rate today, compared to 35 per cent in 2000, it's proof Lethbridge residents are frequenting downtown more than ever. "The downtown is our identity, a connection to our past. It is the lifeblood of our community," says Managing Coordinator for the Downtown BRZ and Lethbridge Main Street Project, Ted Stilson. "If you travel to cities around the world, you go to the downtown to see what the community is about - to experience the culture." Downtown BRZ wants to prove Lethbridge is no different.

Lethbridge Living Magazine is published six times per year and reaches over 45,000 readers at homes and businesses throughout Southwestern Alberta.

Copies of the November/December issue can be picked up at Lethbridge Living - 1518 - 3rd Avenue South or at the BRZ office - 310 - 6th Street South.

The Round Street Cafe ... a childhood dream come true for Bonny

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Although Bonny spent the majority of her adult life as a Special Education teacher at Winston Churchill High School, her dream to open her own cafe started in her hometown of Saskatoon when she was just three years of age. Her dream came true in 2004 when Bonny and her husband, Malcolm, purchased the Wallace Block on 5th Street South (historic Round Street). Not only do they own the building and operate a successful cafe, they also live upstairs in their beautifully restored, loft-style home.

The Round Street Cafe has been a popular destination from the day it opened. The home-baked food is excellent and the atmosphere is relaxing. The baked goods are made fresh each morning and the homemade soups and sandwiches are incredibly tasty. There's even an option for a 1/2 sandwich if you aren't in the mood for a full lunch. The list of regular customers continues to expand, however the friendly, welcoming service has remained constant. It's definitely a place where friends meet.

Bonny credits much of her success to the help of local coffee expert, Al Anctil (Cupper's Coffee & Tea). Al has provided her with great advice, state-of-the-art brewing equipment and, best of all, flavorful, aromatic, locally-roasted coffee that keeps her customers satisfied.

So, if you're looking for a great place to meet while enjoying home-made soups, flavorful coffee, sandwiches, pies, desserts and wireless internet ... make sure to stop in at the Round Street Cafe - 427 - 5th Street South. Phone (403) 381-8605. Check out their menu at www.muchmenus.com.

Professional Optical ... taking vision to a whole new level!

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Bruce Plausteiner talks to us about his full-service vision-care business that has been a fixture in downtown Lethbridge for the past 36 years. The 'exceptional' service that he provides is the epitome of what has made 'our downtown' so successful. Bruce takes great pride and joy in having served his many clients as an optician for over 40 years.

Professional Optical has become a popular destination for designer eyewear. They have an incredible selection of frames and sunglasses from some of today’s hottest designers - Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Oakley, Prada, Dior, Gucci, Bulgari.

Bruce and his knowledgeable and friendly staff have a wealth of experience in fitting contact lenses for our dry and windy climate. If you're finding that your contacts are dry ... they can help. Whatever contact lens brand you wear, they carry it - Acuvue, CibaVision, CooperVision, Bausch & Lomb and many more!

Professional Optical has a full dispensary on site, so most single vision glasses are ready to be picked up in an hour.

They specialize in digital multifocal fittings. You'll love their Progressive Lenses ... they guarantee it!

Professional Optical carries the finest lenses and coatings available worldwide - Nikon, Essilor, Zeiss and more!

The next time you're looking for new frames, sunglasses or contact lenses, make sure to stop into Professional Optical on the corner of 1st Avenue and 8th Street South in Downtown Lethbridge. Phone 403 - 327-3444.


For more information, visit them at www.finditdowntown.ca.

Fall issue of the Downtown Tabloid hits the streets!

The Fall issue of the downtown tabloid is filled with a number of interesting stories. 'A Delicious Combo' focuses on the many 'mini' galleries that are popping up throughout the downtown core - Zim's Place, Tompkins Jewellers, Sterling Mutual, The Studio, etc. New businesses such as Anna Banana, Bento Bowl and Fighter Wear are also featured in this jam-packed issue. If you haven't read the latest issue, make sure to pick one up at our office - 310 - 6 Street South.

We've included the entire 'What's Up Downtown' story by Ted Stilson, Managing Coordinator for the Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) and Lethbridge Main Street Project.

What's Up Downtown

I'm excited! Why? Because I'm pleased to say that a lot of great things are happening in our downtown. Downtown Lethbridge is a busy place and many people are discovering that there are a lot of positive things to see and do. Whether they've stumbled upon a new restaurant, boutique or coffee shop, more and more people are experiencing a downtown that is full of life.

The transition from a struggling area to a revitalized downtown took a relatively short period of time. It's only been a decade since the BRZ, Lethbridge Main Street Project and the City of Lethbridge started to work diligently towards the common goal of making the downtown a better place to visit, shop, work, invest and do business.

I can honestly say that we're beginning to realize our vision - the creation of a strong, vibrant and economically viable downtown that our community can take great pride in. Storefronts have been filled and businesses are thriving. Do we still have a lot more to accomplish? Absolutely, however we've shown that a concerted effort by a host of players can definitely bring about positive change.

People have often asked me why it's so important to invest so much time, effort and resources into the downtown. The answer is quite simple ... a revitalized downtown is an important part of the identity of a community. A downtown is the heart and lifeblood of a community and our 'heart' has a strong beat.

Our historic buildings, businesses and institutions set us apart from other cities. In today's homogenous world, our unique architecture and diverse business community definitely set us apart. When our downtown buildings and streets are filled with people, we have a place that is truly special.

Early visionaries such as Glen Campbell and Jean Johnstone helped spark an interest with developers, members of City Council and business owners. Millions of dollars have been invested in buildings and infrastructure in the downtown core since 2000 and more is being planned for the near future.

Glen often described the downtown as a large jigsaw puzzle. If we were successful in getting others excited about the 'downtown puzzle', we could complete the picture a lot sooner and we're doing just that. The pieces are coming together and lots of people are participating in the completion of the revitalization picture.

We've attracted new visitors through events such as the Wednesday Farmer's Market, Movies in the Park and the Bright Lights Festival. Beautiful Galt Gardens Park has regained its rightful place as one of our main community gathering places as a result of the popular Rotary Centennial Plaza water feature that opened last year.

Where do we go from here? Well, we need to get the word out to more people who haven't discovered all the great things that our downtown has to offer. We also need to ensure that we continue to build on the momentum that has been created over the past decade. Although a revitalized downtown picture is starting to emerge, we still have a few pieces of the puzzle that have yet to be put in place. We encourage you to spread the news about your positive downtown experience, because word-of-mouth is the best form of advertising we can get.

The Studio and Miller Gallery - the downtown 'candy store for the creative'

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The Studio and The Miller Gallery have thrived in the heart of downtown Lethbridge since 1989. This popular art retailer and gallery offers a wide selection of art supplies and local art.

Nadine and Jill have enjoyed serving the creative community by offering a diverse product range. They are well-known for providing courteous and knowledgeable customer service with a keen ability to inspire creativity through the thoughtful presentation of merchandise. Their 5th Street business is well-stocked with an ever-growing range of established product lines.

The Miller Gallery offers an amazing selection of art created by talented local artists such as Judith Nikol, Annette Nieukerk, Julie Duschenes and Jill Moloy. Art may be purchased at the store or via The Miller Gallery online store.

Nadine and Jill also offer a wide range of art instruction classes and workshops (silkscreening, airbrushing, acrylic painting, etc.) that cater to all ages and ability levels.

Whether you're the creative one or just shopping for someone who is, you will definitely enjoy your visit.

The Studio and The Miller Gallery are located at 407 A - 5th Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.

For more information, phone 403-329-1050 or visit them online at www.finditdowntown.ca or www.themillergallery.ca.

Alex Pavlenko fills the downtown Lethbridge landscape with his whimsical art

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The Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) has worked with local artist, Alex Pavlenko, on a number of art projects over the past few years. The first commissioned piece, 'Gabriel Versus the West Wind', was installed on the north side of the King of Trade (5th Street South) building in 2003. This whimsical mural added some much-needed visual appeal and interest to the colorless laneway. The second piece of artwork entitled 'Destiny Manifesting' (aka 'buffalo mural') was placed on the east side of the Bell Intrigna building (next to Langenberg Optical) on 3rd Avenue in 2004.

Over the years, the Downtown BRZ has attempted to add additional color and vibrancy to the downtown through the use of fabric windsocks. Due to our strong winds and intense sunlight, the lifespan for fabric windsocks was relatively short (usually one season). As a response to this, the BRZ commissioned Alex to build kinetic wind sculptures. These metal sculptures are designed to be part of the downtown landscape for a significantly longer period of time.

The first sculpture, entitled 'Wranglin' Willie', was installed in front of the BRZ office on 6th Street South in 2007. The 'Wranglin' Willie' pilot character spins and bucks on top of the metal 'Wind Eater' windsock. 'Wranglin' Willie' was a huge hit with curious shoppers and visitors and drew a lot of positive attention to our downtown. The latest commissioned sculpture, 'Chinook-a-tron', was installed in September 2009 on 7th Street (near Foster and Sons Jewellers). Look closely in the video as the metal figure slowly turns a crank as the other parts of the sculpture spin and whirl in multiple directions.

The BRZ works closely with the City of Lethbridge Infrastructure Department on finding suitable locations for the installation of murals and wind sculptures. Funding for the installation is provided through the Heart of Our City Master Plan initiative.

Our goal is to install a series of kinetic sculptures in various locations throughout the downtown core. Chemainus, on beautiful Vancouver Island, is well-known for its incredible murals ... we're hoping to someday be famous for our whimsical windsocks.