Downtown Hanover Asset & Experience Mapping Questionnaire
Introduction: Why a Downtown Plan?
Hanover’s downtown is the heart of our community—a place where people gather, businesses thrive, and our town’s character shines. Over time, we’ve heard from residents, business owners, and community partners that downtown needs attention to stay vibrant and welcoming. Through previous studies and community feedback, it became clear that a comprehensive plan was needed to guide improvements, support local businesses, and create spaces where everyone feels connected.
The Downtown Plan is our opportunity to shape the future together. It will help us strengthen the core of Hanover, enhance public spaces, and ensure downtown remains a destination for residents and visitors alike. By planning thoughtfully today, we can create a downtown that reflects our shared vision and values for years to come.
Project Overview
The Town of Hanover in partnership with the DIA is launching an initiative focused on the downtown. The project is to help drive success in the downtown through revitalisation that is focused on a variety of improvements with particular attention toward the tourism industry while preserving the community’s historic character.
The effort will build on the community’s existing assets and will be guided by the Town’s Official Plan and recent Strategic Plan. The goal is to create a place that attracts new businesses, supports local residents and offers an inviting, authentic experience for visitors.
Project Phases
The work will be carried out in three clear phases. Phase 1 (Research, Analyse and Collaborate) where background information will be gathered and an understanding of local assets will be developed. The team will be working with existing community members referred to as ‘Community Connectors’ to facilitate informal discussions with different members of the community regarding the Downtown. This phase also includes working with residents and businesses and hosting an “Idea Jamming” workshop to define a shared vision in early 2026. The entire downtown plan is slated for completion around May 2026.
In Phase 2 the team will work with the Town to analyze the information based on the community’s vision and proven practices to begin developing a path forward, a type of “transformation strategy”. This strategy will be organized in four pillars, Design, Promotion, Economic Vitality and Organization. There will be feedback cycles and opportunities for dialog included in this phase to inform the community and receive ideas and suggested improvements.
The refinement and finalization of the strategy will be completed in Phase 3. At this time a detailed action plan and final recommendations for Town approval will be crafted.
Getting Involved
Hanover residents, business owners and community groups will have many opportunities to provide their ideas and insights to help shape the plan. These varied communication and discussion formats are designed to welcome everyone, so that a broad range of community citizens can be heard throughout the process.
We Need You! Shape the Future of Your Downtown –
Volunteer as a Community Connector!
Are you passionate about creating a vibrant, thriving downtown?
As a Community Connector, you’ll play a key role in shaping its future by engaging with friends, neighbours, colleagues, and local business owners.
Your mission: Gather their ideas, insights, and aspirations to help build a Downtown Plan that truly reflects the community’s vision.
Why Get Involved?
- Make your voice—and your community’s voice—heard.
- Help turn ideas into tangible actions for a better downtown.
Be part of a team driving positive change.
Ready to make an impact?
Email abucking@jlrichards.ca and amarshall@hanover.ca by January 16, 2026
to learn more and sign up.
Together, let’s create a downtown we’re all proud of!
Join Us for the Downtown Hanover Idea Jam
Help shape the future of our downtown!
When:
Thursday, January 29, 2026
5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Where:
Community Hall, Town of Hanover Civic Centre
341 10th Street
Hanover, ON
Enjoy an evening of food, music, and share your insights on economic development and making the downtown a thriving place for businesses and tourism.
This isn’t just about ideas—it’s about turning ideas into action.
Together, we’ll:
- Brainstorm bold, practical solutions for our downtown
- Identify next steps to bring these ideas to life
- Build momentum for a plan that reflects our community’s vision
Let’s jam, collaborate, and create a roadmap for a thriving downtown!
Downtown Hanover Businesses! Let's Talk About the Future of Your Downtown
Call for Podcast Guest Speakers
Are you passionate about building a Downtown Plan that reflects your Community? Join us as a guest speaker on the Downtown Hanover Podcast, where we will explore:
- What makes downtown unique
- Approaches for grassroots and government-led improvements
- Your passion for the downtown
- Your vision for its future
Interested? Ready to share your ideas and get people excited about the Downtown? Email rvoigt@jlrichards.ca and amarshall@hanover.ca now.