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In mid-sized urban areas in North America, the downtown core plays a significant role in efforts to sustain and enhance the community. Most core areas of cities in this size range, however, no longer have reputations for being healthy and vibrant. Planners’ attempts at downtown revitalization have often been disappointing. Comparison of three highly regarded mid-sized Canadian city centers with three less successful ones leads to the conclusion that there is no unique strategy or combination of public policies sufficient to ensure the success of revitalization efforts. Indeed, some of the more commonly employed strategies appear counter-productive. Planners may have to define a new paradigm of success, if their downtown cores are to contribute to sustainable regions.
city planning, downtowns, mid-sized cities, revitalization strategies
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