First Avenue in Ladysmith selected Canada’s 2017 Great Street by the Canadian Institute of Planners. Photo courtesy Town of Ladysmith.
Ladysmith is home to more than 8,500 residents and now it has won national recognition because of historic First Avenue.
The Canadian Institute of Planners awarded Ladysmith’s First Avenue as Canada’s 2017 Great Street, decided by a jury of planning professionals during the Great Places in Canada contest.
Ladysmith’s entry for First Avenue was against 16 other submissions and reviewed based on criteria of planning best practices.
“We are absolutely thrilled the Canadian Institute of Planners has chosen First Avenue as Canada’s Great Street,” Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone said.
“This is an incredible honour for our community and showcases the pivotal role First Avenue has played in helping to shape Ladysmith’s identity as a charming, diverse and vibrant west coast community.”
The selection jury said First Avenue exhibits all of the qualities expected from a great street: visually-interesting building facades, generous sidewalks, attractive landscaping and artistic details, places to rest, and places to gather.
Ladysmith Festival of Lights on Light Up Night on First Avenue, which was awarded Canada’s 2017 Great Street. Photo courtesy Town of Ladysmith.
Congratulations Ladysmith! Our historic First Avenue has received the award for Canada’s 2017 Great Street!https://t.co/MIft3ijDm9 pic.twitter.com/lA9WIfB1LP
— Town of Ladysmith (@TownOfLadysmith) November 8, 2017
Ladysmith is the first Vancouver Island community since Nanaimo in 2011 to win Canada’s Great Street honour.
Andy Neal
