Work In Progress

The Hearst Downtown (or BIA) has many projects in store for the future, and some we have already started to work on. 

Of course, this list is in constant evolution. Check back often to find out which projects are on the drawing board, which were started, which were completed, etc.

Here is a list of current projects, followed by a short description. 

Billboards outside town
Christmas decorations
Sharing of responsibilities with the Town of Hearst
Patios downtown
Parking downtown
Renovation of 14 street lamps in the downtown area
Installation of flower boxes
Free Parking on Weekends

In 2002, the BIA will replace and/or repair the two billboards at each side of town.  This project was not completed in 2002 due to financial constraints.

Update: In 2003, the billboards were repaired.

Christmas decorations - update

The Downtown Christmas decorations were 20 years old.  In 2002, there was an agreement between the Town of Hearst and the BIA to undertake the restauration of the existing decorations and buy new ones.  The municipality payed $7,000 and the BIA did the same for a total of $14,000 for this project.

Update: More work is being done and storing space has been made at the airport hangar.

Sharing of responsibilites with the Town of Hearst 

This subject is still under discussion between the municipality and the BIA. 
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Patios downtown

One executive member, while on vacation in Rouyn, saw patios installed on the sidewalks of the downtown area.  He suggested that the same type of installation be done for the Hearst Downtown (photos of the town of Rouyn)  Your executive has asked the Municipality to install a sidewalk 1.5 metres wide by 1 or 2 parking spaces long, in order to surround the patio.  The Town of Rouyn paid approximately $2,825 to install a pretreated wood sidewalk over 2 parking spaces.  The owner of each patio is responsible for the costs of a security fence surrounding the patio and all other installations.  The Municipality could also adopt a by-law in order to insure that these patios stay within the norm.  Financing for this project is still under discussion between the BIA and the municipality.

Update: The Municipality has imposed such restrictions that it is practically impossible to install patios on George Street. Some entrepreneurs have demonstrated an interest to install patios on 9th Street... To be followed.

Update: The Municipality has allowed patios downtown and some business owners have installed one in front of their business in 2004 and will do the same in 2005.

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Parking downtown

This subject is still under discussion between the municipality and the BIA in order to settle the issue of lack of parking spaces downtown.
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Renovation of 14 street lamps in the downtown area

As we remember, the BIA has renovated 12 street lamps, and financed it all, in 2001.  In 2002, the municipality has agreed to renovate the remaining 14 street lamps that were not done in 2001.  The municipality will pay for the total cost of this project. 

Update: The Municipality has not completed this project in 2003. Deferred to 2004.

Update: The Municipality has not completed this project in 2004. Deferred to 2005.

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Installation of flower boxes

Install flower boxes on downtown street corners.  The cost for a small box is $150 and a large one is $300.  This projet will require maintenance all summer long (watering), this could be done by the BIA's summer employee.

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Free Parking on Weekends

Free parking on weekends will be discussed at next meetings.