Part 1: Unlocking the Potential of Laneways with BIA Manager Susan Nicholson & Envision Tatham’s President David Wood
“Laneway activation can be many things. It can simply be taking a town laneway and running an event in it,” says GM Nicholson. In 2021, the BIA presented a mural called ‘Growth’ by local artist Blaze Wiradharma in the lane off Hurontario Street between Northwood Gym and Blue Mountain Music. The mural showcased vibrant Collingwood imagery, inspired by the artist’s personal journey of growth in the community. The Collingwood Art Crawl is another occasion where artists and community members actively use laneways to organize events. GM Nicholson notes that 84 Hurontario St. is on its way to becoming an access laneway as well as a vibrant community gathering place.
Businesses that back onto laneways may have underutilized rear entrances, storage areas, or exterior spaces that can be reimagined as collaborative retail environments. Businesses backing onto Schoolhouse Lane encourage use of the back of the buildings, some having shared retail space for two separate businesses utilizing both the front and rear entrances of the building. These shared spaces can increase commercial density, create a more vibrant and dynamic customer experience and encourage visitors to spend more time exploring the downtown core. “Laneways create another point of access and another point of interest that wouldn’t otherwise be there. It encourages people to explore the downtown and helps them discover hidden gems on the side streets,” says GM Nicholson.
Sue indicated that the BIA is there to provide support for businesses and individuals who are interested in activating their laneways, on a case-by-case basis, whether it’s lighting, signage, or other kinds of logistics. The Economic Development team can also serve as a resource to help navigate the process, identify opportunities and provide guidance on where to start when exploring a laneway activation project. By working collaboratively with property owners, businesses, and community partners, the BIA and Economic Development team can help turn ideas into vibrant spaces that contribute to a more connected and animated downtown.
As part of the BIA’s Laneway Study, consultant David Wood explored how underutilized laneways can become vibrant public spaces that contribute to a more connected, active, and resilient downtown. We asked Dave what laneway activation means to him and why it matters to communities like Collingwood:
“For me, laneway activation has never simply been about beautifying individual spaces. It begins with recognizing the laneway network as an integral part of our downtown. Once we make that community-wide shift in perspective, the physical improvements naturally follow, unlocking new and diverse opportunities over a greater “surface area” within our existing downtown footprint. The result is a network of accessible, pedestrian-paced spaces that can support local businesses, culture, active transportation, environmental enhancements, housing, and the long-term vitality of our downtown.
I would encourage businesses, property owners, and community members to look at their laneway not simply as the back or side of a building, but as another public face of our downtown. Meaningful change doesn’t require one large municipal project, it happens through many thoughtful, incremental contributions. Whether it’s improving accessibility, introducing landscaping, creating a patio, supporting public art, opening a rear entrance, or simply making a space more welcoming, every investment strengthens the larger network and contributes to its public activation. The most memorable downtowns evolve this way, through partnerships and shared stewardship that reflect the unique character of the community. Once that shared perspective is established, there will be no shortage of ideas and initiatives to support their evolution.”
The Economic Development and BIA offices welcome conversations with property owners and businesses interested in activating their laneways. Whether you’re exploring ideas or ready to move forward, staff are available to answer questions and help navigate the process.
If you have ideas and would like to chat, please reach out to the Economic Development office, [email protected] or Collingwood’s BIA manager Susan Nicholson, [email protected]
