Temporary enhancements are underway for Stonewall’s main drag.
The Town of Stonewall is launching a pilot project to make Main Street more vibrant and pedestrian-friendly.
It all began back in 2024 when a group of University of Manitoba landscape architecture students stayed at the Heritage Arts Centre for a weekend and mulled over design concepts for Main Street, facilitated through a connection with Scatliff + Miller + Murray.
At the same time, Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corporation completed a separate case study to examine revitalization efforts and economic development opportunities in Stonewall’s downtown.
Since then, the conversations expanded to also include input from local businesses and community members. Town staff continued to refine the concepts to identify an area for the temporary pilot project to allow the ideas to be tested with minimal disruption.
Work will begin this week on Main Street focused on the area between 1st Avenue North and 2nd Avenue North.
Brittany Isfeld, the town’s economic and tourism development officer, said the pilot project intends to test some of the ideas in a temporary, low-cost and community-focused way.
“The studies identified opportunities to create a more inclusive, accessible, vibrant and economically resilient downtown,” she said.
“Recommendations focused heavily on improving the pedestrian experience, strengthening place-making initiatives, supporting local businesses, encouraging tourism and enhancing Stonewall’s identity and sense of place.”
Some of the students’ recommendations included enhanced pedestrian crossings and safer intersections, as well as temporary curb bump-outs and place-making features. Other ideas focus on event spaces, street furniture, landscaping, public art and interactive spaces.
“The University of Manitoba report also identified Main Street’s strengths, including its limestone architecture, strong sense of place, historic character, local businesses, Quarry Park connection and community amenities,” Isfeld added.
One goal of the project is to encourage people to spend more time downtown and to support local businesses through increased foot traffic. The revitalization efforts could also strengthen tourism and bolster Stonewall’s identity. In addition, residents and visitors might be able to experience Main Street in a different and more interactive way.
The pilot project will official launch on Friday, May 29 during the Spring in Stonewall event, which will run on Main Street from 4 to 8 p.m. Supported by Interlake Tourism Association and the Town of Stonewall, the event will feature local shopping, family activities, food, entertainment and new experiences. Other highlights include horse rides by BK Clydesdales, a community photo booth, a seed swap, planting activities, line dancing demonstrations, face painting, a kids’ corner sponsored by Rockwood Wrecking and Recovery and many more activities.
Attendees can also look forward to the Stonewall Sunflower Challenge hosted by Jasperson’s Greenhouse, a visit from the Bookmobile, a vendor market organized by Country Girls Market, free Prairie Putt mini golf courtesy of Stonewall Family Foods and much more. Lavender Farms Tea House will be on site serving picnic-style food.
“Spring in Stonewall will also mark the debut of a brand-new tourism attraction unlike anything else currently offered in Manitoba — ClueSolvers. Without giving too much away, ClueSolvers is an immersive outdoor experience that combines puzzles, exploration, teamwork, mystery and technology into one interactive adventure through the community,” Isfeld said.
“Think scavenger hunt meets escape room meets downtown discovery experience. Participants will use their phones to unlock clues, solve challenges and uncover secrets hidden throughout Stonewall. More details will be revealed soon.”
At the same time, community members will have the chance to share their feedback about the pilot project.
“Community feedback is one of the most important aspects of this pilot initiative. Because the project is temporary, the town wants residents and visitors to experience the space firsthand and provide meaningful feedback about how the area functions and feels,” Isfeld said.
“QR codes will be placed throughout the pilot area, allowing people to quickly access surveys and share their thoughts, ideas, concerns and experiences directly with the town throughout the activation period. The goal is not to impose permanent change but rather to create conversation, gather feedback and explore possibilities together as a community.”
Stonewall Mayor Sandra Smith also expressed council’s enthusiasm for the initiative.
“This project is about testing ideas, creating conversation and exploring possibilities together as a community,” Smith said.
“We want to create spaces where people feel encouraged to slow down, gather, support local businesses and enjoy downtown in a different way.”
