When was the Downtown Truro Partnership initiated?

Since 1979, the Truro Development Corporation Limited (a not for profit organization) has represented the interests of the downtown business community and has evolved into the driving force behind many of the downtown development and promotional initiatives that take place throughout the year. Since inception the organization has experienced change, including a new operating name (Downtown Truro Partnership), an expanded mandate and the responsibility for an expanded physical area – the Urban Regional Core (URC).

The Urban Regional Core: Physical Layout

What is the Strategic Plan of the DTP?

The Board of Directors and staff of the DTP act as facilitators for the revitalization of Downtown Truro, working for effective change and improvements while also maintaining/researching marketing and promotional programs. In late October 2007 the DTP engaged in a planning session to which every member was encouraged to attend and participate. The enthusiasm was infectious. During that session new Vision and Mission Statements were initiated and the list of priorities was clarified for forward action. In the follow-up to that session a strategic plan has been created for the 2008/09 year and onward. This plan has been approved by the Board and it is included in this mailing for your review.

What is the DTP’s new Vision Statement?

The Downtown Truro Partnership will promote a unique environment for business and urban living in the heart of Truro.

What is the DTP’s new Mission Statement?

The Downtown Truro Partnership will research, develop, implement, facilitate and promote initiatives, utilizing key partnerships to enhance sustainable growth and development of the Urban Regional Core as an exceptional destination for business, residents and visitors.

How do you become a Member of the DTP? What is the primary source of funding?

The DTP Membership is comprised of all businesses that fall within the Urban Regional Core,

an area designated by the Town of Truro that qualifies for a specific, self imposed Area Rate Tax. This area rate is a tax that is proportionate to the size of each business, ensuring no one company pays an unfair burden and for which there is a cap. The monies raised by the Town from our Members are the primary source of funds for the DTP’s operations. The Area Rate is set annually by the Town in consultation with the DTP after a thorough review of DTP’s business plans and independently audited statements. The DTP’s annual audited statements are available to all members upon request, at the time of the Annual General Meeting. A copy of the By-Laws of the Truro Development Corporation is also available to any member upon request. Currently over 300 businesses reside in the URC representing a unique economic and cultural community.

How is the Downtown Truro Partnership governed?

The Downtown Truro Partnership is led by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Board is made up of no less than 7 and no more than 20 Directors at any one time. Any DTP member in good standing may be nominated by a peer to have their name stand for a Directorship at the time of the Annual General Meeting when there are vacancies. The Executive which includes a President, a Vice President, a Secretary and a Treasurer are elected from the Board, by the Board, immediately following the AGM. On occasion, at the discretion of the Board, the President may invite Ex Officio participation from members of affiliated groups or organizations with a vested interest in the objectives of the Company.

What is the Direction of the Downtown Truro Partnership?

As identified in their strategic plan, the DTP has reestablished five key priorities.

The first being Partnerships and to that end the DTP will identify areas of collaboration and support, with a vision to developing partnerships on a minimum of two projects a year. The DTP partners with the Town of Truro, the County of Colchester and organizations such as the Colchester Regional Development Agency, the Truro & Area Chamber of Commerce, the Central Nova Tourism Association, the Millbrook Band Council, the Marigold Cultural Centre, the Farmers’ Market Cooperative, the NS Provincial Exhibition Committee – just to name a few.

The second priority is Capital Projects where the focus is to identify, research and prioritize a minimum of one capital project per year to help strengthen the downtown business community. You will note on the attached Strategic Pan that the project identified for 2008/09 is a Façade Improvement Study.

Communication is a third priority and it is the goal of the DTP to continue to establish a communication plan that increases input and involvement of the DTP membership. This mailing to you, our member, is a part of that plan.

The next priority is Research & Lobbying and in that regard DTP identifies and researches an issue, presents and lobbies positions – for the betterment of the membership of the DTP. Topics that often fall under this heading include such areas of concern as traffic, parking, the recent Skateboard Park initiative, a new Library, the Normal College adaptive re-use and of high interest – a Community Centre in the downtown core.

The ‘last but certainly not least’ priority is Marketing the URC. Each year the DTP continues with efforts to create a market strategy for the URC. The DTP strives to best position the area as a shopping/service destination. The DTP continues to plan and implement the popular annual seasonal events in downtown Truro which include, but are very definitely not limited to, the hanging flower baskets and banners in the URC, downtown promotions, the Downtown Visitors Guide, the Santa Claus parade, the Festival of Lights, the Christmas Dreams Fashion Show and the Canada Day Fireworks.