Downtown Wayfinding
Wayfinding was identified as a priority for Sault Ste. Marie through the Municipality's Downtown Revitalization Strategy and is supported by recommendations from Roger Brooks International, an internationally renowned expert in downtown revitalization. Wayfinding has been proved
Wayfinding is one of several steps we will be taking over the course of the next several years to revitalize our downtown. Our goal is to create a wayfinding system that increases the attractiveness of our downtown by helping residents and visitors alike efficiently navigate to area destinations and amenities, while also creating positive perceptions for the area.
Wayfinding is a system of signs, banners, gateways and kiosks that assist locals and visitors to connect the dots and find their way, making for a positive experience, extended stays and more spending. If done right, wayfinding systems do more than just act as a guide; they create a more attractive community, and build and promote a community's brand.
Through a competitive RFP process, FutureSSM hired Corbin Design, a leader in wayfinding consulting and signage system design, to move ahead with plans to develop and implement a Wayfinding Strategy for Sault Ste. Marie. Through the design process, FutureSSM and Corbin Design consulted with members from the tourism industry, downtown association and recreation destinations. The completed plan was presented to City Council on December 2, 2019.
As part of the next step of the process, an RFP has been issued to obtain pricing on the first phase of implementation of the wayfinding master plan.
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