Project Overview
The Craft District Initiative is a downtown revitalization and infrastructure improvement project focused on enhancing the public experience, accessibility, walkability, and overall vibrancy of Dauphin’s downtown core.
The broader initiative area includes portions of 2nd Avenue NW and 1st Street NW, with a focus on creating a more welcoming, pedestrian-oriented, and visually connected downtown environment through infrastructure improvements, placemaking elements, lighting, landscaping, and public realm enhancements.
The initiative has been shaped through discussions with local stakeholders, project consultants, and downtown businesses as part of the broader vision identified through the City Plan (2024).
Following approval of the 2026 Financial Plan by City Council on May 11, 2026, the City of Dauphin is preparing to move forward with Phase 1 of the initiative, which focuses on one block of 2nd Avenue NW between Main Street North and 1st Street NW.
Why 2nd Avenue NW?
As a primary gateway into downtown Dauphin, 2nd Ave NW serves as a ‘first impression’ for many visitors coming into Dauphin.
This street has many existing, new, and emerging local businesses, creators, and makers, making it a vibrant and creative space. 2nd Avenue NW is a great place to test out new ideas that could be applied to other downtown streets in the future.
Project Evolution
The Craft District Initiative has been developed in collaboration with project consultants Urban Systems as part of ongoing downtown revitalization discussions connected to the City Plan.
On April 10, 2024, the City hosted a stakeholder workshop where participants took part in discussions, visioning activities, and concept sketching exercises related ot the future of the downtown corridor.
On April 11, 2024, an open door design session was held at City Hall, providing an opportunity for participants to view the concept development process and discuss ideas related to the project.
Input gathered through these discussions and workshops helped inform the direction and priorities of the initiative.
On August 11, 2025, the City engaged Urban Systems to complete the technical design work associated with Phase 1 of the Craft District Initiative.
Project Status
May 12, 2026 - Design work for Phase 1 was completed in April 2026 and has been provided to electrical engineers for the design of underground electrical infrastructure, street lighting, and string lighting components.
The City anticipates receiving the electrical engineering design work by the end of May 2026.
Following completion of the design process, the project will proceed through the City’s procurement and tendering policies, including a public Request for Proposals (RFP) process through MERX.
At this time, construction timelines remain dependent on the procurement process, contractor availability, pricing submissions, and project scheduling.
The City has budgeted $1 million within the approved 2026 Financial Plan toward Phase 1 infrastructure work associated with the initiative.
What is Included in Phase 1?
Phase 1 of the Craft District Initiative focuses on one block of 2nd Avenue NW between Main Street North and 1st Street NW.
Anticipated Components:
- Curb and gutter improvements
- Sidewalk expansion and accessibility enhancements
- Underground drainage infrastructure
- Underground conduit infrastructure for future lighting
- Pedestrian-focused streetscape improvements
Business Access & Construction Planning
The City recognizes that construction activity within the downtown core may impact nearby businesses, residents, and visitors.
As part of the Request for Proposals process, proponents will be expected to outline approaches for maintaining accessibility and minimizing disruption throughout construction.
The City will continue engaging with affected stakeholders as the project progresses.
Questions regarding the Craft District Initiative may be directed to: ced@dauphin.ca