How can main streets drive economic resilience, and the launch of Main Street Canada!"
| | | | Lessons from Main Streets: How Are Local Businesses Navigating Economic Uncertainty? Thursday, April 3 | 12 p.m. ET | Live Zoom Webinar | | | | | | Strengthening Local Economies through Community-Driven Growth As global trade wars and political tensions fuel economic uncertainty, the strength of our communities lies close to home. Local businesses are more than just storefronts—they are the backbone of resilient economies, driving innovation, fostering social cohesion, and ensuring long-term prosperity. This CityTalk session coincides with the launch of Main Street Canada, a dynamic resource designed for local businesses, economic developers, policymakers, and community leaders. It highlights both the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of our main streets. Join our panellists for a timely discussion on the critical role of main streets in economic recovery. We’ll explore how investing in local businesses can promote stability, support adaptive growth, and strengthen community connections. This session will also feature a live demonstration of the Main Street Canada website and the Tariff Impact Tracker.
Don’t miss this essential conversation on the power of place-based solutions!
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| | Executive Director | Uptown Saint John Nancy Tissington is an award-winning community leader and connector with over 20 years of experience in strategic marketing and business development. A native of Rothesay, NB, she is recognized for her dynamic leadership within the Business Improvement Area network and her talent for forging impactful public-private partnerships. Nancy received provincial recognition in Nova Scotia for co-developing the Navigator Program, a crime prevention initiative, and was also honored for her contributions to the SmartBusiness Program with Greater Halifax Partnership. During the pandemic, she was awarded the Saint John Chamber of Commerce Community Spirit Award for championing programs that supported local business. Currently, Nancy serves on the Downtowns New Brunswick Board of Directors and volunteers on the Envision Saint John Impact Loan Committee, supporting regional entrepreneurs. |
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| | Executive Director | Sault Downtown Association Nicholas Luck is the Executive Director of the Sault Downtown Association BIA, with five years of experience in community and economic development. He has worked extensively to support small businesses and organizations in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. In his role, Nicholas oversees operations, public realm stewardship, policy advising, partner relations, advocacy, marketing, event planning, business development, incubator programs, strategic planning, and placemaking initiatives. Beyond his work on main street, Nicholas volunteers at community clean up events with Clean North and teaches music at the Algoma Conservatory. With his dedication to contributing to a vibrant and resilient main street, he strives to bring together community members and stakeholders to cluster resources and achieve shared goals. |
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| | Director of Consulting Services | Rues Principales Olivier Legault is a member of the Ordre des Urbanistes du Québec and currently serves as the Director of Consulting Services at Rues Principales. He holds a degree in Environmental Geography and a master’s in Urban Planning from the Université de Montréal, where he studied winter cities in Scandinavia. His academic background led him to specialize in urban design, participatory urban planning, and revitalization. Olivier has worked as a revitalization project manager in Sainte-Julienne and Beloeil, applying the downtown renewal principles championed by Rues Principales. As a project coordinator, he has been involved in revitalization initiatives, urban redevelopment projects, and commercial development strategies. A creative yet pragmatic urban planner, he excels at understanding community needs and designing tailored urban solutions that enhance the local environment. |
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| | Assistant Professor, School of Planning and Sustainability | University of Northern British Columbia Dr. Rylan Graham is an Assistant Professor in the School of Planning and Sustainability at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). He is also a graduate supervisor in the Natural Resources and Environmental Studies program. Before joining UNBC, he was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Westman Centre for Real Estate Studies and a Sessional Instructor at the University of Calgary. Dr. Graham holds a PhD from the University of Calgary, an MA in Planning from the University of Waterloo, and a BA in Geography (with Distinction) from the University of Regina. A Full Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) and a Registered Professional Planner (RPP), he has extensive experience as a municipal planner, consultant, and developer across Western Canada. His research focuses on creating more sustainable, livable, and vibrant cities by exploring urban form, transportation, and planning policies. |
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| Can't make it? Watch the recording! | | For anyone unable to attend live, be sure to watch the recording on our CityTalk website! Recordings are posted within a week of the event. | | | |
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