Photo: New stores, refreshing the outer buildings with fresh paint and new signage adds to the look of Stettler's main street. Rural Alberta Report / C. Bowman

A collection of public improvements, private renovations and new business activity is giving downtown Stettler a fresh look as summer draws to a close.

The changes range from freshly painted yellow centre lines along Main Street to new paint and signage on several prominent buildings.

The TD Canada Trust building at the corner of 50th Street and 49th Avenue has received a new coat of paint, refreshing the appearance of one of the downtown’s most recognizable corners.

Farther south on Main Street, Performance Health and Fitness Centre has installed a bright white sign on its building. The new sign stands out against the surrounding storefronts and adds another visible improvement to the downtown streetscape.

The same area has also welcomed a new retailer. Dollar Tree recently opened at the corner of 50th Street and 49th Avenue, across from the TD branch.

Representatives of Stettler’s Economic Development Committee visited the store to welcome the company to the community. The committee said the opening adds another shopping option to Main Street and represents continued private investment in the town.

The store is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Municipal work has also contributed to downtown’s changing appearance. Major construction along 50th Avenue near the post office and Bloke’s Bakery included underground sewer upgrades, new curbs, the first layer of pavement, new streetlights, sidewalks and landscaping. The project renewed a busy section of downtown while improving essential infrastructure beneath the roadway.

The Town of Stettler also recently marked the completion and official opening of Okoppe Way along 50th Avenue. The public space recognizes Stettler’s sister-community relationship with Okoppe, Japan, which has continued for more than 36 years.

The Consul General of Japan in Calgary attended the Aug. 5 opening, joining local representatives and residents in celebrating the connection between the two communities.

Okoppe Way includes landscaping, seating and gathering space near the intersection of 50th Avenue and 49th Street. Town crews completed landscaping and final installations before the opening.

While each change may be relatively small on its own, together the repainted streets, refreshed storefronts, new signage, new public space and arrival of another retailer are giving downtown Stettler a brighter and more active appearance