New Pillars Bring Big Smiles
Have you noticed something new downtown? If you’ve been out walking, shopping and enjoying the
warmer weather this Spring, you may have noticed some construction and improvements downtown
Salmon Arm.
New pillars have been installed in four key locations downtown Salmon Arm, replacing stone and
concrete pillar structures. This project has been ongoing for some time, and was reinvigorated in 2022
with a fresh take on the design, features and purpose. This is one of many tourism-focused projects in
the works, as part of Salmon Arm’s MRDT program and 5-Year Workplan managed by the Salmon Arm
Economic Development Society.
What’s is MRDT?
The Municipal Regional and District Tax program (MRDT), is funded completely by a 2%
overnight-stay levy on accommodations. This project was also part of a larger Destination Development
Plan, which includes grant funding to improve tourism wayfinding, placemaking, visitor services
resources and signage in the community.
When approaching the pillars project, the team involved wanted to think outside of the conventional
design and really utilize each side of the pillar for a specific purpose. As part of the project goals, a few
exciting features include:
The pillars will not only create placemaking points in the community, but they also create visual cues
that layer organically into projects in the works such as the Cultural Masterplan & District Development
Project. The pillars also align with our City’s branding guidelines and achieve targeted goals, such as
providing directional support, visitor services information and active travel support.
Visit the pillars and take a photo at the unique selfie-station, with a playful design and nod to the music,
arts and entertainment vibe in Salmon Arm!
This was a local project – through and through! The design, photography, fabrication, ground work and
installation were all done by local talented people and businesses. We want to send out a huge thank
you to everyone involved in this project including the City of Salmon Arm, Visitor Services, Downtown
Salmon Arm, High Impact Signs & Designs, the team at Milestone Fabrication, Roger Beardmore the
photographer and many others who supported and consulted.
But wait, there’s more! There are a few features that will be added later in 2023, including a QR code
link to the new BC Bird Trail local outpost that will be launched in the fall! Check out the bird
photography side of the pillars. You will find a different bird image on each pillar, and photographer
info!
Your next adventure – GIVEAWAY CONTEST!
Contest ends May 1, 2023. Winner will be chosen by random draw.
We can’t wait to see everyone enjoying the pillars! You’ll find us meeting up with friends on the pillar
benches, sipping a latte and soaking up some sunshine with BIG smiles!
Caitlin Thompson
Project Coordinator, SAEDS
projects@saeds.ca
Pillar Photography by: Roger Beardmore | Flickr
220 Shuswap St NE
Phone: 250.833.0608