Since 1979, the Truro Development Corporation Limited (TDCL) has functioned as a nonprofit organization to promote the Downtown Truro Business Improvement District (BID) Area as a destination for both business and customers. Businesses in the BID area were assessed a tax to fund the ongoing marketing of Downtown Truro. In addition to the marketing and promotions role, TDCL facilitated the use of the Mainstreet Program under the Nova Scotia Government. This program provided funding for numerous infrastructure and streetscape projects in Downtown Truro through the 1980s and early 1990s.

The recession of the late 1980s and early 1990s challenged the ability of downtown-based businesses throughout Atlantic Canada, and organizations like TDCL, to continue the downtown improvement process. With numerous physical improvements in place, many downtown organizations were unsure of their new role as they tended to focus on status quo functions that included the management of buildings and parking lots, and selective marketing and special events. With the end of the Mainstreet Program in 1994, TDCL continued to market Downtown Truro as a vibrant business community.

In 1999, the role and function of TDCL was directly impacted by the new Municipal Government Act (MGA), which disbanded commissions and transferred their former responsibilities to municipal governments. The Municipal Government Act did not, however, restrict the Town of Truro from providing TDCL with the administrative functions of the BID area levy. TDCL then turned their focus on the development of a strategic plan that would adhere to the new MGA and support the continued development of Downtown Truro.

A recommendation was brought forward from the Downtown Planning Advisory Committee and the Planning Department of the Town Of Truro to expand the area of responsibility of TDCL to include the entire Urban Regional Core (URC). This expansion increased the size of the business community and fairly distributed the cost of revitalization among all businesses located in the downtown. This expansion was approved by Town Council in the fall of 2002.

Many recommendations were brought forward from these planning initiatives, some of which have been approved by the Board of Directors and implemented over the past years. Beginning with the introduction of a new logo and a new name which emphasized the essential component of the new vision…..partnerships.

Establishing and strengthening community partnerships enabled TDCL to realize a new mandate; and to play a central role in facilitating the ongoing development of Downtown Truro as a vibrant business and a cultural community.

With over 300 professional, service and retail members represented in the URC, the Downtown Truro Partnership continues to work towards the revitalization of this vibrant business and cultural community.

The Downtown Truro Partnership also maintains its role as the marketing and promotions coordinator for the Downtown. DTP continues to coordinate many of the popular events that have become traditional favorites in Downtown Truro:

  • The Canada Day fireworks display which attracts approximately 15,000 people
  • The Santa Claus parade attracting approximately 16,000 people over a 1.5 kilometer route through the downtown
  • The annual Festival of Lights which, each year, has grown in support and participation by local businesses and residents

In addition to these popular attractions the Downtown Truro Partnership works with many community volunteers, organizations and partners on studies, development proposals, events and festivals