By Colleen Dane - Comox Valley Record - June 17, 2008.

Cumberland’s “then and now” are being highlighted in a new draft plan for the village’s downtown enhancement released in draft this week.

The study, completed by planning consultants City Spaces, was discussed at a public meeting this week — and given informal approval in comments by council and attending residents.

“Now we can get some consistency of our ideas for the downtown core,” said Mayor Fred Bates, after the overall plan was presented.

The estimates for the projects in the draft plan reach over $5 million.

The study focused on the two entryways into town, the civic/cultural centre around village hall and a few other areas of interest, such as the alleyways in the downtown and the parking lot at the end of Dunsmuir Avenue.

It outlines signage plans, a need to develop cycling and pedestrian routes and landscaping to increase the focus of those areas.

“There was this need identified to give a preview so people don’t turn around,” said the consultant, about enticing people into the historic core from the highway entrances.

Their draw can be as a recreation and historic tourism destination, as well as a centre for specialty retail that’s already growing in the village.

City Spaces recommended using the same “design language” throughout the village — taking the example of Cumberland’s signature coal cart benches, and encouraging the use of black metal and wood through other public fixtures.

“I think this is a great day that we’re at this point,” said Ron Bannerman, who serves on the Cumberland beautification committee.

Council said the draft report will come back to their next meeting for formal consideration — and that their likely next step will be to send it to that committee for them to give feedback on priorities for implementation.