February 24, 2023 3;30 a.m.

Organizations in Canyonville and Riddle have joined the Oregon Main Street Network.

A release from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department said the Canyonville Main Street Association and Riddle Downtown Development along with organizations in Sherwood and Gresham have been accepted at the Affiliated Main Street level of the OMS Network.

OPRD said communities participating at this level have a high degree of commitment to using the nationally recognized place-based Main Street Approach methodology to create lasting impact in enhancing their historic downtowns.

The release said affiliated Main Street level communities must have a cohesive core of historic or older commercial and mixed-use buildings that represent the community’s architectural heritage and may include compatible in-fill. They must also have a sufficient mass of businesses, buildings and density to be effective, as well as be a compact and pedestrian-oriented district.

OPRD said the primary emphasis of the Affiliated Main Street Level is to provide technical assistance to program’s in their formative years.

Currently there are 100 communities in Oregon participating in one of the four levels of the Oregon Main Street Network.  It is part of Oregon Heritage in the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.