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Impact that fuels Main Street
Holiday Hunt: An Award-Winning Blueprint for Interactive Placemaking
A Case Study in Gamified Holiday Experiences
What happens when you mix holiday magic with cutting-edge tech? You get The Holiday Hunt, a show-stopping, six-week activation that turned an ordinary downtown into an immersive, interactive playground.
Partnering with a private augmented reality (AR) studio, we created a mobile-first experience that guided visitors across the district via a digital map and strategically placed QR codes. At each location, visitors scanned a window decal to unlock custom AR scenes—like boba-sipping elves or dancing snowpeople—each tailored to reflect the brand of a participating local business.
The playful experience wasn’t just for fun. Participants who completed the hunt were entered to win a $1,000 local gift card, directly reinvesting funds into the business community. The results? Over 30,000 participants, 6,000+ new email opt-ins, and industry recognition for innovation in placemaking, marketing, and downtown revitalization.
It’s a powerful case for the value of gamification, creative tech, and community-first strategy.
Setting the Standard: International Recognition for Downtown Beautification
Public-private collaboration, smart design, and community care earned international recognition
Through a strategic focus on beautification and maintenance, this downtown transformed its public realm and earned the prestigious Best Downtown Area Award from Communities in Bloom—an International award recognizing excellence in environmental sustainability, green space enrichment, and heritage conservation. The district expanded its seasonal programming from three to four floral campaigns annually and increased its beautification footprint from 240 to over 900 floral and décor elements, including lighting and a sustainable holiday tree that was replanted post-season. A newly implemented RFP process ensured the highest quality partnerships and materials, while new solar lighting added eco-conscious vibrancy to public spaces.
To further elevate district-wide cleanliness, we collaborated with external vendors and municipal partners to launch a bin power-washing program and increase garbage pick-ups in high-traffic zones. The introduction of a Beautification Ambassador supported real-time maintenance and visitor engagement, while consistent reporting to regional and town staff reinforced transparency and accountability. Together, these efforts created a cleaner, greener, and more welcoming downtown that boosted community pride, enhanced the visitor experience, and delivered a nationally recognized standard for main street revitalization.
What local businesses have to say
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Unlock the full potential of Main Street
From strategic planning to placemaking, marketing, and member support — we help BIAs and local districts thrive with flexible à la carte services and full-service management options. Whether you're growing, rebuilding, or just getting started, our experienced team meets you where you are.
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Sue
I was able to partner with this team for the first 2 years as Andrews was open on The Oakville Lakeshore. I use the word partner as that is what it was. The support I had form this team to help our new business was incredible. From community events which drove traffic to our doors, to introducing us to other businesses we could connect and work with, to helping us host events in our space. This team was key to the success Andrews built in Oakville.
Andrews
Rose
Kim and Sandra exemplify professionalism in everything they do. Their incredible attention to detail and genuine love for their work shines through in every interaction. They have a remarkable ability to foster meaningful relationships within the community, making sure everyone feels welcomed and connected. Through their dedication, they have created countless successful events such as the Tails & Treats event that we have been a part of since it’s inaugural year, that not only bring the community together but also showcase the heart of its visitors. Their support of local small businesses is unwavering, and they consistently go above and beyond to ensure others succeed. They are a true pleasure to work with, approachable, collaborative, and dependable. Kim and Sandra’s efforts have strengthened the vibrancy of the downtown Oakville community, and their impact is felt by everyone who has the privilege of working alongside them.
RUFF The Dog Barbershop
Ray
As a landlord and an operating business owner located in Downtown Oakville, I had the pleasure of witnessing the excellent work that Kim and Sandra provided to successfully promote this important retail area via a number of new and innovative ways to elevate the attractiveness of the brand. I often highly complimented their teamwork to make the Downtown a much better place for retailers and shoppers alike. I think any business area or owner would be well served by the focus, creativity and diligence they bring to their work and services
Property/Business Owner
Alla
Kim and Sandra were such wonderful support since the day we received our keys to our business. They were there for us through every step of growing our business. They helped connects us to the business community and create meaningful collaborations. I can't thank them enough for all the help and support that they gave us.
Maverick's Donut Company
Our Impact: One Downtown. Three Years. Tangible Results.
+32%
Visitor Foot Traffic
Growth from 5.5 M in 2021 to over 8M in 2024
+27%
Average Visits Per Visitor
From an average of 8 visits to 12 visits year over year
+15K
Instagram Growth
From just 16K followers in 2021 to 38.9K in 2024
+340%
Subscriber Growth
Subscriber growth over 3 years
+135%
Events & Activations
From >60 per year to over 142
+380%
Beautification Growth
From 200 planters to enhanced beautification including over 960 plants and light installations
+500%
Grant & Sponsorship Revenue
Increase in annual sponsorship attained through corporate partners and government grant programs
+166%
New Businesses Welcomed
Increase in businesses attracted