2025–2027 Grant Information

Overview

Bear Paw Development is a proud recipient of the Montana Department of Commerce’s Pilot Community Tourism Grant Program (PCTGP). Through this five-year, $1.25 million initiative, we are working with community partners to strengthen Havre’s tourism experience, improve downtown vibrancy, and support local businesses.

This project, known as the Havre Tourism Enhancement Project, focuses on improving wayfinding, expanding public art, advancing walkability and safety, enhancing recreation opportunities, and helping tourism-related businesses thrive.

5 Year Plan Project Summary

The Havre Tourism Enhancement Project aims to:

• Improve Tourism Navigation

Develop and install a cohesive Wayfinding Master Plan that supports both pedestrian and vehicle navigation, including new welcome signage and directional routes.

• Expand Art & Cultural Assets

Create a Downtown Art Plan, launch a community art trail, and support new public art installations that highlight local artists and strengthen Havre’s cultural appeal.

• Improve Outdoor Recreation Access

Collaborate with partners to establish the Milk River Levee Trail, expanding recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.

• Strengthen Pedestrian Safety

Implement ADA upgrades, bump-outs, lighting improvements, crosswalk enhancements, and four-way stops to make downtown more walkable and visitor-friendly.

• Business Support & Education

Providing workshops and coaching for tourism-centered businesses to better leverage the new brand and growing visitor traffic.

• Community Engagement & Storytelling

Aligning all efforts—branding, URD investments, and tourism projects—around telling Havre’s unique story.

What We’ve Accomplished So Far

✔ Completed: Community Rebrand – “Stay for the Story”

Working with Windfall, a Montana-based branding firm, we completed a comprehensive tourism rebrand.
This includes:

• A new logo

• Updated color palette and visual identity

• The new tourism slogan: “Stay for the Story”

• Brand guidelines for consistent use across the community

The brand captures Havre’s character, history, and welcoming nature—and will serve as the foundation for wayfinding signs, marketing, and promotions.

✔ Almost Completed: Havre’s First Urban Renewal District (URD)

Bear Paw Development hired Pioneer Technical Services to assist the City of Havre in creating the community’s first Urban Renewal District.
The URD will:

• Support long-term investment in downtown

• Improve infrastructure and walkability

• Encourage private development

• Strengthen Havre's tourism and economic base

The final public hearing and City Council vote will be held on December 1st, 2025. This is a major milestone that could position Havre for future growth.

✔ Almost Completed: Downtown Walkability & Safety Audit

A detailed audit of the downtown’s pedestrian conditions is in it's final stage, identifying priority areas for:

• ADA sidewalk improvements

• Safer street crossings

• Lighting and visibility

• Bump-outs and traffic calming

• More intuitive pedestrian routes

These findings directly shape current and future improvement projects.

✔ Completed: Regular Community Engagement

Throughout the project, Bear Paw Development has held:

• Steering committee meetings

• Public workshops

• Stakeholder listening sessions

• Meetings with local partners, businesses, and civic groups

These conversations ensure the project reflects community needs and local expertise.

What We’re Working on Right Now

➡ Wayfinding Master Plan

Bear Paw has selected Sanbell as the consultant that will develop a comprehensive plan for Havre’s new wayfinding system.
This includes:

• Branded welcome signage

• Downtown directional signs

• Pedestrian and trail signage

• Cohesive design that aligns with “Stay for the Story”

This will help visitors navigate Havre easily while reinforcing the new brand.

➡ Tourism Brand Launch

Now that the rebrand is complete, work is underway to:

• Build a new marketing toolkit

• Develop branded photos and videos

• Prepare print materials and ads

This will introduce “Stay for the Story” locally, regionally, and statewide.

➡ Downtown Art Plan & Art Trail Development

We are beginning work on:

• A Downtown Art Plan to guide public art placement

• Identifying priority sites for murals, sculptures, and installations

• Connecting new and existing artwork into an Art Trail

• Installing the first pieces as funding becomes available

The Art Trail will highlight local artists and give visitors something unique to explore.

➡ Pedestrian Safety & Infrastructure Improvements

Based on the downtown audit, planning is underway for:

• ADA-compliant sidewalk updates

• Strategic bump-outs

• Visibility and lighting improvements

• Potential four-way stop conversions

These upgrades support the URD and create a safer, more walkable downtown.

➡ Tourism Data & Analytics

We are purchasing tourism data to better understand:

• Who visits Havre

• How visitors move through the community

• Where marketing efforts are most effective

This data will help us make targeted, informed decisions.