b'RAINBOW CONNECT MEMBER SPOTLIGHTThe Sunworks concept started withto create businesses that are welcoming, unique household items proudly displayed inunique and exciting. New developments a booth at the regular farmers market. Paulresulted in new restaurants, new shops, and Terry were committed to their missionaffordable downtown housing, an art gallery of finding great products and making themand local policy shifts designed to support available to central Albertans in a beautifulstreet patios, festivals and entertainment. and artful mannerits about providing quality products and experiences. TheyRed Deers downtown is now a place Red Deers main downtown thoroughfare,soon grew to secure a downtown basementwhere people of all ages, interests and featuring local and visiting artists. location on Ross Street, and as visibilityabilities can gather and live together in How did Red Deers downtown culturaland Red Deers appetite for fine goods andcommunity. There are multiple coffee shops community and eclectic shopping destinationproducts grew, so did the business.where Paul can grab a fresh brew and enjoy a come to be? In the early 1990s, Paul recalls aThe trompe-loeil background installed tobookincluding the LGBTQ+-friendly spaces rant directed to his partner Terry: If werefeature the shops early collection of gargoylesowned and operated by the couple.going to stay here in Red Deer, we need towas replicated in a new street-level shop inRed Deer is home to over 100,000 people change it! I just want the opportunity to go1998, along with a collection of hot sauces, somewhere to have a good coffee and read books, artwork, a coffee counter and a classyand is located mid-way between Calgary and a book! back-alley wine bar that was quickly adoptedEdmonton. RainbowConnect.ca is proud to That rant planted a seed for a livelyby the citys business and art communities.feature several local LGBTQ+ safe, friendly downtown community, and the pair set outA new expansion strategy emergedbuyand welcoming businesses and organizations to create a space to fulfill their vision. new spaces, innovate and encourage othersin the community. Issue 22022 | QBiz CANADA |23'