The layout of the community and the focus on the success of the Quarry has resulted in a perceived rift between our growing business community and our Historic Downtown businesses. How will you, as a mayor or councillor, foster a business community that is more cohesive?
I would support any initiative already in play now and for the future, and make sure we always have an updated sustainability plan that should be line up with the IDAP. A more cohesive downtown community would have to start with more walkable and bike-able areas that connects the quarry with Historic Downtown, encouraging a shared shopping experience in both areas. I would also support a form of transit that gets crowds there, and have them walk and shop. I would also like to see the railway crossing as an enclosed overpass accessible to everyone, like families with strollers, seniors, etc. It should also be accessible year-round for all events, and especially for Christmas shopping. I’d like to see a skating rink in the middle of town (with change area/washrooms) that converts to, for example, roller skating in the summer. Let’s encourage local vendors to provide coffee, hot chocolate and beavertails. I would also like more attractive western frontages, wider sidewalks and outdoor spaces to encourage walking, gathering and mingling before and after shopping, and encourage outdoor dining. Also, better signage for navigation.
