I was right in my thoughts that the temporary portable washrooms would become a permanent thing even before they were set up. I did know how you were going to vote Ian and although it did not please me you have your reasons. I am only one taxpayer in your ward but I can assure you that I will not be shopping south of St. Georges Square. As a life long resident of Guelph I have watched our former beautiful downtown turn into a gathering place for the homeless, the druggies and people who just want to hang around. Years ago we did not need to go out of town or anywhere but downtown to get everything you needed. My how times have changed.
I read with interest an article in to-day’s Guelph Tribune about the need for the city to prepare for the new seniors who are currently baby boomers. While I believe that there most definately is a need I am insulted by the insinuation that all the current seniors are only interested in playing cards, and other easy activities. It is quite possible that the individuals who conducted the assessment never entered the doors of the current Seniors’ Centre. Personally I attend fitness class there, have taken courses there, have gone on trips sponsored by the center, have friends who play badminton, and other friends who attend more aggressive fitness programs. The University of Guelph has Third Age Learning lectures for seniors so who do the consultants think attend these lectures. I think the city should be looking very closely at this report and compare it with what we have now. Also I beg to differ that they are going to be wealthier than the current seniors. Most current seniors learned to live within their means, as we were not part of the get now generation. BP
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I do have to agree with you that Downtown has changed considerably over the years. I have had a shop Downtown for the last 27 years and things certainly have changed.
Much of that change has resulted from the restructuring of social services in the mid 90’s and the substantial growth of our City. Also, over that course of time, the City has closed most of it’s public washrooms.
All citizens find the fouling of our City repugnant. It is a negative public health practise.
We just can not ignore the problem any longer!
The City of Guelph does not issue liquor licenses. That is controlled by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
While Downtown Guelph will continue to change significantly over the next few years, legally licensed establishments will almost certainly remain. The City of Guelph and the Nightlife Taskforce are committed to encouraging responsible behaviour on the part of both patrons and managers and owners of licensed premises. The objective is to create a safe and healthy entertainment district.
Edmonton, Victoria, Calgary, Toronto, Winnipeg and Windsor have all installed pissoirs or are about to.
Edmonton has just finished a very successful pissoir pilot project. They located 3 pissoirs on Whyte Avenue during the busy weekend evenings last summer.
Edmonton collected 500 litres of liquid each weekend! That’s 500 litres not directly contaminating their community.
This summer Edmonton will move to have permanent all day locations and they expect it to be even more successful..
The City of Guelph encourages bar patrons to act responsibly in public spaces.
If you have any suggestions for this or any of the other concerns that you have about our Downtown, please forward them on to me.
As for your other comments, I cannot directly speak to them but I will pass this along to our Director of Community Services for her information.
Hope this helps,
ian