We were told at the many meetings that city hall had, that once Carden street was completed, there would be a plan implemented that would bring people back. I have seen very little in terms of publicity, advertising or events of any kind. Other than the splash pad – which now introduces a third competing user group for the few parking spaces available in addition to people visiting the court house and city hall, there has been nothing done to assist the businesses on Carden Street. As a result of the years of construction a number of people have lost their businesses & livelihoods while other businesses have the intention of moving off Carden street in the near future. Before more stores do close, would you please advise on what the city’s plan is to ensure that there will be adequate parking available for our businesses and when and what the city is planning to do to bring people back to Carden street. MB
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Thank you for your email. I do take my public service responsibilities seriously.
I also take my small downtown business owner responsibilities seriously. This is probably one of the most difficult aspects of what I do.
As you know, being in small business is not easy. In fact 75% of small businesses fail within their first five years of existence. Contributing factors include insufficient starting capital, changing technologies and compromised or irrelevant business planning.
Some of these factors are within our control, others are not. Still, it’s our responsibility to adapt or perish.
I was in attendance at the DGBA, DNA and City sponsored Downtown Street Party on Friday evening, What a fantastic event.
Some estimates suggest that over 1,000 people were able to make their way to Carden Street to enjoy the festivities.
Many Downtown businesses were open late and doing a brisk trade.
I cannot guarantee you that every person that frequents our Downtown will be one of your customers or one of mine. What I can guarantee you is that lots of people are showing a great interest in what’s happening Downtown these days and are proving it by their presence.
Best,
ian
PS The City should have built parkades on Wilson St and Baker St years ago. They didn’t happen then and will not likely happen for a few more years.
So what are we going to do to shift the paradigm?