Revitalizing again?
Well, there is much to discuss and agree or disagree with when it comes to the recently introduced city plans and proposals!
When mayor Simon Yu introduced his proposal at the recent council meeting, it took me a while to let it sink in. No doubt, it is a gutsy and visionary proposal considering the future of our downtown and the potential growth of our city.
The proposal requires serious discussions within our community, while maintaining an open mind when looking at the next 50 or 100 years and beyond. Naturally, financing would require long-term planning as well.
However, I was positively surprised by the overall design, not leaving the impression of square “Lego Blocks” moving from one corner to another, or the other side of a street.
No, the proposal displays activity and dynamic, a sort of interesting and attractive “flow” not shown in earlier designs!
Independent of whether one likes or does not like the proposal, it should be acknowledged that the design has not cost the city anything, as far as I have been informed. I was also surprised that council only voted to receive the report, but further discussions did not take place other than that it was labelled as too expensive.
Switching from the mayor’s proposal to the two options of the downtown layouts provided by city administration: A two-hour discussion took place about the preferred locations of the “Lego blocks.”
All of that is certainly not easy to decide and yes, it requires time and citizen involvement to decide on a layout which resonates with as many residents as possible. After a long discussion, Option 2 was voted on and accepted to be confirmed via a referendum.
That approach means that mayor Yu’s proposal will not be further considered. I strongly recommend not rushing with any of these important decisions but trying to get extensive consultations and input from our citizens. Final decisions would, in my opinion, not be required for one or two years.
Long-term implications will have to be considered. It may be even possible not to decide on one of the proposals BUT pick the good and common-sense sections from any of the proposals and merge them with a final version.
A downtown development committee should be established including non-council members!
Albert Koehler, P.Eng.,is a former city councillor.
