SUGGESTIONS FOR DOWNTOWN WITH NEW COVID PROTOCOLS

 

SUGGESTIONS FOR DOWNTOWN WITH NEW COVID PROTOCOLS

 

Now that we will experiencing fewer restrictions for outdoor patio, in-door dining, and shopping, I think we need to explore the advisability and advantages of transforming Dunlop Street into a pedestrian strip for the next 3 seasons.

Now more than ever, after we have all either limited or completely curtailed all our outdoor activities and connecting face to face with our circle of friends and family, we welcome with enthusiasm as many opportunities  explore  our own community.  

 From  my experience people throng in vast numbers in appealing and captivating  places which  appeal  to all our senses, our  desire  to socialize in a pleasant and irresistible atmosphere, and enjoy a refreshing drink and a bite to eat.

Now that Dunlop has undergone magical  transformation,  there is more space to socially distance, more room for setting up as many outside  activities as possible, and making it more inviting for locals and visitors – the more people that throng to the pedestrian strip the more opportunities for shopping to help local businesses thrive once again. 

 Items to Consider 

* increase the variety of eye-catching planters overflowing with thrillers, fillers, and spillers that cascade down the side of the plain-looking concrete planters

*  here in Barrie the number of planters  can significantly  be increased with no added costs, by  greatly reducing the number of hanging planters found on light posts, bridges, and located at ground level along the lakeshore and transfer them to Dunlop Street, all the extra blossoming flora will readily camouflage weathered bricks and concrete   

* I hike along the lakeshore on a regular basis and I personally feel that that there is no need to try to enhance the natural beauty with hanging plants (Mother Nature has already done a bang-up job)

*  what makes a  pedestrian strip especially appealing, is the fact that conversations are never interrupted  by the eardrum- bursting roar of motorcycles and delicate lungs are not assaulted with  cancer- triggering pollutants spewing from the exhausts of all kinds of vehicles

*on Saturday my family arrived from out- of- town for an outdoor visit - we tried to enjoy cups of latte in the Square, only to have our conversation constantly interrupted by the ear - drum breaking roar of motorcycles - it appears that they purposely rev up their engines to the highest decibel possible as they race by

 * have had this conversation often with friends and we all agree that the noise of motorcycle greatly impairs our enjoyment of the downtown venue  

  * we implore you, our elected representatives, to enact some kind of bylaw that will ensure the majority of citizens do not have their health unnecessarily jeopardized by the incessant roar of motorcycles - latest research has demonstrated excessive noise can trigger a range of health issues from lack of sleep to cardiovascular disease  

Meridian Square

As I have travelled throughout  Europe , my  most memorable moments have been spending time in  charming  squares while connecting  with new- found friends, relaxing under  towering canopies  of trees, while admiring  stunning fountains like the Trevi  Fountain in Italy.

Meridian Square, at the moment, has a number of admirable features

 

 My first proposal is based on the news from the UN about the alarming decline of our precious pollinators which are responsible for every third mouthful of food we eat.

Barrie recently was designated an official Bee City.

v the City has undertaken a number of worthwhile initiatives to increase the food source for pollinators

v I have noticed that there are virtually no blossoming flora in the planted areas on the outside perimeter of the Square

v native plants are extremely adaptive as they have evolved over thousands of years  enabling them to become pest and disease resistant while thriving in poor and dry soil conditions  

May I suggest that the City interplant as many native plants in the Square as possible (this will greatly support and enhance our bee City designation)

v  some squares have a waterfalls,  fountains , a canopy of trees, and  eye-catching planters  in the middle with  a variety  of seating places  and tables  where people relax and enjoy delicacies from surrounding cafes , artisans selling crafts, musicians, dancers etc.

vas an aside, if there are concerns about homeless people sleeping on benches, you can buy benches with unusual configurations that make it impossible in which to sleep

v   the present piano playing is a perfect example of a people-drawing activity, but let’s add more alluring elements with the addition of other similar crowd -drawing attractions

v Can we transform the stage into a sparkling jewel - a captivating focal point for the whole square?

 Conclusion

In  talking to friends and my many email contacts,  I have reached  the  alarming conclusion that most people are completely unaware  that every time they shop on line they are actually  contributing to the  to the downfall of local businesses  - their friends, neighbours, and local residents  stand to lose  their livelihood.  

If they keep on buying on- line from the US, the Canadian economy will suffer and eventually downtowns will be turned into deserted ghost towns with graffiti- covered abandoned buildings.

When the City loses businesses as a tax base, they have no choice but to decrease services or increase property taxes dramatically. 

As local shopping opportunities decrease then Amazon, an out- of- control monopoly trying to control of every aspect of shopping, can charge whatever they decide.

Hopefully, the City will figure out strategies to get the message across that shopping on-line has a powerful and everlasting negative impact, not only on your local community, but the  whole country.

As a consequence of Covid -19 pandemic more and more Canadians are going to spend their tourist money (we have decided to support tourism in our own city, province, and country) enjoying welcoming destinations in their own community and own province. 

 Let’s make Barrie one of those “must- visit” destinations that will be highly recommended on social media and elsewhere.

 I also want to recognize, acknowledge, and heap praises on the astounding improvements that have been occurring on the lakeshore and downtown in the last few years.

Kudos to the Mayor and all the hard working Concillors who played pivotal roles in all restoration initiatives.  

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