NEWSPAPER ARTICLE-THE BARRIE EXAMINER-NOV. 2, 2009
Group looks to revitalize downtown
by Ian McInroy
A volunteer-driven group wants to make positive changes in Barrie's downtown area. The Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association (BDNA) will be hosting a public meeting at City Hall on Wednesday to discover solutions to problems plaguing the city's core and is inviting residents to take part. The boundaries of the association stretch from High Street to Berczy Street and from Lakeshore Drive to Highway 400, with an emphasis on the downtown core.
"Since the creation of the association, downtown neighbourhoods finally have a format to open up discussion on downtown growth and improvement involving all residents, not only in the downtown area, but from all over Barrie to become involved in the process," association member Cindy Giller said. She has lived on Maple Avenue for 24 years and loves the area. "As a neighbourhood, we talk about our vision and how we want to enhance our property values, how we love being close to waterfront parks and trails, and how we can walk to the nearby restaurants and shops," she said. "This is the venue to make the changes to make the downtown become a place for people to live, work, play and simply enjoy." To make the association work, it will need everyone to be involved, including citizens, people living in the neighbourhoods and city council, Giller said. "We want to be part of the development of positive action in the downtown core and we want to show the public that we're all inclusive," she added.
Ben Strudwick, another association member, is also passionate about his neighbourhood. "It's a wonderful area. I love the fact that it's downtown, next to Queen's Park and I'm close to the beach or the library or other facilities," he said. "When you come downtown you want to have a pleasurable experience. We want to create an atmosphere downtown where small businesses can flourish. The more vibrant it is, and the more money people spend, the better it is for all of us," he added.
Giller said the association wants to work with different agencies, such as the Salvation Army, who are part of the downtown scene. Salvation Army Maj. Roy Randell said the association is for everybody and will break down misconceptions and stereotypes. "It's more about working together than finger pointing. It's being proactive and bringing residents in the community together to achieve the community we want," he said.
Craig Stevens, of the Downtown Barrie Business Association, said the BDNA will bring good ideas to the table.
"Downtown isn't just about business, it's a community," he said. "We're not a single component. There's so much that goes into a downtown area."
Coun. Jeff Lehman, who represents the area on city council, said the BDNA is important because members are taking control of their own neighbourhood. "Neighbourhoods that have organized and strong community groups are safer and more prosperous. They can support the police and help the city revitalize the area," he said.
Wednesday's meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the council chambers.
Posted by Ben Strudwick at 11/18/2009 11:29 AM 
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Categories: Newpaper coverage
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