LETTER BY MIKE FOX IN THE BARRIE EXAMINER - SEPT. 4, 2010
RATION OUT THE BLAME EQUALLY - MIKE FOX
(Re: ‘Downtown’s uphill fight’ in the Aug. 30 edition of the Examiner)
As a member of the Downtown Barrie Neighbourhood Association, I, on behalf of our steering committee, requested a moratorium on licensing new establishments in the downtown core until a review of the current situation could be done.
When city council was advised on Aug. 23 that a moratorium would not be binding, I was immediately contacted by our Ward 2 Coun. Jeff Lehman, who suggested we meet and discuss possible alternate solutions. That resulted in the council motion put in place Aug. 30.
The considerable amount of media attention that this issue has received has resulted in an equal amount of comments and opinions from all corners on the correct course of action and the motives of those involved.
Some would argue that it is the fault of a lenient Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Others suggest the police are too lax in enforcing bar noise and public drunkenness.
Others point their finger at council for not having a better policy on what mix of business should populate our downtown. Yet others will blame the bar owners who do not abide by the rules set out by the city and the AGCO.
The reality is that a portion of the blame probably goes to each and we can’t get hung up finger pointing. We need each and every one of these groups to accept their responsibility to meet the expectations of the public. A committee is being formed to ensure exactly that.
We have one of the most beautiful downtown settings in the province, if not the country. We have the potential to turn our downtown into a showcase for both residents and tourists.
We need a vibrant centre both during the daytime and the evenings. And we need to respect the rights and quality of life of the growing population of people who choose to live and work in the downtown core.
To those who suggest the current plan of action is ‘early campaigning,’ I suggest you attend a BDNA meeting to find out what is really happening here.
Coun. Lehman helped us form our association over a year ago and has consistently worked to meet our expectations.
This is hardly a last-minute campaign trick.
To those who suggest that this is too little, too late, be patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and this problem will not likely be fixed in a week.
I would, however, anticipate a significant improvement long before the ghosts and goblins emerge to canvas for goodies. If quick improvement is not forthcoming, I will be the first to suggest we raise the volume on our disapproval of a bad situation.
But I have faith that calmer heads produce rational solutions. Hopefully, I will not be proven wrong.
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