A Step Forward

 Once again towards a decision on the town-owned surplus buildings on Victoria Street . Council took it last night.

It's not a giant leap forward. It's not one fell swoop. We did not smote the mountain. And it's not Joshua bringing  the Walls of Jericho tumbling down.

But it is a foot on the path to  decision. It is a positive move.

Both motions were approved .One significant word was changed   The word "demolition"  was changed to "disposition".

Councillor Gallo objected to "demolition". He was right. It pre-supposed the decision Council will make.

Next step is a general committee discussion of all the documentation compiled over the years.

The material  will be on the general committee agenda and accessible on the web site; at this point, we anticipate at the next
general committee meeting.

The second resolution, directs staff to prepare a plan to obtain maximum  public input to a use for the $33 million hydro asset

It will likely be polls and open houses and  consultants and such.

 I think the community could  take things  into their own hands.

Applications are regularly made for  streets to be closed for neighbourhood parties. People could have neighbourhood meetings and  compile neighbourhood petitions without even having to close the street.

It's done all the time for opposition, no reason it can't be done to support  a project.

There might even be opposition.  Councillor Gaertner feels  the idea smacks of total disrespect to the town's history.

There's a lot to talk about. In terms of a structure I don't know what $33 million dollars will buy.

We  probably own two-thirds of the block . How much control that could that give us over  a design for the whole square  is not yet
apparent.

What options are there for  parking ?  Is it time for layers.

The province spent  $70 million for the massive structure at the station.

Could the venue become so popular, people might  be encouraged to walk a few yards from their cars.

Could  the heart of the community become such a happening place more people would be encouraged to sell houses and moveto apartments in the  heart of town.

 It might be like old times, with so many  gathered on  sidewalks  catching up on a week's gossip, people had to step onto the road to make headway.

There might be shops again with  window displays and lights sparkling on wet pavement.  Isn't that a heady thought.

Last night, we kindled a fire. Now we  all need to blow on it to make sure it takes.hold. Council needs to feel  warmth and  encouragement.