ALICE tHROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

Council has discussed a staff recommendation to update the Strategic Plan.

Background details are scant.

Haste  and fanfare ushered in a downtown renewal plan before the 2010 election. It was the child of  Economic Development.

During  preparation, owners concerns about requirements were swept aside in the process. Unrealistic requirements don't necessarily stop development...though they look great in  text...they just slow it down for a decade or three.

A new Council was elected in 2010.

$85,000 for a consultant study was approved for review of the Strategic Plan. A new version  was adopted in 2012.

The new horizon of  "exceptional quality of life for all " and private investment in the downtown core was far removed from the town's ability to deliver.

The previous plan was straightforward and concise and equally meaningless. The five year review was on schedule. Considering municipal limits to influence events, no particular expertise was required. Nobody was battering down the doors with proposals to destroy the quaint charm of the block between Wellington and Mosely. 

In fact ,owners, including the town had jointly listed for sale the entire block of buildings on the west side of Yonge.

But simplicity and realistic expectations are not necessarily part of the planning exercise. It is an inexact science. 

Empires are built on less than this. 

The New Plan was adopted in 2012. 

On behalf of staff, the  CAO expressed deep appreciation for Council's confidence.

Years passed(3).  Time and vast resources were expended following various will o' the wisp endeavours in line with The 

Plan. 

The Giant  Leap Forward lurched from pillar to post.One 

Dreamy Dynamic followed another in quick succession. 

Payroll was created, re-organized,re-titled and consulted to fulfill the Grand Design. 

All for nought. Like bubbles from a clay pipe, they vanished 

like a rainbow. Except for a couple.

A final recommendation to spend millions to replace 

under-used sidewalks in the "downtown" with decorative concrete  and  stylish street furniture to create a designer showcase a la Plan was presented and failed to

gain support. And another one hit the dust. 

However, a town loan program to entice private sector investment in improvements to private property was approved.The town became a banker. 

Moving on to the current Council and a three year review of the Strategic Plan to determine what ,if anything, has been accomplished and is the town still on the right path.

Councillor Thompson is correct. 

Staff are recommending an early review. Again with the consultant fees.

Councillor Humfryes feels it can be done in house without a

Consultant.

Councillors Mrakas and Pirri see it through a similar prism.

The recommendation is referred back for staff to provide 

a " Report Card" on what has been achieved since Plan adoption in  2012.

The report should be interesting, likely creative and occupy time. 

No deadline  is proposed.