Collingwood council has voted against providing budget funding for the first phase of a proposed downtown revitalization project that was scheduled to begin this spring. In a close 5-4 vote, council voted down the proposed 5.9 million dollar project.

Last year, council heard from Collus Executive Director Ed Houghton, as he described some of the proposed upgrades. “We had a number of masters that we had to satisfy” Houghton previously told council. “We needed to satisfy the Heritage perspective, and I think that we’ve done that. We’re going to remove the clutter that is in front of our beautiful buildings” Houghton had added in his earlier council presentation.

From a safety point of view the revitalization would have included the narrowing of pedestrian crossing points with improved wheelchair accessibility. The Town of Collingwood has been encouraging people to walk and bike, and this has carried over with the proposed downtown infrastructure improvement plans. Houghton told council that the downtown upgrades will enhance the number of bike lanes and introduce bike parking areas. The upgrade would have included a wider sidewalk, improved downtown lighting and landscaping upgrades.

Collingwood BIA Chair Jeffrey Shear has expressed disappointment in council’s decision to vote against the revitalization project. Mr. Shearer had written to council on January 16th to confirm that the BIA Board of Management remained committed to the proposed downtown heritage district streetscape project, even during tough economic times. Jeffrey Shearer had stated that during uncertain economic times, leading business organizations such as the Ontario and Canadian Chambers of Commerce are advocating for investments in infrastructure projects similar to the proposed downtown Collingwood proposed streetscape project, as a way to stimulate the economy.

Dr. David Ripley, President of the Collingwood Chamber of Commerce, had written to council to state that he felt the proposed BIA revitalization project was not necessary considering the current Canadian and local economic conditions. Dr. David Ripley says the project cost is excessive.

Councilor Sonny Foley remained in favour of the proposed downtown revitalization project, saying that it would have been good for the local economy. Councilor Mike Edwards didn’t like the idea that downtown businesses would have faced increased business fees as the result of the revitalization project. Deputy Mayor Sandra Cooper feels the time has come, in light of uncertain economic times, for the town to tighten its belt when it comes to the budget process.

Collingwood Mayor Chris Carrier voted in favour of the project, as did councilors Sonny Foley, Norm Sandberg and Kathy Jeffery.