While discussions continue to finalize the town's 2009 annual budget, the Chair of the Collingwood Downtown Business Improvement Area has written a letter to Collingwood Council to confirm the BIA's commitment to a proposed downtown heritage district streetscape project, presented to council in 2008. In his letter, Jeffrey Shearer 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. The BIA has agreed to contribute $1.5 million to the proposed streetscape project, with $1 million dedicated to the first phase to be undertaken in 2009.

Here is the letter written to Collingwood's Mayor and Couoncil by Jeffery Shearer:

January 16, 2009

Mayor and Council
Town of Collingwood
97 Hurontario Street, P.O. Box 157
Collingwood, ON
L9Y 3Z4

Dear Mayor Carrier and Members of Council,

Please accept this letter as confirmation that the Board of Management of the Collingwood Downtown Business Improvement Area remains committed to the proposed downtown heritage district streetscape project as presented and included in the Works department budget.

As you are aware, the first core area revitalization project was undertaken in the late 1970s as a partnership between the BIA and the municipality, shortly after the formation of the BIA in 1977. The partnership formed during this first project has continued throughout the subsequent years, as the BIA and the town addressed needed upgrades and maintenance issues as they have surfaced, within their yearly operating budgets.

This included a minor streetscape project that was undertaken under a BIA/town of Collingwood initiative. This involved the addition of accent bricking along selected side streets to tie them to Hurontario Street, and landscaping treatments to the three municipal parking lots. The BIA contributed $120,000 to this project. In future years, the BIA also paid for electrical access so that the parking lot trees could be lighted.

In 2004, the BIA realized that there would be a need, in the near future, to undertake major revitalization work on the streetscape due to the age of the initial installations and began earmarking a portion of its yearly budget as reserve funds in anticipation of the project. It is anticipated that by the end of 2008, this reserve fund will total more than $300,000.

The Chair of the BIA presented the initial concept of the revitalization project to Council at its meeting of May 1, 2006. After this presentation, Council directed staff to include the project in its capital budget. Following this direction, town staff has included this downtown revitalization project in its rolling capital budget since that time. A committee comprised of town staff, architectural and engineering consultants, BIA board members and staff, and Heritage Advisory committee members have been working on the planning phase of this project since December 2007. This work has been based on Council’s original direction given in spring of 2006, and the BIA’s initial commitment of $1 million to the total project costs.

As one of the community’s leading business organizations, representing collectively the town’s largest employment base and more than $66 million in commercial assessment, the BIA continues to support the proposed capital infrastructure project. Although it is not underground work that is normally associated with other infrastructure projects, the downtown revitalization is focused on needed infrastructure renewal. The plan as presented will ensure the long term viability of the town’s central business district, increasing its accessibility to all consumers and encourage additional investment in its privately held commercial properties.

As a designated heritage district and the only downtown to be recognized federally as an historic place, it is crucial that the integrity of the district be maintained and the redevelopment meets heritage district guidelines. To accept a “bandaid” solution would be a step backward. The municipality’s investment in the downtown will encourage investment commitments from private owners in their buildings and continued growth in the assessment base.

As the world faces uncertain economic times, leading business organization such as the Ontario and Canadian Chambers of Commerce are advocating for investments in infrastructure project, such as outlined in the downtown proposal, to stimulate the economy. Experts concur that during economic downturns, infrastructure projects are the best way to encourage growth and employment. It is also proven to be the most cost efficient time to be contemplating these types of projects. Current interest rates are at an all time low; commodity prices are low, translating into lower pricing for the project’s material costs; and there is a very competitive marketplace as firms are pro-actively seeking to bid on these types of initiatives to keep their employees working.

As confirmed again at the presentation made to council on Monday, October 27, 2008, the BIA has agreed to commit $1.5 million to the proposed streetscape project; $1 million for the first phase (Hurontario / Second / Simcoe Street) to be undertaken in 2009, and the remainder for phase two which includes the balance of the downtown heritage district.

Yours sincerely,

Jeffery Shearer
Chair, Collingwood Downtown Business Improvement Area