Collingwood downtown proposed revitalization continues to be a topic for much discussion. Council once again touched on the subject on Monday, January 12th. The first phase of the proposed ten million revitalization project would see, if approved, approximately five million dollars debentured in 2009. While council continues to debate the proposed upgrades to Hurontario Street, the President of the Collingwood Chamber of Commerce has let it be known that he feels the proposed project is not necessary considering the current Canadian and local economic conditions. Dr. David Ripley says the project cost is excessive. In a letter to council, Dr. Ripley encourages council to move forward with only the critical aspects of the project in 2009. "Businesses and taxpayers alike will need to reduce spending in 2009 and we believe that a project of this magnitude is not feasible for the Town at this time" Dr. Ripley stated.

Here is Dr. Ripley's letter, on behalf of the Collingwood Chamber of Commerce:

January 12, 2009

Mayor and Council
Town of Collingwood

The Town of Collingwood has a beautiful downtown and heritage district and we hear many positive comments from residents and visitors alike. In fact, it was one of the highlights of the report from the exchange with the Town of Huntsville. At our recent meeting the Board members of the Collingwood Chamber of Commerce discussed the proposed Hurontario Street revitalization. Our understanding is that the total cost of the project is approximately $10 million.

We applaud past and current Council members and the BIA for their efforts to build and beautify our town. We agree that certain areas of our downtown need repair and upgrades and we believe that part of the project should be given priority in the 2009 budget.

However, the Board has a concern on behalf of its members and all businesses and taxpayers in the Town of Collingwood that this project cost is excessive and unnecessary at this time considering the current Canadian and local economic conditions. All economist predictions are that the Canadian recession will last through most of 2009 and perhaps beyond. Businesses and taxpayers alike will need to reduce spending in 2009 and we believe that a project of this magnitude is not feasible for the Town at this time.

Mayor Carrier and Members of Council, we ask you to re-consider the Hurontario St. revitalization project as we believe the costs are not justified at this time and that there are more important infrastructure projects to be done. We respectfully request that Council only proceed with the critical aspects of the project in 2009 and that the other areas of the project move forward only if upper tier government funding is secured. We believe that our Provincial and Federal governments will announce funding opportunities for municipalities and being prepared to match these funding opportunities should be the Town’s priority.

Yours truly,

Dr. David Ripley, President
Collingwood Chamber of Commerce