Dozens of downtown business operators were asked for their opinions about the state of their business, competition and support from all levels of government on Monday.
Several teams consisting of town council and Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce members were bolstered by representatives from Community Futures Central Kootenay and the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training. They fanned out in the downtown core, asking questions and taking notes about potential action items.
“I think that overall it was a very positive response,” said Mayor Ron Toyota of the Business Walks session. “There were valid points, like cross-border shoppers not having to pay GST and PST on their purchases, but most accept that it is a fact of life.”
Toyota was joined by Couns. Jen Comer, Jim Elford, Joanna Wilson, Kevin Boehmer and Karen Unruh, who participated on the town’s behalf.
“It was good to hear from many about how good downtown looks, with all the trees and hanging flowers, and new wooden flower boxes and signs on the sidewalks,” Wilson said. “And we heard very little about the inconvenience caused by construction on the Pine Street intersection.”
Information gathered will be sorted and compiled, then posted on the Town of Creston website. Government agencies can then use the information to identify areas of concern.
Toyota said the information would also be of value to the Official Community Plan process, which was put on hold last week with the sudden resignation of Town of Creston contract planner Jamai Schile.
“It is disappointing,” Toyota said of the resignation, “but all we can do is look for a replacement who can pick the ball up and get it rolling again.”
OCP community volunteers have been informed that all scheduled meetings and events have been postponed until further notice.
“The appreciation for the level of commitment offered by OCP advisory committee members to date cannot be understated,” town manager Lou Varela said in a letter to members last week. “I hope that each of you will continue to participate when the town has realigned the process. We are committed to keeping the OCP process moving along and deriving a great policy document for the community at the end of it all! We can’t do it without you!”