Re: Article “Elm Street parking program ends Sept. 7,” which appeared on NorthernLife.ca Sept. 4.
I would like to voice our support for the Elm Street pilot parking project which has now concluded.
The downtown heart of our community only benefits from activities that promote stopping and shopping. While this action in itself is no magic pill, any activity that stimulates consumer-vendor interaction provides the first step to rejuvenating our downtown.
I could not argue that “all change is good,” but I would state with clarity that “no change is death.”
While some may feel that Elm Street is a quick artery from one side of our community to the other and would use it as they would any superhighway, I say slow down, stop, smell the roses, heck, buy some roses or do some of your other shopping in your downtown community.
We all need time to adapt to new ideas. Many times we dismiss issues too quickly only later to regret we didn’t give it a chance.
Sudbury’s downtown is in flux; the new architectural school and planed residential developments will encourage more entrepreneurs to invest in our community. In turn, this will provide a destination for those who are looking for a unique living and shopping experience.
This process takes time. New ideas that support the downtown community today will only help generate better ideas tomorrow.
It all starts with that first step. It may seem wobbly and open to criticism, but I hope it is the first of many that will help generate the needed momentum that can drive shared prosperity to our transitioning community.
Daniel Brouillette
Greater Sudbury
