06-03-2015, 06:16 PM
(06-03-2015, 11:57 AM)KWchick Wrote: the victoria one apt building is mentioned, saying that it will help rejuvenate the downtown once ppl move in.
i doubt very much that just because it is located dpwntown, that it will 'help' make it any busier fpr stores.
most ppl seem to go to the big box stores. there arent many places left downtown TO shop..
it is also mentioned that the events held such as bluesfest etc also help..
i do not see how.. and even if they do, it only lasts the weekend it is held.. i cannot see how that would keep store-owners in business for the long term.
and as someone in the article also mentioned, 'beautification' isnt going to fix everything..
who would come downtown just to 'look at' the newest green area? oh, they might stay for a coffee or something.
I sense a lot of frustration there. One should point out that generally increasing density does lead to more people shopping locally. It depends a bit on how much the building interacts with the street. For example the Blue Springs Apaprtments in Waterloo bring exactly zero people to the neighbouring businesses. The Bauer lofts and the Seagram lofts have helped in the revitalization of Uptown Waterloo.
Festivals help in two ways: they bring customers for a few days, and bring people back to Downtown, some of which hadn't set a foot there in years. Once there they might find that they like Imbibe, or Gilt or the Irish pub next to the Beer Store and decide to visit more often.
As to visitors to green areas, isn't this what Victoria park is all about?