date posted: 2007-09-17
What does it take to have an active, thriving, vibrant Downtown? It takes people! It takes people Living, Working, and Walking on Yonge St. in our Village Core. That is what I have been saying repeatedly since first being elected nearly seven years ago. And it's finally happening in a big way.
The Tridel condominium is now a huge hole in the ground but will take shape over the next year and will have people Living on Yonge St. with shops on the ground floor. The former Lorne Block at Yonge St. and Arnold Cr. is being re-built and will provide employment opportunities/offices so that more people can Work on Yonge St. And the jewel of our Village Core is now rising above the hoardings - the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts will open next Fall providing a first rate entertainment venue as well as banquet facilities. Nearby restaurants and businesses will benefit as people Walk to and around our spectacular theatre.
There's more - The Town is completing a two year program to replace all the interlocking sidewalks in the Village Core improving, the trees, modifying the corner curb cuts for people with mobility restrictions to make Walking easier.
The Downtown Facilitator has met with area businesses and this Fall the Downtown Task Force will meet and listen to Village Core residents to exchange ideas.
Just south of the Downtown, a new high rise condominium is taking shape at Yonge St. and Harding Blvd. The Downtown skyline is temporarily complemented by construction cranes, a sure sign of activity.
And lastly, Richmond Hill Council has directed that staff begin the process of analyzing a business plan to return the Town Hall to the centre of Town on lands at Major Mackenzie Drive and Yonge St. If it proves to make good financial sense than the addition of 400 staff to the area will put even more people in the area during the day supporting local businesses.
Living, Working, Walking on Yonge St. - it's all happening in our historic Downtown. To see progress at our theatre visit the live web-cam on the Town's website at www.richmondhill.ca.
As always I can be contacted at 905-771-2535 or visit my new web-site at www.arniewarner.on.ca