Arthur’s Betterment Committee can look back at several accomplishments over the past years, and forward to achieving more goals for improving life in the village.
Committee members Dave Stack and Ian Turner gave a progress report to Wellington North’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) at its meeting here Feb. 20.
Turner defined the committee’s work and planned work as “a lot of positive things happening in Arthur.”
Stack said improvements to the cenotaph are moving ahead. It was anticipated the committee would need to raise $12,000 for the work, but $17,000 has been raised to date.
“Cenotaph repairs are almost complete after a very successful appeal for funds from the public,” the two noted in their report to the EDC
Stack said the committee was pleased with a positive evaluation of the community done in late 2011 as part of a First Impression Community Exchange sponsored by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs with a group from Mitchell doing the evaluation. But more has to be done to encourage people to stop in Arthur, he added.
“A review of the first impression report … revealed some challenges for us, but also positive notes on the Butter Tart Trail, beautiful cenotaph park, fine old homes, the number of doctors and dentist, nice retirement home in a pretty setting, the number of public dinners, an active historical society with a museum, much industry for a town of our size, customer service in our stores/restaurants, well maintained and clean arena and pool, great library, stand alone curling club, great recreation/leisure guide, stained glass of churches, and nice mural,” the report stated.
The report concluded with, “the biggest asset Arthur has is the wonderful people proud enough to ‘sell’ their community. So there is some feeling of satisfaction with our village at this time.”
The group is also encouraged by development of the plaza at the corner of Highway 6 and Highway 109, and renovations to the former Arthur school to turn it into a Mennonite school and church
The pair also noted the completion of the patriotic mural on north wall of Sussmans which was completed late last year and works off the community theme, “Canada’s Most Patriotic Village.”
“You drive through Arthur, which a lot of people do, the feedback is not that great,” Turner said.
“The number one challenge to the village is in the commercial section, particularly on the main street,” the report stated. “First impressions visitors described the downtown as looking tired, didn’t attract attention or make people want to stop (there are also many fine looking businesses).”
The committee is hoping township and local Chamber of Commerce efforts will address ways to enhance the business core. It is also looking for a possible expansion of the historical society war museum with Stack suggesting $10,000 should be set aside annually for a possible expansion.
The committee is also suggesting relocation of the downtown tourism office to the Highway 6 and Highway 109 intersection.
Turner said the patriotic village message is not getting out to bring people to the community or for those travelling in the area.
“We have to do some public relations,” he said.
“We have to get it out there and we would draw people,” Stack added.
Mayor Ray Tout agreed.
“Arthur has a lot of potential, but you’re not getting the message out.”
It’s expected the committee will look at promoting together with the chamber and other community groups.
