It’s finally open!
After what has seemed like years of construction and ripped up roads and inconvenience to downtown businesses, the Jack R. MacDonald pedestrian bridge is officially open in Elora.
And I must say, it’s beautiful … and functional.
I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve driven around and around in circles trying to find parking to go to a Refind Salvage workshop or get my nails done at the Elora Nail Bar or buy a gift at Jammed Lovely or purchase a yummy treat at Sweet Temptations.
Now I will definitely consider parking on the south side of the river; truth be told, that’s actually easier for me to get home anyway, and walk across this bridge.
Driving through Elora every day, I’ve seen countless people who have already made the decision to park on the south side of the river and walk across the Badley Bridge to access the historic downtown.
Now there’s this beautiful structure that will more easily connect shoppers to shops. This opening comes at just the right time as the Badley Bridge is scheduled to close in January for a rebuild.
The hits just keep coming for shopkeepers in Elora, especially those on Mill Street. But hopefully the opening of the Jack R. MacDonald pedestrian bridge helps them weather this next storm until all bridge reconstruction is complete.
* * *
Harriston has seen a few grand openings this month.
Just in time for Christmas a new toy store has opened on Nov. 16. Kidding Around Game and Toy store is located at 44 Arthur St. East and offers toys, games, puzzles and more with a product mix for all ages. For more information email kiddingaround.harriston@gmail.com or call 519-338-5050.
On Nov. 20 Sunlife Financial at 1 Elora St. North Unit 3 opened. For more information contact Sunlife financial advisor Kathie Butcher at 226-748-3850 or visit www.sunlife.ca/kathie.butcher.
Also on Nov. 20, a new woman’s clothing store opened in Harriston.
Unique Fashions N Treasures is located at 44B Elora St. South. For more information contact owner Tammy Lorentz by calling 519-901-0220 or email Jamestammy@uniquefashionsandtreasures.com.
* * *
Take note, Wellington, the county’s Community Improvement Program (CIP) is open and actively taking applications.
To be eligible businesses must first apply and be approved for a CIP from their home municipality. Once approved businesses may also be eligible for the county CIP, which consists of two streams.
First is the Invest Ready incentive package that helps properties with potential for development/redevelopment become development ready. The other stream is the Invest More grant, which supports various improvements to existing buildings and properties that contributes to the overall beautification and revitalization of built-up areas.
For more information visit www.wellington.ca/cip.
* * *
Don’t forget to email questions/news tips to businessleader@wellingtonadvertiser.com.
