ARTHUR – The Friends of Downtown Arthur public engagement summary is complete.
“After two open forum discussions, 161 survey responses, as well as many emails, meetings and phone calls, over 250 Arthur residents were engaged,” stated Melissa Kooiman, community liaison and program coordinator at Copernicus Educational Products (CEP), in an email.
Developing a safe, sustainable and welcoming community is what the Township of Wellington North is striving for in its 2024 Strategic Plan.
It wants to achieve this goal by shaping and supporting sustainable growth, delivering quality, efficient community services and enhancing information sharing and participation in decision making.
CEP sponsored Kooiman to work alongside the Arthur Chamber of Commerce, the Arthur Business Improvement Area (BIA) and the Township of Wellington North to support revitalization efforts in Arthur, with a specialized focus on the downtown core.
Friends of Downtown Arthur public engagement efforts occurred from January to March, which began a dialogue so residents and employees in Arthur could voice their thoughts, ideas and suggestions for the downtown core.
Engagement efforts consisted of:
– one-on-one meetings and email communications with stakeholders, community organizations and individuals;
– two public engagement sessions consisting of about 70 attendees; and
– a public survey completed by 161 respondents, most of whom were women aged 30 to 39.
Respondents were first asked to reflect on the Arthur community and list three to five words that come to mind when thinking of the community.
The most frequent answers were:
– small;
– community;
– friendly;
– caring/kind; and
– expanding/growing.
Respondents were also asked to reflect on the downtown core and list words that best described it.
Top answers were:
– dated/old/aging;
– limited;
– lacking;
– boring/underwhelming;
– tired; and
– beautiful/pretty/lovely.
Feedback of Arthur’s downtown core was mostly positive, but most agreed buildings feel dated, and efforts to modernize storefronts would be appreciated.
It was acknowledged that these efforts come at high cost, therefore efforts should be incentivized via substantial grants/funding so building owners can receive a return on their investment.
Emphasis was given to provide priority to storefront retail opportunities, and available units “should not be allowed to sit vacant,” according to the report.
The full version of the Friends of Downtown Arthur public engagement summary has been made available for any community stakeholders interested in revitalization efforts for Arthur with a focus on downtown.
The report will be distributed to the Arthur Chamber of Commerce, the BIA, the township, as well as interested community groups and services.
