Dear Editor:
There is a proposal to set up a BIA (Business Improvement Area) for the entire length of Arthur’s main street.
Instead of inviting everyone to vote yes or no, township officials have set up a no-lose situation to slam this through. The idea of including all businesses or commercial properties between both entry signs is fine on its face. However, when you examine the process it doesn’t pass the smell test. Instead of seeking a majority opinion, officials have set up a totally undemocratic way of getting what they want.
Instead of seeking to drum up support for the idea, they do not have to demonstrate any support whatsoever. On the contrary, one-third of the number of persons paying at least one-third of the taxes must have objected by Dec. 5. Included were properties which they knew would not reply. Wow! A partial list would include: both banks, all four gas stations, the Legion, the Agrisan factory, the old Queen’s Hotel… The onus was on the landlords to inform their tenants. A number received none. I should have received the notice at my home address. I did not. We found out on Dec. 3, with barely two days to object. I’ve learned a lot in the brief time since then.
First, there was another unsuccessful attempt to implement a BIA. Second, there has been a BIA in Mount Forest since 1985 which is having extreme difficulty in obtaining a quorum and generating interest. Third, there was only one information meeting with no agenda or presentation. There seems a clear lack of effort to really inform business owners. Fourth, I spent five hours away from the store on Wednesday visiting other businesses. My straw poll was 14 against and only one for. I have no doubt that some of those I missed are for the BIA. However it is clear to me that the only way a BIA is formed is through a distorted process.
While the province funded improvements at both entry signs, the most important reason for more visitors to town has been Arthur Cash and Carry’s free Facebook advertising turning out crowds for their store and street events. The Walsh’s weekly advertising, our own mailing and Facebook presence are responsible for any increase to our businesses.
It is thoroughly ironic that such an undemocratic method is being employed by politicians and staff to get their way in Canada’s Most Patriotic Village. The real bottom line is do we want a BIA or not? From the start the onus should have been to show that the majority want it.
We appeal to Mayor Andy Lennox and council to defer the bylaw scheduled to be passed at the Dec. 16 council meeting. A delay will allow for a more informed decision. Count a yes vote as a yes vote and a no vote as a no vote. That would be the democratic way. Sincere best wishes of the season.
Mitch Keirstead,
Eclectica…the gift store, Arthur