Dear Editor:
Please accept this letter as an endorsement and letter of thanks to the merchants, Kat Florence, out-of-town shoppers/tourists and all local residents who enjoyed our beautiful village over the past two months.
I hope the Township of Centre Wellington supports the efforts of local businesses and the enrichment they have newly provided. Elora has always provided a naturally unique and beautiful landscape but it has not always been able to provide consistent economic success – the casino being the exception.
Having been a visitor since 1980 and a resident since 1993, the revitalization and enjoyment of our downtown core in 2024 has been nothing but amazing. Foot traffic is up (mine included), parking is difficult, garbage more abundant – they always have been.
Driving through downtown is slower but maybe provides us opportunity to count our blessings and enjoy the scenery!
If you do not enjoy lights, busy shops and parking problems, driving through the downtown core is not your only alternative. Wellington Road 7 goes north and south with very little to slow folks down except the speed limit.
Me, I will continue to walk and shop in my local community with my extended family, ages seven months to 70 years.
How lucky we are to have everything from banks, churches, a library, book store, cinema, schools, daycare, splashpad, Elora Centre For the Arts, post office, independent grocery store, two pharmacies, dentists, doctors, optometrists, clothing and jewelry stores, shoe store, LCBO, casino, locally owned and run restaurants, recreation centre, skateboard park, trails, museum, world class music festival and much more along with all the natural beauty?
A thriving downtown core took decades to establish. Garbage, parking and other necessities required to ensure success can be addressed over the near term with the support of council and the residents working alongside local business.
Let us be supportive, patient and grateful for the successes and strive to find solutions for problems we encounter along the way
Karen Kollee,
Elora