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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2003-05-14, Page 10PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN. WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2003. Ideas, opinions abound at Blyth strategy meeting By Bonnie Gropp Citizen editor attacker is Wednesday’s and find a If it was ideas and opinions they were looking for at the Blyth Renewal Strategy in the Bainton Art Gallery on May 7, the volunteer committee was not disappointed. Having listened to several presentations the approximately 35 in attendance offered many enthusiastic suggestions and some with a more guarded optimism. In saying he was encouraged by the turnout, meeting chair Steve Sparling said that Blyth and its people have a reputation for being a place where things happen. Challenges he said are met with determination and the goodwill of the community. Speaking of the many vacant stores on main street Sparling said that Blyth’s current challenges are not unique as many small towns are under attack. “The change.” Meetings, such as will be held to try combination of resources which will enable Blyth, in particular its downtown, to cope with this change. “We must find ways to use the forces of change to our advantage.” “We have no choice but to accept the challenge because if we don’t who will. “ Referring back to a name suggested many years ago, the Blyth Idea Group (BIG) Sparling said he felt it should be adopted for this committee. “We do need to think big.” ____________________________________________________ The purpose of the f t»z>z>z/z»zj Blyth” He explained volunteer group will be ® ftVt. t f that when he came to the three-fold: to recognize the severity of the situation, the negative image of the “glaring vacant retail space” and mobilize the community; to take advantage of Blyth----------- strengths; to recruit volunteers to be part of BIG. Bev Elliott talked about the results of a business survey conducted in 1999. Among the suggestions was the issue of baby-boomers and how to tap into that demographic. The potential for e-commerce was also noted as were a theme for main street and finding people willing to invest time and money. The positives for the village included its many industries, such as the rutabaga plant, Bainton’s and the Old Mill, and Howson; tourism attractions like the Blyth Festival and special events such as the dog show and the Huron Pioneer Thresher Reunion. There were also many suggestions for needed businesses. These included, clothing stores, a liquor store, dentist, doctors, antiques, specialty shops and new and used books. North Huron Reeve Doug Layton said that realistically small retailers can’t compete with the big stores and feels specialty stores are the way to go. “When I think of St. Jacobs I think of Blyth. Talk to people in places like that. You can’t walk down the street at any time in St. Jacobs because it’s packed.” Sparling agreed that St. Jacobs is the model of economic development and noted that one common characteristic in most similar communities it that the entire retail section is owned or operated by one or two people. He used Frankenmuth Biinkin^boutiiuittin^^moteswj TOLL-FREE 1-877-513-5333 and Holland, Michigan as other examples. “The challenge for Blyth is trying to determine what the community should look like. If I’m going to drive here, it needs to be worth my time,” said Sparling. “The community itself must become the destination.” Glenyce Snell of The Old Mill said that the community in which their major competitor exists does the majority of their advertising. “Will you have something in place to bring people to the community?” Of the advertising they have done over the past 40 years which promotes both their business and the area, Snell said, “We have brought a lot of people into the community with our own resources. Are there funds to help? We know that the one way we can keep going is attract people from out of community.” Sparling noted that one of committees established will fundraising. Their goal will be to find sources of revenue, both conventional and non-conventional. “Our hope is to see what’s out there.” North Huron Clerk-Administrator John Stewart explained that council has been forced to cut its grants recently as a result of less provincial funding. Also, infrastructure has become a top priority, while at the same time council has tried to keep taxes down. However, he added, “I’m sure council would be receptive. If an advertising campaign was township­ to the the be but millions,” says businessman wide they would be behind the project and support it.” “We can do lots of advertising, but if you have to ride over rough roads are people going to come?” he said of the need to make improvements to infrastructure first. Mason Bailey, a realtor said, “The only thing that will ever achieve what we need is if people with big pockets gamble their life savings and more besides. Government’s not going to do it. It’s not thousands that are needed but millions.” Amanda Aiken of The Old Mill agreed. “But look at the average age of the businesspeople in town. It’s scary. People my age don’t want to work hard. If you can’t find young people with brains in their head, you’re done. You can’t keep relying on (older people). Snell also said that taxes are eroding the capital of most businesses. She also touched on the difficulty of finding young people interested in the long hours of retail. “Young people are not the type who want to work in stores. There is a real lack of resources and people interested in retail.” Elliott suggested the idea of co-op stores, which would offer several owners, different products, all under one roof. This would minimize risk and long-hours. “But how much are they going to make,” said Snell. “Listen to these young people. Listen to what they make and make it with no responsibility. You have to think of a situation that’s going to turn over.” Linda Stewart of Blyth Decor also noted how difficult is it for people starting out to find someone willing to lend them the money. In answer to all of these concerns, Sparling noted that the committee can’t think of replacing what they had 10 or 20 years ago. “It’s unrealistic, like barring the door after the cattle are gone. We need to be creative. “ Grocery store owner Don Scrimgeour spoke of the changes in his business over the years and the need to change with the times. “As things develop businesses have to be prepared to make changes.” He also noted that on average 1,800 customers a week go through his store. This jumps to 2,200 through the summer. “They are in town. The potential is still pretty viable.” “Business is like life. You have setbacks and learn to cope. When opportunity comes grab on and make adjustments.” North Huron Councillor Jeff Howson noted that Huron’s low unemployment rate and the need to keep young people here isn’t something that this committee should worry about. “Economic development groups are working on this. We need to get a focus and run with it. Use the resources that are out there. We’re already two legs up on every other community this size because Blyth is on the map.” Bailey spoke too of what the area has to offer. “This is bigger than area looking to buy a farm half a century ago, he found it in Huron. “I believed if any place would prosper it was Huron. But there are so many things holding us down that we’ve yet to do anything about.” John Elliott, a long-time businessperson in Blyth, spoke of the evolution of business and this time as just one more period that can be overcome. Keith Roulston, publisher of The Citizen, said that a cruel question had to be asked. “Why would anyone with the business acumen to be successful want to choose Blyth?” The strengths of the community are farming, fashion and tourism. Yet, a big disadvantage is that tourists only come to the theatre three months a year. Most of these people “come to the Festival and go home the same day. You only make real money off tourists when they spend time here,” said Roulston How to get them to stay longer is one of the challenges. Two small ideas have already begun to take shape, the mini-museums and Saturday Sellabrations. The latter will be held in conjunction with the theatre’s matinee performance. Another idea is for small craft­ type stores such as gourmet chocolate or ice-cream manufactured on the premises. “Put four or six of these together and you create an attraction.” Surviving in the off-season is going to be there for any business, so the committee would look at ways to help export these products under the Blyth Heritage Food label. One salesperson would be responsible for the marketing. Roulston said that similar ventures have been established in rural areas, such as the small-scale ice-cream manufacturer in Teviotdale with much success. Roulston also noted that a group of the committee are willing to invest if people need help so that finances to starting would not be a barrier. There would be help offered to cut through red tape and a mentoring program in place. Roulston added that Huron Business Development Corporation has been encouraging and there have been favourable discussions with OMAF’s business consultant. Canadapt has also expressed support. The biggest problem is finding the people who want to run these businesses. “ ♦ Life and Disability Insurance ♦ Professional Investment Management ♦ Retirement Strategies ♦ RESP and Education Planning ♦ Estate Planning ♦ Tax Minimization For a Personal Financial Consultation call: Helen M. Hetherington, CFP (519) 887-9964 or I -800-869-8922 Your financial plan should include: Investment Planning Counsel" of CaruuCa FINANCIAL PLANNING PROFESSIONALS financial advice you need? ■ MUNICIPALITY OF HURON EAST NOTICE OF PROPOSED BY-LAWS TO ESTABLISH A ROAD ALLOWANCE AND TO STOP UP, CLOSE AND SELL A ROAD ALLOWANCE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the Municipal Act, R.S.O. 2001, that the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron East proposes to enact by-laws as described below io establish a road allowance and to stop up, close and sell a road allowance. The proposed by-laws and descriptions of the lands affected may be viewed at the Huron East Municipal Office at the address hereinafter noted. The Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron East will hear, in person or by counsel or agent, any person who claims their land will be prejudicially affected by the said by-laws and who applies to be heard at the meeting to be held at the Municipal Office on the 20th day of May, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. Dated at the Municipality of Huron East This 25th day of April, 2003. By-Law 40-2003 proposes to stop up, close and sell the road allowance known as Pearson Street, R.P. 239 (Ethel) as shown below. By-Law 41-2003 proposes to establish a road allowance between Lamont Drive and County Road 19 (Ethel Line) as shown below. The proposed road allowance will become part of Lamont Drive. Eric Coates, the Festival’s artistic director said that he has approached a number of people about coming to Blyth and suggested that a signed letter from a supportive group might be helpful in the future. John Elliott suggested that many of the people present belong to other groups and noted that it would be beneficial to “let the enthusiasm shown at the meeting to generate through to those groups then go from there.” Janice Henry, a member of the Legion’s Ladies’ Auxiliary and caretaker of Memorial Hall said that the Hall needs to be promoted during the off-season. “Like the Thresher’s campground, it is a gem that can help economically,” agreed Roulston. The next meeting is set for May 14 at 7:30 p.m. J.R. McLachlan Clerk-Administrator Municipality of Huron East 72 Main Street South Seaforth, ON NOK 1W0