The Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-06-10, Page 11Dungannon working towards
total downtown revitilization
signal -star staff
Dungannon has been dealt a
hard blow to its local economy
in recent years, with a succes-
sion of small businesses going
by the wayside. The local post
office, bank branch, hair studio,
grocer, variety store, family res-
taurant and some gasoline ser-
vices have all but disappeared
from the once bustling commu-
nity core. However, according to
a group of concerned residents,
Dungannon is still very much in
business.
"A year and a half ago we gath-
ered together to discuss how we
as a community will revitalize ...
we asked, 'how do we keep our-
selves strong as a community?'"
said Jane Hoy, a proud member
of the tight -knit village of more
than 22 years.
The community is being guid-
ed with the help of Huron Coun-
ty Downtown Revitalization Co-
ordinator Kerry Herrfort.
One of their goals, to create
an inviting reputation, has led
to the future launch of a village
web site that will act as a com-
munity hub as well as a tourist
information one-stop shop that
highlights what Dungannon has
to offer.
"Most of the little areas have
their own reputations, and we
want Dungannon to have a great
one," Hoy said. "One that re-
flects what we are now, a lovely
little changing community that is
perfect to raise a family in."
The village is not void of
thriving economy, Hoy said,
pointing out the booming -busi-
ness of Hurontel, and flooring,
kitchen, construction, art studio,
ironworks, welding services and
even a sawmill.
"We're in the process of expos-
ing that in a new way — Dungan-
non can support small business
and in many ways is the ideal
place to set-up shop," she said.
"But how do you get yourself on
that map? That's what we're try-
ing to do here."
"All of us here have a similar
degree of value and lifestyle and
have chosen to live here because
of its location and rural feel."
So what does Dungannon
have to offer?
Well according to both Hoy
and Pauli Sommer, another long-
time resident, the sky is the limit
for rural -minded individuals.
"Real estate," Sommer said di-
rectly. "It's fantastic here. There
is fantastic architecture at afford-
able prices."
Just a quick jaunt away from
the shopping and service ameni-
ties of both Goderich and Luc -
know, Dungannon stays true
to its humble and friendly rural
roots with the help of their ca-
pable service clubs. On Satur-
days Dungannon hosts a Farm-
ers' Market at the fairgrounds,
and in the summer months, the
tiny population swells by the
thousands as Dungannon plays
host to high-profile events, such
as the Dungannon Super Pull,
which attracts as many as 5,000
visitors itself.
r) UF.r..l..E .ltcnint 1 A Itc:)NEYc_o,4r% SHADES
KEEP THE SUNLIGHT.
LOSE THE HIGH ENERGY BILLS.
HOT AND BRIGHT _
WARM AND INVITING
Discover Duette. Architella° shades.
This patented honeycomb -within -a -honeycomb
innovation puts three layers of insulating air at
your window. Cali today to learn more.
And reduce energy loss at the window up to 50%.
Hunteroouglas
hunterdouglas.ca
For your FREE
In-home
consultation
Paul & Finola
MacGinty
519-524-5773
0 7009 Hurler tld,glee Inc 14 Rep lend trademark d HN* mos W
They say' their "multigen-
erational -secure social bond" is
continuously building in the face
of the "negative effects of glo-
balization"
"Main streets across the board
have been effected by a global
market, even Goderich is strug-
gling with it," Sommer said. "But
we're determined to promote a
more accurate impression for
Dungannon, one that reflects our
true potential. We need services
to return to the village."
Dungannon continues to host
revitalization meetings, and
community members and busi-
nesses encourage surrounding
area residents to take a drive out
and see what's new in the vil-
lage. In the meantime, the com-
munity is gearing up for their
biggest event, the Dungannon
Super Pull which is coming up
on June 20.
Goderich Signal -Star, Wednesday, June 10, 2009 - Page All
• Photo by Dominique
Playing around
The Dungannon Agricultural Society hosted an evening of community
spirit June 2, as .community members gathered -at `the` 'av'lion for a
potluck dinner Above, Connor and McKenna Thomson make good use
of the playground equipment after a big meal
THIS IS OUR
GIGANTIC, SPECTACULAR,
INCREDIBLE, COLOSSAL
SALE WITH THE MOST
UNBELIEVABLE LOW
PRICES DURING OUR
ANNUAL INVENTORY
CLEARANCE, WHICH
WE'VE SIMPLY CALLED:
THIS IS YOUR
CHANCE TO REAP
HUGE SAVINGS
ON ALL
•HD TV'S •
•DVD PLAYERS/
RECORDERS
• •HOME STEREOS
•CAMCORDERS
•OTHER AUDIO &
VIDEO PRODUCTS
"THE CLEARANCE" WILL ONLY BE IN EFFECT WHILE STOCK LASTS...
AND AT THESE LOW PRICES STOCK MAY NOT LAST LONG!!!
IDOPIMENCIIIIIII C111111111101111 TV DIMPUMINCIIII
/Careful, Quick Delivery /Complete Setup & Demonstration
/Professional In -House Service /FREE Upgrade to Component or HDMI cables
HISHOLM NAL
more
FREE SERVICES S300 or
OPEN:
MONDAY TO SATURDAY
9 AM TO 6 PM
TREO .WWWchisholmtv.com 2st
29 KINGSTON ST., GODERICH • 524-9576