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Home My WebLink AboutHuron Expositor, 2009-04-15, Page 30• I414 off! hip 30 The Huron Expositor • , April 15, 2009 Send, in the clown. And maybe a mime or two. That was thet of a presentation made by Gord Fume, an author, for- mer newspaper owner, cultural task - force chairman, and London city con- troller on April 1, during an address to Huron County Council. Hume, who is also credited with the award-winning Creative City Com- mittee of London, said the wave of the future is a return to the past where downtown cores were considered as the . hubs of communities, drawing in both locals and tourists alike. In . addressing the trend towards creative communities, Hume said one must have art. "We are in somewhat unpredictable economic times right now," he said. "This is a time for somewhat fresh and innovative thinking." Pointing to communities across the globe that have flourished thanks to unique touches, like Wellington North's Butter Tart Trail and Prince Edward County's wine -and -tourism sector, Hume said one has to stand out to survive: "Arts and artisans can help you turn around a neighbourhood," he said. Hume, who recently wrote a how-to manual for municipalities, Cultural Planning for Creative Communities, said his philosophy is built on CRINK: News creativity during address to council a Creative innovative Knowledge- based economy. Strong arts, cultural and heritage sectors, said Hume, can effectively change how municipal councils .do business. "Huron County has some great bones and that's how you're going to build a strong community," he said. "You have a great foundation, build on it." The goal, he said, is to draw in new residents so the businesses follow in- stead of the other way around. And, said Hume, there are govern- ment -backed groups, like the newt created Southwestern Economic Al- liance and the Southern Ontario De- velopment Association (SODA), that could aid the cause. "A lot of jobs traditionally seen have gone and are not coming back," said Hume. "There's a dose of reality we have to face. Our economy is changing and it will continue to change." The good news for Southern On- tario, said Hume, is it has the busiest stretches of highway in the nation and, therefore, should find ways on capital- izing on the number of people travel- ling through the region. "There's a major opportunity to be- come a real gateway," he said, adding the key is to stop the region's raison d'etre as a fly -by and drive-through zone. 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The overall focus, said Hume, should be on robust downtowns and commu- nities with strong cultural assets, with artisans in the core, as well as "food and fun" and commerce. "We need to do, as councillors, a bet-- ter et=ter job of building neighbourhoods," he said. In highlighting his visit to Huron County, Hume said there were a few things worthy of addressing. For one, he asked where the proper signage pointing to Grand Bend along High- way 4 is located. Next, he noted a quick walk around • Agricultural • Residential • Commercial • Pole Line Construction 1 f ELECTRIC ga*y R.R. # 4 Seaforth, ON NOK 1W 104404 (519) 522-1556 NEM Excavating Inc. t berridc VenOdei 519.440 8296 Simon VanOriel 5104824783 Nam Flo. Complete Ex Contractor 1 This Spot Available Call the Huron Expositor 527-0240 This Spot Available Call the Huron Expositor 527-0240 WHITNEYRIBEY FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY MONUMENTS ROSS W. RIBEY DIRECTOR 87 Goderich St., Seaforth 519=527-1390 • Pre -planned and Pre- . Arranged Funeral Services Available Sincere and Courteous Service the Square in Goderich revealed a no- ticeable amount of litter and too many closed businesses. - In acknowledging Hume's . observa- tions, Goderich Mayor Deb Shewfelt reported that he walks the streets ev- ery day and is aware there is a need - for improvement. Shewfelt said simple things, like street sweeping, were once the daily protocol of business owners. "We had it. We lost it. We need to get it back," said Shewfelt. "We're at the stage where we have to regenerate the Square because of the growth around us. Meanwhile, Bluewater Mayor Bill Dowson took some time to note the City of London is not exactly a beacon of tourism perfection. He reported a number of his farming counterparts became lost during a recent trip to London where they were scheduled to attend a conference at the convention centre. "There was no signage," noted Dow - son. Hume agreed that there is much work to be done in many sectors, though projects, like the John Labatt Centre and the remodelled Galleria Mall, are examples of London's success stories that rolled out after a great deal of controversy related to their ini- tial cost. by Cheryl Heath This Spot Available Call the Huron Expositor 527-0240 SILLS HOME HARDWARE SUPPLIES FOR THE 'HANDYMAN Bottled Water Refill Station • Plumbing • Heating • Electrical • Paint CARPET CLEANER RENTAL FIRE EXTINGUISHER Service & Re -Charge Depot GLASS & CREEN REPAIR For All Your El Hardware. Needs ' Main St., SEAFORTH 519-527-1620 Visa, MC, Home Card, AM Express, Interact SsS ELECTRIC Steven Wynja RR#1 Seaforth ON (519)525-2389 Agricultural • Residential Commercial • Pole Line Construction F,CRA-ISA Liri',i.sefl 7000258 SEW AND SAVE CENTRE LIMITED Sewing Machine and Serger Specialists ' Repairs to all makes •FREE ESTIMATES •ALL WORK GUARANTEED • SALES. 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