A four-year path forward has been unveiled to members of the Downtown London Business Association (BIA). The document acknowledges the societal and economic challenges facing the core, but also touts new businesses, new residents, and changing attitudes. “Downtown is the heart of London!” said Brahm Wiseman, the operator of Heroes Comics, to applause. “Let’s keep it that way!” That proclamation came just moments after the BIA outlined its vision of a welcoming, thriving, compelling and collaborative downtown. The document points to successes, including more people living downtown and a rising number of events. BIA interim executive director, Vicki Smith told CTV News that small businesses in the city are noticing. “We’ve had more businesses come in (the downtown) than close, so that’s positive.” But while many Londoners have embraced downtown, the BIA acknowledges some still shy away. “There’s lots of people who do love being down here. We just have to show everyone else all the great things that are available,” said Smith The BIA continues to commit a large portion of members’ fees towards keeping the downtown beautiful and to assist in repairs caused by vandalism. Mayor Josh Morgan acknowledged the struggle with homelessness, housing and addiction in the core, but in the same breath contended affordable housing partnerships are making a difference. “We know how to move people off the streets, out of doorways, out of municipal parks into different types of housing. The problem is we cannot keep up with the number of people falling into homelessness,” the mayor said to attendees gathered at Museum London. Still the owner of several restaurants in the core, including Joe Kool’s, stated the economy is a bigger concern. Mike Smith states taxes at all levels of government along with the downturn are combining to hurt the core. “These are lean times economically for everybody. I’ve talked to all kinds of different businesses. That’s why it is more important than ever to support each other.” Smith, who was awarded by his peers at the event, later called on Londoners to keep their money at home. “I think it’s important to support local businesses. Yes, obviously, the greatest concentration is downtown, but local businesses around the city as well.” Vicki Smith stated that kind of support would lead to fewer vacancies. “So, if we could fill those buildings with either residents or businesses, or a mix of both, as both are important, that would be great.”
