Revitalizing Downtown London Ontario

505 Words2 Pages

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms that show downtown London is in need of revitalization include;

A general migration out of the downtown core to the suburbs.

Large companies moved out of London to larger urban centres that could provide....

The publics view of downtown was dirty, their philosophy was downtown was "dirty with nothing going on.

PROBLEM

Creation of highway networks outside the city and subsequent growth of suburban communities transformed the way citizens worked lived and spent their leisure time. Downtown businesses closed or moved to malls inducing a reduction in downtown shopping and overall downtown commercial traffic.

Property values and sales tax revenues dropped.

Downtown was soon characterized by neglected buildings, boarded up storefronts, while the streets were filled with empty trash.

The publics perception of downtown became negative the people view of downtown was that "nothing is going on" and "nothing is worth saving."

Downtown London had the highest vacancy rate in the city space was being rented for prices between fifty cents and two dollars per meter which was lower than the average in London.

Many major firms moved to big cities like Toronto after consolidating.

CAUSE root of problem

There are a few problems that led to the deterioration of London's down town. The creation of the suburbs and subsequent businesses that defined themselves by the fact that they catered strictly to the suburb population played a huge role of depreciating the importance of downtown.

PART 2

ECONONMIC DEVELOPMENT

Objective- To build on and realize the strengths of the downtown as the heart of the London community: an international centre for the arts, culture, tourism, education, and knowledge based industries, and a leading national business, finance, and government centre.

Certain policies and plans must be enacted by groups that take both the initiative and responsibility to initiate them.

Richmond Row shopping area.

POLICY KEY ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY

Downtown Business Plan Develop and implement a Downtown Business Plan

Market Research Commission a market research study to identify economic growth opportunities in the downtown

Business Recruitment Hire a business recruitment officer for and initial period of 3 years

Marketing & Promotion Develop and implement marketing and promotional programs for the downtown, including parking, housing, and business reinvestment programs

Unified Voice Clarify roles and eliminate duplication among key downtown organizations

Economic Network Develop and maintain a list of individuals and organizations, including residents, as a resource for a variety of communication, marketing, promotion and development purposes. Communicate regularly through things such as meetings and newsletters

Economic Forum

Tourism Infrastructure Prepare a downtown tourism plan, assess downtowns tourism services and facilities.

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