Value of Sydney Waterfront District revitalization priceless

In response to a recent letter (“The baby, bathwater and downtown Sydney,” Cape Breton Post, April 27), the Sydney Waterfront District Association is pleased to see the conversation continue about the revitalization of the downtown.

There are many pieces of the puzzle that are necessary to see lasting and productive change take place.

CBRM Mayor Clarke, Councillor Eldon MacDonald and CBRM staff have been working towards this for three years along with input from Sydney Waterfront District and other individuals and groups.

The report by Ekistics Planning & Design is one piece of the puzzle and we were pleased with the response to the public survey that the consultants conducted and used to develop their recommendations. The desire for people to spend more time in the heart of our city is evident.

The report presented to the public on March 28 was a working document. The group is still finalizing details and then it will be presented to council.

Another exciting initiative that CBRM has been working on is the recent engagement of National Trust of Canada made possible by funding from ACOA and CBRM. National Trust has an extensive and successful track record of assisting and working with communities to revitalize their downtowns.

We look forward to continued collaboration with members of the Sydney Waterfront District Association, CBRM’s mayor, council and staff, the National Trust for Canada, stakeholders and the public on ways to improve the District.

There are many items that require attention in order to effect change. We are up for the challenge and look forward to positive change in the coming months and years. We always encourage support of the public, and invite everyone to make a visit to the Sydney Waterfront District and support local business. The payoff is priceless. Michelle Wilson

Executive Director

Sydney Waterfront District Association