Magog unveils its new downtown look
The Town of Magog recently unveiled its plan for the future of the downtown, which will entail an investment of over $22 million.
Citizens and business people have anxiously awaited details rejuvenation project which will focus on Principale St. in 2018. Sidewalks will be widened and the pavement will delineate pedestrian crossings, public squares and sidewalks.
Current parking meters will be replaced by a time-stamp system and wires and poles will be replaced with street lights into which WI-FI terminals and loudspeakers will be integrated.
In addition, two stretches of the street offering a view of the Magog River will also be built near the Grosse Pomme and between the Chich Taouk restaurant and the Tavern 1855. A lookout could also be installed at the intersection of Principale and Sherbrooke streets, but this remains optional and will depend costs. The same applies to the redevelopment of the Place du Commerce, the pedestrian crossing on the Rue du Quai, and the parking lot along the river.
Parc des Braves will also have a whole new look once work is completed in 2019 and will become a gathering place for citizens and visitors. Parking has been removed in favour of greenery and water features, which will be illuminated at dusk.
To compensate for the loss, a new 60car parking island will be built near Sherbrooke Street behind the old bus station. This land was recently acquired by the Municipality for the sum of $850,000.
The new downtown will be based on three elements: textiles, sailing and the web (Internet) with reference respectively to the Dominion Textile, Lake Memphremagog, and information and communications technology. These symbols will be translated into various forms of development. For example, large canvases will create shaded areas, park benches will take the form of a wave and bubbles will be embedded in the pavement.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $ 22.4 million $12.6 million of which will be raised through a borrowing by-law. Citizens who oppose loan must gather at least 541 signatures for a register to be kept by the Municipality. No government funding has been confirmed to date.