TOUGH DECISIONS
We asked Summerland’s mayoral candidates: In view of the Community Charter’s probation on assistance to business, do you think council has a role in encouraging downtown businesses. If so, how?
Christopher Boisvert-Gilman: Assistance to business comes in many ways. If Summerland residents are involved directly in the revitalization of all of Summerland’s businesses, they have to be included in the decision-making process – council led Summerland Community Component Working Group and a Summerland First program. Support of local groups – “Friends of the Gardens” at the Summerland Research Station - they are the experts in drought resistant plants - foreign plants from Delta and Kelowna support their businesses. Who is the biggest employer in Summerland? Farmers! A farmer is a businessperson. Farming is expanding – wine shops and bistros – a major part of Summerland now.
Roch Fortin: Council has a major role in both encouraging downtown business and supporting their initiatives in what ever way possible. This can start with a positive attitude towards new idea and business ventures. Success for businesses in our downtown core is directly related to the volume of foot traffic in the area. Summerland was once known as the Community of Festivals. Making event planning a specific task within the District office we can win back this title. There are no “bad ideas”, however not all ideas can be successfully implemented. The job of council and staff is to ensure no project or concern is rendered invalid without proper review. Although cash hand outs is not be an option for all proposals, encouragement and logistical support can go a long way to assuring successful events take place in Summerland.
David Gregory: Yes. Council has a role to encourage downtown business. The downtown should be attractive and convenient. Attractive means attractive roads and buildings. An advantage of having some type of building theme, Councils and Committees can screen out buildings that do not add to the attractiveness of the downtown.
Convenience means providing the public with adequate parking, biking and walking opportunities. The recent library resulted in a loss of 11 parking stalls on Main Street. This hurts business. We can’t do those sorts of things. Tax incentives — This approach should at least be explored. Must meet community’s need.
Orv Robson: Section 25(1) of the Community Charter is explicit in relation to prohibition on assistance to business; we cannot assist individual business unless it has heritage significance. Council is responsible for providing infrastructure services, assist in the promotion of business, through signage and making funds available from business licensing to enable the Chamber of Commerce to fulfill their mandate. We are also required to provide a welcoming atmosphere by enhancing and maintaining the beautification and ensuring that we can attract people to shop in our downtown; this is done in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and our Summerland Arts Council.
Peter Waterman: Council cannot assist an individual business, but it can create zones where taxes are relaxed. This does have an impact on revenues that the municipality requires to run operations. Council cannot interfere in the free market like trying to influence per square foot rental rates. I do think that council has a role. I would initiate my proposal of a “Mayor’s Task Force” where all types of businesses will be brought together to bring their ideas to the table to reenergize the business community coming up with a new business model for Summerland.