GuelphToday obtained the next letter from downtown enterprise proprietor Ben Minnett.
GuelphToday obtained the next letter from downtown enterprise proprietor Ben Minnett.
As straightforward as it may be to present into cynicism and hopelessness on this second, it’s important that we imagine in what we wish Guelph Downtown’s future to appear to be, and to repeatedly battle for what issues; the abysmal various is a downtown of shuttered shops and eating places, and an ever-growing inhabitants of weak individuals and people working to look after them.
Once I learn the letter ‘What occurred to our lovely metropolis?’ yesterday, I did not even must attempt placing myself within the footwear of the writer, who’s a very long time Guelphite. Being born in Guelph and residing most of my 47 years right here, it was not tough to understand the writer’s pissed off perspective – that stated, I really feel that lots of her sentiments and people of the feedback part are lacking the purpose.
My household has owned The Bookshelf for 51 years. We live and dealing in Downtown Guelph day by day and see very clearly what is occurring. Sadly, drug habit, poverty and psychological sickness are being skilled by all communities throughout the nation.
Downtown Guelph occurs to be residence to many social service organizations offering helps for each town and the county. When an individual in Wellington County (or past) falls on exhausting occasions, they search assist from the parents downtown who’re offering it. Saying that downtown is all unhealthy and no good as a result of so many important companies organizations are positioned right here is unfair; these numerous teams – lots of whom are aided by volunteers – are working on the entrance strains of an opioid epidemic and with out them, issues could be a lot worse.
Ought to these social service organizations be unfold all through town? Most likely. Ought to metropolis and county employees and politicians lead by daring decision-making fairly than passing the buck and making up excuses for inaction? I believe so. Ought to they be held to account by means of democratic course of? Most undoubtedly.
A lot of my prolonged household lives downtown, and my family simply moved again downtown final 12 months. Why did we do that? As a result of downtown is gorgeous and it’s price preventing for.
Seeing individuals going by means of tough occasions is frightening, however I can reassure you from my very own experiences downtown that there are individuals looking for you and most haven’t any want to make you are feeling unsafe.
Please do not keep away from downtown in any respect prices – the small companies there rely in your assist. Imagine sooner or later you need to your neighborhood and vote along with your poll and your pocket guide.
Yours compassionately,
Ben Minett, Guelph
