There is no such thing as “us and them.”
Innisfail Mayor Jim Romane made that declaration last Thursday night at a meeting of more than 20 downtown business people.
He wanted to make it clear the Town was the number one booster behind businesses in the downtown core who gathered to discuss whether they should unite as one in response to the ambitious plan to redevelop the historic central business district and portions of Hwy. 54. It is a two-year project that is slated to begin in 2012 at a cost of between $6 to $8 million.
Innisfail’s elected officials are eager for downtown businesses to play a major part in the future look, feel and prosperity of its core district.
The Town will be responsible for the improved infrastructure but it needs the support of the central core’s business community to make the district attractive and alive through innovative beautification initiatives.
They have seen how business leaders in other Central Alberta municipalities have rallied to make their downtown core shine, how with a bit of a push and inspiration they made their core districts so attractive citizens from other parts of the province have made it a point to visit in ever growing numbers. That of course leads to greater prosperity for each town and business. One only has to look at the gorgeous and progressive downtown districts in Olds and Lacombe to see what unity, drive, inspiration, along with a bit of sacrifice in the pocket book, can do for the health and future prosperity of a progressive Central Alberta municipality.
There were many ideas and concerns voiced last Thursday night. Spearheaded by downtown businesswoman Debra Stoski, the audience was told downtown businesses could create a Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) or at least form an association that could work with the town to ensure the district is sustainable and healthy. The most favoured name to date for a new organization is Innisfail Development Enhancement Association (IDEA). Not a bad idea, eh?
To create a BRZ the audience was told that 25 per cent of the total businesses in the district must approve the concept. It would take 50 per cent of the businesses to cast a no vote to defeat the BRZ proposal.
But when one looks at all the obvious benefits why would any right-minded business vote against a BRZ? Some businesses are already worried there will be a huge “tax” that will be attached to BRZ.
However, a preliminary estimate of a $50,000 start-up cost for the entire district contradicts this worry. There are up to 150 businesses in the district and when one works out the math the fee would amount to about $30 a month. Hardly a King’s Ransom. Furthermore, by becoming an official registered body it could be eligible for provincial and federal grant money.
There is still a long way to go for businesses to decide what they want to do. But in the meantime, more businesses need to be informed and to communicate with each other. The Town is on their side. They need to know that. And when an opportunity like this comes to the forefront, a call to unite as one powerful voice, it should be seized immediately.
