On average, tens of thousands of motorists travel through the Main Avenue traffic lights in all directions on a daily basis, according to Alberta Transportation statistics from 2017.
While that of course includes all of the local and industrial traffic, there is also no shortage of visitors who drive through on their way to the West Country.
Regardless of how many tourists travel through town, many with massive RVs, most are unlikely to pull over and stop in the absence of adequate parking accommodations.
This fact is not lost on the municipality.
The subject of creating a suitable parking area came up twice last week during council’s May 27 meeting.
The matter was first brought up as one of several points raised by Chris Vardas, a local business owner and a director with the Sundre and District Chamber of Commerce, who argued council must do more to entice development to generate growth.
Later in the meeting, Jon Allan, Sundre’s economic development officer, presented a proposal for a trial public parking lot project in partnership with the Sundre Hotel and Restaurant. Council ended up carrying a motion supporting the staff initiative, and will further discuss the issue at a later date when there are more details on, for example, associated costs and potential design options.
There is without question a need to make more parking available downtown to encourage more pedestrian traffic in our core.
Some argued during the meeting that the parking lot south of the Sundre Hotel and Restaurant is too far from the core.
Personally, I disagree.
From the traffic lights to the Sundre IGA, we’re talking about a whopping five blocks — Centre Street to Fourth Street. That’s not exactly a marathon.
Plus, the site is perfectly situated nice and close to the Greenwood Campground, which will hopefully before long feature the new community gazebo.
So the progress on parking is important and encouraging to see.
However, business owners must understand that the municipality’s effort to entice more people to come stop and shop in Sundre is but one factor in the economic development equation.
A successful marketing campaign brings people to town — and Explore Sundre has to a large extent done just that — but the town cannot compel people to walk through a business’s doors.
That comes down to each individual entrepreneur to offer a unique service or product as well as a pleasant experience that will leave people not only wanting to come back for more, but also enthusiastic about spreading the word.
Considering all of the tempting eateries downtown, I have little doubt that with the right approach, businesses will be able to tap into any increase in foot traffic.
