GORE BAY—The Town of Gore Bay is looking for business and public input at two meetings this week with the focus on two concepts that will be presented on the town’s proposed downtown revitalization.
Clerk Stasia Carr confirmed that the town has received funding of $500,000 from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) through the Community Enhancement Program. The town contracted engineering firm Exp to produce two proposed concepts for the project.
“We are looking at rebranding and revitalizing the downtown area, and a meeting will take place with the business community on June 19 for their feedback, and a second meeting on June 20 (from 6:30 to 8 pm) for members of public for their feedback and consideration,” said town manager Harry Schlange. “I thought the two concepts that are being proposed for consideration are spectacular.”
“They are different than what I had expected,” stated Gore Bay Mayor Ron Lane. “Either concept will definitely make the town a destination. We had already been looking at providing for a more historic look and already have rod iron benches and garbage containers in town. Harry had found a person who designs downtown redevelopment and parks.”
“I have seen the two concepts, and they have a very unique design, new and something that you wouldn’t normally think of. Both concepts would make us different than other towns and draw people to town,” said Mayor Lane, noting they have a nautical theme. “It would make the downtown area from the Valu-Mart to the medical centre more pedestrian friendly and designed to have local traffic drive slower. It would also provide for a new style of flower beds, more of cement tile roadway, and different type sloped curbs.”
“These concepts are just ideas for everyone to look at and provide input on,” said Mayor Lane.
Mr. Schlange explained after the meeting that with the funding the town received contract Exp is to prepare preliminary drawings for the downtown revitalization with two concepts shared at the meetings.
“Exp will take all the input and comments made at the meetings and then come back to council with a final design for consideration,” said Mr. Schlange.
