GORE BAY—Town of Gore Bay officials are very pleased that the proposed downtown revitalization plans will now go ahead with a funding envelope of $2.5 million having been provided to the town.
“This revitalization will improve the appearance of the downtown area and provide the connection between the main street and the waterfront, which is definitely needed,” said Gore Bay Mayor Ron Lane. “We have had people at the marina at times asking where they can buy groceries in town. In the design for the revitalization project there is good flow back and forth between the downtown area and the waterfront that will provide this connection.”
“This is something we have talked about doing since about 2017-2018 when I was the mayor previously,” said Mayor Lane. “At that time there was no funding for this type of project, but at the beginning of this council’s term we again put the project forward for government funding and we have received funding. And the town will be providing supplementary funding for this project.”
“Enhancing the downtown and making the connection between the downtown area and the waterfront is a formula for success,” stated Harry Schlange, town manager. “Our plan is to differentiate us from other communities on Manitoulin Island and Northern Ontario.”
“As you know the town has invested significantly in the waterfront pavilion, washrooms and improvements at the marina,” said Mr. Schlange. “What we are trying to do is connect the waterfront and downtown areas; to bring this all together and bring the beauty of the waterfront into the downtown area. To me this becomes a real economic development strategy and will make Gore Bay more of a destination of choice year-round, and bring in more people to live, work and play here.”
“From a personal perspective, I was previously involved in a revitalization of the downtown in Ridgway (in Fort Erie) about 10-12 years ago,” said Mr. Schlange. “It has taken off and prospered with new businesses, residents and attracting new tourists to the community.”
“A big thank you to the members of the public, and local businesses for their input at the two information sessions that took place,” said Mr. Schlange. “Everyone was supportive of doing something special.”
“The council unanimously supported the plan to move forward,” said Mr. Schlange. “This is honestly the most progressive council with which I have ever worked. They really want to build a bright future for the community.”
“The revitalization project will not be quite as big as had been originally planned, but it does include new sidewalks, curbless streets downtown and a lot of new trees and other initiatives that will enhance the downtown area.”
Mr. Schlange explained, “what is in the project is for more trees, tree cells, (tree canopy) new street poles and light standards, curbless streets, new sidewalks and lockstone in medians.” He said in order to meet the funding envelope what has been taken off the proposal includes bumpouts (landscape) and lockstone at intersections downtown.
“We want to make improvements to Dawson and Meredith streets as soon as we can, so we don’t have to rip those streets up once the watermain project is completed.”
In the towns 2025 budget, the town will be allocating a little more in funding for more trees, benches, and street banners, said Mr. Schlange.
“We are certainly very happy we have received funding, and the project can go ahead. It will be something that will enhance the town for at least 25-40 years,” said Mayor Lane.
Mayor Lane pointed out council had approved the project and is expecting to tender out the project in the fall with work to hopefully be carried out in early spring 2025.
