Skip to content

Opinion: Proper funding of service boards would help solve downtown issues

It is time to lobby our very busy Finance Minister and MPP, Mr. Vic Fedeli, to open the province's purse and fund the additional services required to aide with these problems.
Downtown main st summer turl 2016
Downtown North Bay. Photo by Jeff Turl.

Editor's note: Mr. Alger writes in response to this story.

Landlord fears the worst for downtown North Bay

-----

By Bob Alger, DIA Chair

There is truth to this story but today's drug problem exists everywhere, not just here. Downtowns have one of the largest concentrations of affordable apartments and as a central hub, attract those users as most city cores do.

This problem goes beyond our local municipality. For years, the various service boards have been denied funding although surrounding municipalities with MPPs that supported the Government of that day, did get support.

It is time to lobby our very busy Finance Minister and MPP, Mr. Vic Fedeli, to open the province's purse and fund the additional services required to aide with these problems. Starting by opening more beds at the mental health facilities and funding the local HUB services that exist but are short of assets to address our issues.

The DIA represents a small group of property and business owners that are constantly looking for solutions for various issues. We are currently working with our local service boards, mental health groups and City Police to find a resolution that does not impede the human rights of individuals while not forgetting the rights of the community and businesses that suffer the costs of neglect.

Our Downtown has some of the best food, unique shops and services, colourful flowers and comfortable seating throughout. With the addition of closed-circuit cameras, strategically placed, and increased patrols by our police and commissionaires, we feel that steps are being taken to work towards a solution for all. Our Downtown core is the Heart of the City and we take great pride in what it has to offer and the direction we continue to go in to try and make it a destination for everyone.

Bob Alger, North Bay.