To the editor:
The other day I walked up and down Bay Street and a little ways down Algoma Street. In spite of the cool weather, this was an enjoyable experience. I enjoyed drinking a cup of tea at a local coffee shop with a friend, walking into two stores that have opened recently I hadn’t had a chance to see yet. I also enjoyed discovering new products that old stores now carry and buying a few gifts and staples for myself.
I was amazed with this experience. Even though I have been an enthusiastic supporter of local businesses, I never realized how much walking through a neighbourhood is important and enriching.
How would I have known about all these wonderful, new, available products if I hadn’t walked down the street and decided to go check it out? And also, how would I have gotten to know the people who own these businesses? When I drive to go shopping, I only stop where I believe I will find what I need.
I also went to two very interesting meetings in the last couple of weeks. The first one: a town hall meeting in which city council was collecting input from the community in order to draw the new strategic plan.
At this meeting, it seemed clear to me (and to all those who were present and with whom I spoke) that the majority of people want quality of life in Thunder Bay. Many defined this as a need for neighbourhood revitalization, more pedestrian-friendly areas, more trees, more bicycle paths, more cultural events, etc.
The second meeting I attended was organized by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and Canada Walks.
I learned so much about the many benefits of pedestrians and bicycle-friendly communities, I couldn’t possibly list them all. I will mention the most obvious: health and happiness of people, safer and healthier communities. The stress was made about this very important component of cities: people.
So, here it is: I strongly believe Thunder Bay needs to become a more people-friendly city. Much could be developed on this subject. I will leave it up to you, for now, to define what this means to you. What do you feel would make you a healthier and happier person? And also, what would make your community more friendly, more enjoyable, safer, healthier?
I personally see a Thunder Bay where walking and bicycling is made easy, safe and enjoyable and where the citizens are encouraged to walk and cycle.
Pedestrian neighbourhoods (the Bay Street area could be an awesome pilot project), better and more bicycle paths (especially down Memorial Avenue), more benches, more trees, garbage and recycling bins, more coffee shops and boutiques, parking lots that include trees and walkways, streets conceived with children and senior citizens in mind, less abandoned tree-less lots.
All this, I believe, would add to the quality of life and health of people. I also believe it would be good for businesses and the local economy.
Those who have the same desires must speak up. City council must hear our wishes in order to help materialize them. I encourage you to write, call, email your councillors and newspapers.
All voices must be heard because our hard-working councillors need our collective support in order to create a more beautiful Thunder Bay.
The other day I walked up and down Bay Street and a little ways down Algoma Street. In spite of the cool weather, this was an enjoyable experience. I enjoyed drinking a cup of tea at a local coffee shop with a friend, walking into two stores that have opened recently I hadn’t had a chance to see yet. I also enjoyed discovering new products that old stores now carry and buying a few gifts and staples for myself.
I was amazed with this experience. Even though I have been an enthusiastic supporter of local businesses, I never realized how much walking through a neighbourhood is important and enriching.
How would I have known about all these wonderful, new, available products if I hadn’t walked down the street and decided to go check it out? And also, how would I have gotten to know the people who own these businesses? When I drive to go shopping, I only stop where I believe I will find what I need.
I also went to two very interesting meetings in the last couple of weeks. The first one: a town hall meeting in which city council was collecting input from the community in order to draw the new strategic plan.
At this meeting, it seemed clear to me (and to all those who were present and with whom I spoke) that the majority of people want quality of life in Thunder Bay. Many defined this as a need for neighbourhood revitalization, more pedestrian-friendly areas, more trees, more bicycle paths, more cultural events, etc.
The second meeting I attended was organized by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and Canada Walks.
I learned so much about the many benefits of pedestrians and bicycle-friendly communities, I couldn’t possibly list them all. I will mention the most obvious: health and happiness of people, safer and healthier communities. The stress was made about this very important component of cities: people.
So, here it is: I strongly believe Thunder Bay needs to become a more people-friendly city. Much could be developed on this subject. I will leave it up to you, for now, to define what this means to you. What do you feel would make you a healthier and happier person? And also, what would make your community more friendly, more enjoyable, safer, healthier?
I personally see a Thunder Bay where walking and bicycling is made easy, safe and enjoyable and where the citizens are encouraged to walk and cycle.
Pedestrian neighbourhoods (the Bay Street area could be an awesome pilot project), better and more bicycle paths (especially down Memorial Avenue), more benches, more trees, garbage and recycling bins, more coffee shops and boutiques, parking lots that include trees and walkways, streets conceived with children and senior citizens in mind, less abandoned tree-less lots.
All this, I believe, would add to the quality of life and health of people. I also believe it would be good for businesses and the local economy.
Those who have the same desires must speak up. City council must hear our wishes in order to help materialize them. I encourage you to write, call, email your councillors and newspapers.
All voices must be heard because our hard-working councillors need our collective support in order to create a more beautiful Thunder Bay.
Catherine Sajna,
Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay
