To the editor:
After the recent closure of several restaurants and shops in town, I’d like to express some ideas for how we, as a community, might help to stimulate our economy.
I think that for people visiting our area, it’s very unattractive to drive through town and see a huge “For Lease” sign smack in the middle of main street. If I were considering moving here, that might make me think twice.
Instead of waiting around for something to just happen, maybe some research could be put into what 100 Mile needs.
Think about why you drive to Williams Lake for shopping — what do you buy there that you can’t buy here — a wider variety of reasonably priced electronics, children’s toys, clothing and shoes?
If we could determine which of these things 100 Mile could successfully support, maybe the [district] council could extend invitations to entrepreneurs who might be interested in opening those specific businesses here?
So much money was spent on the Horse Lake Road intersection. Instead of money spent, I think we could make it money invested.
The proposed new development, consisting of office spaces, travel agents, mortgage brokers, etc., in my opinion, would not be very beneficial.
How about a truck stop, with a restaurant and gas bar? Right now, there is nowhere for truckers to pull over, buy gas, eat, and spend their money.
Maybe it could be here in our town? This could also increase business to the tire store and car wash up the street. Add some public washrooms and a dog walk; let’s get people to stop on their way through.
Above the underpass, where currently it’s just grass, plant some trees, put in some benches and lamp posts, and an elevated flower bed with “100 MILE” written in flowers. Add an attractive sign with directions to Birch Avenue to increase traffic flow to our downtown shops.
Why not put clear lights up in all the trees on main street? Enhancing the beauty of downtown will encourage people to spend their time and money there.
These kinds of things, to me, say we really care about our community, and about how others perceive it.
If we can inspire visitors to spend money in our town, and if we, as residents, can do the same, the benefits will be felt in so many aspects — rise in house prices, increased revenue for established businesses, new businesses, the creation of more jobs. The list goes on and on.
Nadaya Tresierra
100 Mile House
