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“To create a vibrant commercial corridor at the heart of a diverse and inclusive community where more people live, work, shop, show and have fun.”
On February 15th, 2002 the BIA launched the Old East London Village Commercial Corridor Transition and Revitalization Study, a partnership initiative between the Old East London Village BIA, The Ontario Professional Planners Institute’s Planner Action Team and the London Intercommunity Health Centre. The study was the culmination of seven years of collaboration by area businesses, residents, church groups, and social service agencies who worked together to lay the foundations that made it possible to tackle the redevelopment of the Dundas Street commercial corridor. Through this study the following problems and opportunities were identified:
The Original Problem
as defined by the BIA and community in 2002.
- Deteriorating building stock.
- Urban blight in key central area.
- Major socio economic issues.
- Loss of opportunity for quality urban neighbourhood and commercial area.
- Struggling business corridor that no longer related to the residential district.
- Lack of investment and loss of tax dollars. In 2005, prior to implementation of incentive programs, $1,654 was collected from fees from the application and issuance of permits.
The Opportunity
as defined by the BIA and community in 2002.
- Central area location with outstanding heritage assets.
- Creative, diverse community.
- Active community, strong sense of community.
- Strong culture and arts community.
- Smart growth; intensification, utilization of existing services; create outstanding livable community.
- Strengthen Downtown Core with supporting residential and commercial areas.
Re-establishing Value, A Plan for the Old East Village
The result of the study was the Re-establishing Value, A Plan for the Old East Village report. This plan has been guiding revitalization projects since its release in April 2003. The plan recommends five arenas for improvement:
- Improve the Desirability of the Surrounding Neighbourhood
- Strengthen the Connection Between the Community and the Commercial Corridor
- Create a Village Core and Concentrate Revitalization Efforts There
- Support the Transition of the Rest of the Corridor
- Develop Entertainment, Recreation and Arts Opportunities
This revitalization initiative addresses the underlying problems of the corridor, not simply the symptoms of those problems. While previous plans focused on physical improvements, this plan identifies and addresses the real issues affecting the Old East Village corridor. It is motivated by a clear vision and develops a strategy to accomplish this vision. It is a comprehensive plan that “thinks big” but advocates steady, incremental, and achievable steps towards its final goal of revitalization.
Today, through the commitment and involvement of the community, commercial businesses, property owners, and organizations, the BIA has successfully implemented a number of revitalization initiatives and continues to participate in current revitalization efforts.
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