DIA Concerned about Magnet Effect
Despite the significant concentration of services in and around the core, the community is not experiencing improvement. If we continue to add more, we create a magnet effect and the economic losses will rise, this will result in more businesses closing.
The magnet effect is already impacting downtown businesses, leading to economic losses worsened by the growth of social services and medical clinics catering to their clients. If we continue to add more, we create a magnet effect and the economic losses will rise, this will result in more businesses closing.
See: DIA Strongly Opposed to Warming Centre in Downtown Core https://reportnorthbay.ca/dia-strongly/
Despite the significant concentration of services in and around the core, the community is not experiencing improvement; instead, it is becoming a magnet for individuals grappling with mental health and addiction issues. However, the only discernible magnet appears to be the influx of services.
The downtown area lacks essential amenities for quality of life, such as a greengrocer or pharmacy open beyond typical business hours, and notably lacks a food bank. Upon closer examination, it raises the question of whom and what we are truly catering to.
In summary, the Downtown Improvement Area (DIA) opposes the placement of a connection center or hub within the downtown core. Upon initial review, it appears that there is a rush to implement a permanent solution. However, to ensure long-term success, we advocate for a collaborative approach involving the entire community, especially the private business sector.
We respectfully urge a reconsideration of the current proposal and advocate for innovative, sustainable solutions that address homelessness while balancing community interests and the needs of those experiencing homelessness.
Report North Bay has asked for a response from the Chair of DNSSAB (councilor Mark King) and Mayor Chirico for this developing story
