ENDERBY, B.C. — The city of Enderby’s downtown core is getting a $1.8 million face lift.
It’s time; time to revitalize this downtown and bring back this vibrant business core this community needs. – Mayor Greg McCune
It’s been the better part of 35 years since the main downtown street, Cliff Avenue, has had any major upgrades.
As part of the revitalization the city will be removing worn and torn sidewalks, replacing old trees (which have proved detrimental as their roots have caused cracks and movement in the sidewalks) and revamping Cliff Avenue’s look.
Some of the design structures include large 30 – 40 foot wood pier-like pylons on either end of the city, drawing people toward the Shuswap River, a raised intersection at Cliff Avenue and
Belvedere Street that doubles as a public plaza and more seating along the sidewalk area and room for restaurant patios.
The goal is to get more tourists to stop in the city, spend more and have them stay longer.
McCune says thousands of people come to float in the river every summer. This revamp is a push to have them explore the city itself a bit more.
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The cost of the entire project is estimated at $1.8 million, but McCune says $200,000 saved from another project last year is being put towards that total and the rest of the price tag should be covered by the city’s reserves.
While businesses are all for having more customers come through the door, some owners say they wish they’d been consulted on the plans before they were approved.
McCune admits the new design will take remove about nine parking spots from the already busy street, but thinks the benefits outweigh the costs.
“It will unite our community better but also allow those tourism dollars to flow through,” says McCune.
Construction is expected to start in February and most of the work is forecast to finish in time for the start of the busy tourist season, the May long weekend.
Residents and business owners have a chance to get an up close look at the plans Tuesday, January 26. The city is holding an open house at City Hall from 4 – 6 p.m.
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