Cornwall’s DBIA set to move into phase 2 of light project

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The Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) held its annual general meeting on Tuesday morning, bringing together business leaders and owners to go over the year that just passed and what Cornwall’s downtown has to look forward to in the months to come.

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Overall, the DBIA will continue to improve the vibe in Cornwall’s downtown, with the intent of continuing to attract a diverse group of people to the heart of Cornwall.

In its new strategic plan, Jessica Bourdeau highlighted the DBIA’s mission to boost the vibe in the downtown area. Bourdeau runs Spark Synergy and was hired by the DBIA to develop the strategic plan.

“This part centres on creating something local businesses and visitors just can’t resist,” said Bourdeau. “When you come downtown, what are you seeing? What are you feeling? What are you smelling?”

From discussions around boosting the vibe downtown, the DBIA suggested it would support moving Cornwall Transit’s main bus transfer point. Bourdeau mentioned the DBIA hoped to have further discussions with the city, as all Cornwall Transit routes currently meet curbside at Pitt and Second streets for passengers who need to transfer to another route.

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The DBIA will have to flip the switch on its Light Meets Art in the Heart of the City project, for now. The project has so far seen an illuminated Downtown Cornwall sign on First Street. The second phase, which is in progress, would add an artistic lighting installation designed by an artist from Akwesasne. However the third phase, which would have lit up a walkway, has been postponed.

“We haven’t been successful in getting a grant,” said Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce general manager and DBIA administrator Angela Bero, who added the DBIA hasn’t given up on its vision entirely, but until funds are found the organization is being realistic about its current priorities.

The DBIA is still hoping to engage the community and bolster its event roster. While nothing was decided by attendees, the general hope was a potential summer student position could be used to help fill in the calendar.

Coming up in June, the DBIA will be the home turf for two annual events that have become local staples. The Art Walk is scheduled for late June, and the Night Market is hoping to pack Pitt Street on June 13, or June 20 if the weather isn’t ready to co-operate.

mbenoit@postmedia.com

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