North Grenville is one step closer to implementing the Downtown Kemptville Community Action Plan.
Earlier this week, council approved the plan – which seeks to act as a guide that will assist in the development of the urban centre’s core.
As a result, council is authorizing $175,000 from General Reserves to help fund Community Investment Programs for 2021, and to address present issues and future opportunities for the area.
Following the presentation, Deputy Mayor Jim McManaman applauded the plan, but pointed out that going forward, the municipality is going to have to address the issue of parking in the downtown area.
“So, more parking will be needed in the future. We’re looking at improvements to Riverside Park and other areas down there, and if we do get more businesses coming down there’s that potential for people to hang around downtown a little longer,” McManaman said . “So, parking is going to be an issue more than less in the future.”
McManaman adds that most residents are not parking downtown for extended visits, but mostly for quick in-and-out stops to run errands.
The plan was the result of extensive research and stakeholder engagement.
It’s two major themes included the desire for more residential units downtown and better connectivity between natural assets, public amenities, and businesses.
As someone who lives outside of town, Councillor Kristin Strackerjan says she endorses the concept of making downtown Kemptville a destination spot, in the same vein as Merrickville.
“With COVID, maybe people can become more familiar as we spend more time down there, people will know all the different businesses and how close they are, and that you can walk from one spot to another,” Strackerjan said. “I think we’re on the precipice of that kind of destination parking and I think there’s lots of opportunity to grow into that.”
The town says the next steps will be to implement the plan effective immediately, to encourage more investment in downtown Kemptville.
To review the plan, head here.