Nov 3rd Update:
I have requested a list of the Streetscape work orders so I can better understand the issues and concerns about the Project at this point in time. I wish to ensure all concerns and issues are being addressed.
If residents and business owners have questions or encounter a problem, they can now use the Harrow Streetscape Project Hotline by calling 519-776-7336 ext 1044. The hotline will be staffed during regular business hours (8:30am to 4:30pm). Callers will also have the option to leave a voicemail message outside of business hours.
https://webforms.essex.ca/eSolutions/Report-A-Problem
It is a Legacy Project- Not an Overnight Project
The Harrow Streetscape has been talked about and planned for nearly a decade. In 2011 we hired a firm to do a Strategic Plan for Harrow. The Strategic Plan included a Community Improvement Plan and a beautification plan for Downtown Harrow. It has been a long time coming and something the businesses and residents have wanted for our community for a very long time. It will be beautiful when its done. Town council did many workshops to gather public feedback, the Streetscape was covered again and again in council minutes and in the Harrow News Paper.
This term of council we have Streetscape plans prepared and budgeted for implementation in both Harrow and Essex Centre. The completion date for the Ward 1 Streetscape project should coincide with the next election, give or take a few months. Both urban centers are going to get the much needed facelift. I have always supported both Streetscape plans and still do. Our main street merchants have been trying hard to keep the storefronts open, its our time to meet them halfway. When talking to residents I was always told about how beautiful Amherstburg was or how beautiful Kingsville is, now we will be beautiful too.
With all that said I am currently receiving many complaints a day about various issues around the plan. Unfortunately I can not easily get answers. I have asked for an onsite meeting and a zoom call with Administration over concerns and that seems like something that will not be granted. I am the Council rep in this ward but I certainly have no more information than Gary walking down the street. That is where my frustration is, I have asked residents to take their concerns directly to town staff. Workloads on our administrative team are high so answers to questions and concerns might be delayed.
There has been talk of a hotline to help answer Streetscape questions and concerns. I think that is a great idea. People just want to know what is going to happen next, why bricks are put in and taken out, why both sides of the road are torn up at the same time. Questions keep coming in to me about why some signs are still up and places where there are not enough signs. Communication is key, our businesses need more.
My hope is we can work out all the kinks and continue to support our businesses during this time. When I know more I will share more. In the meantime I have asked to share Kevin Girard’s contact. His email is kgirard@essex.ca
All businesses are still open, please support them if you can. They need our support more than ever. The lockdown hurt them but this does not have to.
