Quote:
Originally Posted by fizzle
The happiness about what seemed to be a viable business shutting down, just because it's not something people on this board like, kind of bothers me. And some of the ideas...Shoppers, Walmart, etc., are pretty hilarious.
Clearly, people liked going to the thing. It doesn't exist as long as it did unless that was the case. I get a real sense of elitism reading comments on here sometimes. That only 'certain' types of people and business should be in the 'new' downtown, and anything but organic supermarkets and art galleries cheapens everything.
Did I like Delta Bingo? God no. But it filled a large space downtown and DID being people to the core. And I don't see other big business rushing in during the last 20 years to fill a commercial vacancy like they did.
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One could easily apply the same kinds of arguments for Show World.
I take your points... it did bring people to the core, and it has been a long-serving business that has paid taxes. But on the other hand, I'm not sure any other downtown businesses benefited much from the presence of the bingo hall, aside from the Tim Hortons across the street - money the patrons brought with them likely stayed in the bingo, and winnings probably went home with the winners (which is one of the knocks against a downtown casino).
As for posters here, I can't agree there's an elitist attitude. I think just about everyone genuinely wants the best for downtown, though some have different ideas about it than others. Sometimes there is sarcasm, but I think that is warranted given the history of downtown and the failed redevelopment schemes and unfulfilled proposals.
There are certain types of businesses that would be much more attractive for prime downtown sites like this one - businesses that create pedestrian traffic and demand for other neighbouring business. As others have noted, an anchor retailer is one idea, a college or university mini-campus might be another (all-day use, not primarily evening classes), or convert it to employment space for some other productive enterprise. Whether it could be done with this structure I don't know, but adding a couple of floors of quality lofts while keeping the base for commercial purposes would be great too. There are plenty of ways this building could be better used than it was.