In response to Mayor John Fenik’s request for clarification, the Ministry of Environment recently stated that the authority to oversee parking configurations for Main Street rests in the hands of Perth officials.
Mayor Fenik wanted to clarify the ministry’s ruling that stipulated they can only reconstruct the town’s Main Street if it conformed to the to the environmental assessment’s instructions. Failure to do so would result in stiff penalties.
The mayor’s question came as a result of the ongoing balancing act he’s had to deal with in designing the town’s main street, which includes removing all on-street parking. Residents who are presently operating businesses along Wilson Street say that removing parking will practically put their establishments out of business.
His decision to take out parking is final, Fenik said, and he will no longer entertain any back and forth debates. He will however, continue to communicate and work with the public as the project goes along.
Councilor Ed McPherson invited residents in town to attend a public meeting on the 10th of February where final designs and configurations of the street will be unveiled; these include streetscaping, as well as a glimpse of businesses slated to open in the future.
Whatever the case, we’re just happy Main Street is up for some rejuvenation. It’s a move sure to breathe new life into the town.
