Editor:
The beautiful small Ontario town of Creemore is not attractive because of cars parking on Mill street but because of the ability of people to walk along Mill street, window shop, greet neighbours, and sit on a patio and sip coffee, all the while closely watchingwhat is happening around them.
Creemore is not made attractive by the aroma of cars’ exhaust fumes but by the aroma of the freshly brewed beer, coffee and baked croissants. Patios, as part of the public space, are functioning like life support; components essential not just to businesses but to all Creemore residents as well as visitors.
The mayor and his council have a duty to protect all forms of public life. It is an essential part of their mandate. To close down patios would be to eliminate any little positive effect Covid has had on our lives during the past several years.
Throughout the history of mankind, the city has been a meeting place for people as well as a place to trade. It is also important to note that much cultural development happens in public spaces. And it is the public space where public life flourishes, this is the prime definition of the city. The harmonious relationship between elements is the key aspect of a healthy and well functioning city, small or large.
We want to trust that the council members’ wisdom and deep understanding of issues and priorities guarantees Creemore’s prosperous development.
The proper relationship between public spaces, people and cars should be resolved by the appropriate planning means not by the bureaucratic means.
Cars should never be put before people.
Jan Benda,
Mulmur.