I was just reading over some of my past blog posts as I was changing up the blog, making it a little more spring-like, and it seems time to update some of the thoughts I had.
Since the civic election almost a year and half ago, there have been some changes in FSJ. The East-Bypass Trail was decommissioned, and then brought back, and now, is apparently going to become part of the Trans-Canada trail network. Looks like the protests against the decommissioning were well-founded. Unlike the decision to get rid of the trail in the first place.
The former site of the Fort Hotel in the centre of the city is still empty, with a pretty, expensive fence around it, and homeless people hanging out inside. I saw two of them going in there on Wednesday, squeezing through a hole in the fence by the alley and the sidewalk. Not much shelter in there, which I assume they were looking for, since a snowstorm was upon us. It really is time for someone to step up and revive, or properly clean-up that location. We have the Cultural Centre on one corner, Whole Wheat & Honey cafe on the other corner - both of which support much of what is artistic and beautiful in our area - there's the Lido at the other end of the block, show-casing performing arts and assisting in local fundraising events . . . and smack dab in the middle is the former Fort location. Nasty. Although, as I said, the fence is pretty. Even turning it into a green space, would be better than what is there now. And I bet that increased green space in the downtown core would go a long way to improving our chances in the Communities in Bloom competition. However, I mainly suggest it, because it would just be nice.
As long as those horrible people who cut down the trees at the Pool don't run rampant in that part of town too.
Wasn't that lovely? A fabulous way to end the High on Ice Festival . . . some bunch of jerks thinking it's funny to cut down trees. Probably related to the same civic-minded, beauty-loving people who wrecked all the trees along 100th and 100th a couple of decades ago. Nice, eh?
One thing I have noticed that is good, the businesses who are putting up new buildings, are making them look nice. Sure, a few of them are tilt-slab concrete, but they have nice clean lines, and I hope when the snow is gone, we'll see some landscaping in place. And the re-purposing of the former temporary home of Unforgettable Memories - that barn-like structure now located on 100th Ave, out by the pet store, is fabulous. Not only does it look nice, but it is a bakery!!! Yes, FSJ has a bakery!
Speaking of Unforgettable Memories, have you seen their new building? It's so nice, and make sure you check out the sidewalk as you go into the store - whoever did that is a genius - if we ever decide to put concrete pathways down out here, I want to get that guy to do ours!! It looks like a wooden boardwalk. But it's concrete. Fantastic.
Just goes to show what FSJers can create with a little imagination. Something functional, durable and pleasant to look at.
