BIA Launches Love Downtown Woodstock Campaign

Tuesday, 26 October 2021 06:24

About 50 people attended a meeting hosted by the Downtown Woodstock BIA last week. They talked about the current situation on Dundas Street and how we can support businesses in the downtown core.

WOODSTOCK - The Downtown Woodstock BIA has launched the Love Downtown Woodstock Campaign.

They will be mailing out flyers to residents with information on who to call if you need support in downtown Woodstock.

The BIA has been working with the City, the County and Woodstock Police for the past two years looking for solutions to some of the problems plaguing Dundas Street. Manager Virginia Armstrong says they had 50 people attend a meeting last week.

"It was so well attended and such a positive meeting, everyone was able to express their concerns and have them addressed by the various representatives of the County, the Police and the City. It was a great opportunity for people to get on board. We identified a lot of the concerns and it brought us all together, knowing that we don't have to deal with the social issues as they are, alone."

The BIA also secured funding for the clean up team in the downtown, who make sure to clean up any mess left behind. Armstrong says they have worked through the various levels of government to find solutions.

"We have now created through the BIA, postcards that have identified where you can call for help. Do you call a social service, do you call police or an ambulance. We have also received funding to carry on with our downtown clean team."

She notes, they're working to bring more special events downtown to bring people back downtown.

"I think more pedestrian traffic will bring our street back to life and our focus won't be on those, that have those issues that everybody frowns upon. It is safe downtown, I know there are things we don't want to see, but folks it is not going to get better, it is an issue all across Canada and globally. I think we need to take our downtown back. BIA is doing our part, we have some awesome events coming up for Christmas, including an artisan market, Santa House, the lighting of the lights and Santa carriage rides. So come on out and support us. I work downtown every day, I don't feel threatened, we have to take our downtown back, and if you want it to be beautiful again, then come downtown, come shop downtown and support these local businesses, they really, really need you."

If you need support with a situation in Downtown Woodstock, please contact one of these services.

Calls to Police:

- Person in distress
- Person sleeping on the street/property
- Person safety concerns (drug/alcohol using, fear of overdose)
- Theft
- Extreme escalation situations (violence and/or weapons)

Calls to Outreach: (Outreach is run by CMHA and can be reached at 1-866-933-2023)

- Drug paraphernalia
- Person support/referrals
- Heat and cold alerts
- Business support/resources/education
- Seeking clarity of who to contact/what to do

Calls to City:

- Found needles on City property
- Abandoned possessions/materials on City property

You can listen to the interview with Virginia Armstrong below: