A presentation regarding business in Thompson’s downtown area was a major talking point during Monday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting.

 

Members from the Thompson Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Biz group say participating businesses identified over 40 issues that revolve around business disruption, downtown safety, vagrancy, public intoxication, litter, and the city’s responsibility.

 

The group says these issues are detrimental to recruitment and investment and that several businesses indicated that they’re at the threshold of closing and leaving town.

 

They also state most of the businesses were not aware of what the city’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Strategy entailed.

 

Deputy Mayor Kathy Valentino says the next steps would be for Downtown Biz to meet with the chairs of the Community Safety and Wellbeing Strategy, as many of the issues identified in the presentation are addressed in the plan.

 

Councillors Kim Linklater and Cheryl Moore from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation were in attendance that night, and told city council following the presentation that surrounding First Nations do want to be involved in addressing these issues.

 

They state big box companies like Walmart as well as Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries should also pitch in, as they note residents from the surrounding areas contribute significantly to the city’s economy.

 

Downtown Biz wants an action plan in place by this coming spring.