BIA seeks council's support to improve downtown Paris

By Emma Dillabough, Special to B-cause

Members of the Paris Business Improvement Association (B.I.A.) are seeking council’s support to improve the city’s downtown.

Henry Stolp and Lisa Dalpe put forward to council the possibility of an area study in downtown Paris. Stolp and Dalpe are looking to create a community improvement plan to develop upon things like pedestrian routes and the identity of the core.

“We feel it’s a good thing to do for our downtown,” Dalpe said.

The downtown is threatened by commercial development on the outskirts of town and having a community improvement plan would benefit both visitors and citizens.

Stolp and Dalpe propose a consultation program that would involve meeting with stakeholders as well as preparing a detailed report. This document would then provide a clear direction for the downtown area.

The initial cost of the study would be approximately $5,000 to $6,000 and the B.I.A. is willing to pay $3,000. Stolp and Dalpe are looking for the county to match that amount and to allow a county staff member to join their team.

Councillor Wheat asked, “Is the GRCA working with or against you?”

Stolp answered by explaining that all of downtown Paris is within the flood lines and they are looking for the downtown area to become an exception so that progress can be made.

“There are issues for us to deal with and they are looking for ways to help,” Stolp said.

This item will be brought forward at the next meeting with an eye for finding $3,000 and a staff member to join the team. The motion was carried.