Modernizing downtown Woodstock; streetscape project underway

A major streetscape project is underway in downtown Woodstock, CTV London’s Bryan Bicknell took a look at the impact on residents and businesses.

The city of Woodstock began a major project this week to update its downtown streetscape.

“Well it’s been a long time coming,” said shop owner Wes Mazur who operates Cheesy Cow Co. with his wife Sarah Mazur.

He said he looks forward to having the heart of the community put its best hooves forward.

“I think it’s very critical. I think it’s like anywhere in the community you need to have good curb appeal, and on top of that having accessible sidewalks, and really making sure that people know that Woodstock is open for business,” said Mr. Mazur.

The Streetscape Project is a $2.7 million initiative to beautify the downtown and make it more accessible. The first phase runs just a couple blocks along Dundas Street from east of Wellington Street to west of Riddel Street.

“It’s revitalization of property line to property line. Of sidewalks, streets, new concrete, new asphalt, new benches, new street furniture, waste receptacles. Making the street more accessible and friendly,” explained Downtown Development Officer Kerry Baird.

But not everyone is thrilled about the project. Woodstock senior Lynda Beno said she’d rather see public money spent on attracting new businesses to the downtown.

“I’d rather see more stores come down than stuff being done to pretty up the sidewalks or fix the main roads... There’s a lot of seniors in this town, what are we offering for them?” she questioned.

Phase one of the project is expected to last 13 weeks, and be completed by summer. The city says pedestrians will have full access.

That’s no consolation for Brenda Dawson, who uses a cane to get around.

“It’s going to be a lot of inconvenience because that’s, a lot of people don’t walk very far, like me. You know, you have a cane and stuff, and you can’t walk some days,”

Katharina Otulak, who owns the Fair Square shop on Dundas Street, says she believes it will all be worth in in the long run.

“By keeping all the parking lots around us open, by keeping Dundas accessible as much as possible, we’re mitigating the effects of this construction. This week so far has been normal for us in terms of store traffic,” said Otulak