Our other websites:March 28 2011 -- Follow the Plan...Strategically Please!
In my last column I wrote a somewhat tongue-in-cheek fantasy piece about what I thought London might or should look like in the year 2025. I was surprised at how many emails and tweets I received from individuals who shared that vision and encouraged immediate action to make it (the fantasy) happen.
One could argue that a number of things are now underway that could accomplish, in part at least, what we fantasy seekers are looking for. The recent wrap up to the Mayor's Economic Council (MEC) meeting contained many suggestions including but not limited to how to improve the core, increase our capacity along the 401/402 corridor, fix our downtown parking dilemma, and embrace the arts as an economic generator. Add to this the enhancement of our research and hospital facilities and our outstanding post-secondary institutions and you could argue that London could indeed realize all of those fantasies and more.
The trick in all of this will be to start with a clear and universal vision of what we want our city to be in 2025 and 2050. In other words we need the long-awaited, often referred to but never materialized Strategic Plan from which ALL other plans must hang. Done correctly, a Strategic Plan forces you to co-ordinate all other plans including, the Downtown Master Plan, the London Transit Plan, the Master Parking Plan for the Core, the Growth Boundaries Plan, The Transportation Master Plan, and every other darn plan that comes along including of course the annual operations and budget plans of the City. These plans must all sing to each other and when sung from the same song sheet...voila, a masterpiece!
As it is now, many, if not most of these plans are disconnected from each other making it extremely difficult to achieve any kind of efficiency or shared vision for the City. I, for one, am optimistic that the MEC's report will contain a very strong recommendation for the development of this much-needed City of London Strategic Plan. Perhaps then, and only then we can begin to move this City in the direction we need to in order to achieve our full potential as one of Canada's great cities.
Hopefully the Mayor's call for a downtown stakeholder's meeting will also adopt this same type of all- inclusive philosophy.
Incidentally, with respect to the recently announced Strategic Plan for the Western Fair Association, I know this group very well and I know its CEO, Hugh Mitchell very well too. This is an organization that has its act together and over that last decade or so has turned the sleepy old Western Fair grounds into one of the most dynamic and versatile powerhouse entertainment complexes in the country. Much of this was achieved in partnership with the City of London. That the Western Fair Board is now looking to expand their horizons would be cause for applause in most circles. The mere fact that they indeed have a plan gets my hands clapping right out of the gate.
My suggestion to appease the naysayers -- let's relax and wait until they (the Western Fair) have actually completed the plan beyond its draft stage and then in the words of our Mayor, their plan will build on the City's plans - not compete with it. Bravo to that!
On the election fronts, is it just me or do things seem unusually quiet out of both the McGuinty and Hudak camps? I do have it right don't I? There is a provincial election this fall isn't there? Just sayin'.
And on the federal scene, you can expect the rhetoric to hit full stride soon as all parties are jockeying for positions and of course your votes. Will it be a nasty affair with all sides slinging mud in all directions? I wouldn't want to speculate on that but I do believe I will haul out my Teflon suit for the remainder of the election season. Again...just sayin'.
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