The pandemic has taken its toll on Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc.
That was learned during the 43rd annual DMCI meeting held earlier today.
Executive Director Anne Poirier-Basque says businesses rely on the 22,000 workers in the downtown, “It has hollowed out the heart of our city, where more than half of the downtown working population is still working remotely from home. This population is what supports our cafes, restaurants, retailers, art galleries, etc.”
President for DMCI’s Board of Directors Jocelyne Dupuis says its stakeholders are at the forefront of its efforts. “Downtown Moncton saw significant growth in our downtown over the last few years. However, it must be mentioned that with this growth and because of the pandemic, our downtown has experienced a lot of the same challenges as many other downtowns across Canada and we have to be equipped to face them head-on.”
DMCI is currently concentrating efforts on encouraging the top downtown employers to have their staff return to the office.
Poirier-Basque says they are trying to address increased concerns about safety from businesses and their staff, “Regarding social issues, drug addictions and mental health issues by working in collaboration with city officials, by-law enforcement, Codiac RCMP, YMCA Reconnect, Greater Moncton Chamber of Commerce and other partners.”
They are advocating for short and long term solutions.
“With the Chamber of Commerce, we will continue our advocacy efforts to the city, the province and the federal governments for solutions. In the short term, are advocating for public washrooms, increased policing and streets patrols,” Poirier-Basque says. “In the long term, they are advocating for affordable housing with services for mental health and addictions.”
