The Mayor of Riverview has planned a virtual forum to help support local business and to find ways to attract more into their community.
The virtual forum that is being held at 5:30 on Thursday, November 4th will include Town Councillors and local businesses.
Mayor Andrew Leblanc says, “I’ve been working on it since I was sworn in. Coming out of an election campaign, you hear lots of issues from residents and one of the things in all levels of government here, we need to do more to support local businesses. We need to look at what does that phrase really mean and what can we do to actually support local businesses, how do we define that and how do we strengthen the relationship between the business community, the municipality and residents.”
He adds, “There’s a particular feel and a vibe in the Town of Riverview, I guess, and I think people just want to see that reflected in the businesses that are here as well. We have a great Town that collaborates and works together. What are some of the gaps and what are some of the things we might be missing and how can we enhance that relationship? “There are a lot of small businesses in Riverview. We are looking for some of niche markets that might bring people across the River into our town. I think by and large, I think that’s what people are looking for.””
The forum will include an introduction and then proceed into some breakout groups. “COVID-19 will probably be a factor in these discussions and looking at some of the impacts, in particular with trying to convince people to shop local. It has certainly made us more aware of the necessities to make sure we are supporting those small businesses.” Leblanc says.
“I really want to go in open minded and just hear what our business community has to say. There’s no question that the new bridge does create some opportunity for us. For example, ecotourism. We are strengthening our relationship with the Riverkeeper to try and look at some opportunities there,” Leblanc adds.
All of the feedback from the forum will be summarized and then presented to Town Council.
Leblanc would like to see these types of discussions to happen at least once a year, do a check-in, and see how much progress have we made, to make sure the dialogue stays open.
