Editor:
When I read the May 18 cover story of Lakes District News, "Business Owners Say More Needs To Be Done", I did not know whether to laugh or cry.
Back when the downtown "revitalization" plans were being discussed, Wayne Brown predicted the disastrous effects that removing Hwy. 16 parking along Hwy. 16 would have on main street businesses.
The vehement concerns of Mr. Brown and other merchants were ignored, and the predictions have come true. It is ironic that the Village of Burns Lake is now scrambling for ways to persuade new businesses to occupy the empty storefronts.
Adding off-street parking is not going to improve the situation; not many people relish the thought of hiking several blocks in -20 C with a wind chill. Even where parking spaces still exist, the curb bulbs make it almost impossible to use them.
Kelly Holliday's suggestion of a theme for downtown Burns Lake is great, but forget retro: let's go for "Western ghost town".
With all the empty storefronts (and more on the way), we're halfway there.
Sincerely,
Jacqui Graham