This report has illuminated the challenges and opportunities presented by vacant buildings in New Liskeard and Haileybury, highlighting the impact on local businesses, aesthetics, and public safety. Recommendations span short-term incentives for occupancy, long-term sustainable development strategies, specific actions to address homelessness, enhance beauty, and improve safety, alongside a critical evaluation of tax incentives. The proposed by-laws provide a comprehensive framework for managing vacant buildings, drawing on successful examples from other cities to ensure effectiveness and practicality.
Furthermore, the support from the New Liskeard Business Improvement Area (BIA), as detailed in Appendix D, underscores the community's collective commitment to these initiatives. Their endorsement highlights the broad consensus and shared vision for revitalizing our downtown areas.
We call upon City Council and all stakeholders to collaborate on these recommendations, fostering a revitalized, vibrant, and inclusive downtown. The path forward requires collective action and commitment to transform challenges into catalysts for community growth and prosperity
