Governments concerned about sound urban planning need to pay more attention to the role played by anchor public institutions, such as public libraries, in invigorating local economies, writes urban strategist and former Winnipeg Mayor Glen Murray.
"[L]ittle thought goes into planning the location of customer-generating, public-sector facilities and what impact it has on the economy and culture of the community. Often, it seems a location is chosen simply because of the availability of 'free' provincial land that had no other useful purpose.
Provincial governments hold legislative authority to undo a generation of bad urban policy.
Their solutions have involved everything from master plans to growth strategies and massive infrastructure programs. The beginnings of a solution may be simpler â€" and no further than your local library.
Ontario spends only $28 million a year on public libraries. If the province increased that significantly and decided its role was to fund the construction and repair of libraries, it could significantly contribute to the rebuilding of local economies and the restoration of culturally significant places.
Public institutions like the Post Office, the library, and the liquor store have been gathering places in communities for generations. Strategically used to leverage economic renewal, they not only restore a street but begin to rebuild a community's tax base."
FULL STORY: Citizens: Take back Main Street
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