Coming up with a design plan for the buildings in downtown Keremeos is a tall order.
All one needs to do is take a walk down the main street to see how previous plans have failed to make an impact.
The current plan is based on a heritage feel calling for one-storey buildings to have a faux front for a second floor and other design parameters.
How many one-storey buildings have that in place?
Some buildings definitely fit that heritage feel like the Wrong Turn Tavern which is one of the oldest buildings left in the community.
Others like the former Review office which was a double wide manufactured trailer do not.
At the moment ideas floating around are covering buildings with stone and wood accents.
Although a beautiful idea - expensive is the first thing that comes to mind with that scenario.
Many downtown businesses are struggling to make ends meet now. One has to wonder how many can afford a facade remodel even with the $2,000 matching grant the village has to offer.
Other ideas include painting buildings in a similar palette colour scheme.
That could work and is affordable, for sure, but many buildings are already painted and it doesn’t seem to bring a cohesiveness to downtown.
It’s challenging and something that needs great discussion with the public, around the council table and with local businesses.
A list of questions are available to print out that were part of the recent Keremeos enhancement open house last week.
Please take the time and have your say about this and other issues being discussed on how to make Keremeos more appealing.
It’s going to take everyone coming together to voice concerns and share ideas on how to make downtown and the rest of Keremeos more inviting to tourists and future residents.
-T.B.