ECCA President’s Letter
Last month, I noted with sadness the news that the Eau Claire YMCA would not be reopening, even after COVID restrictions have been relaxed. Disturbing enough as it was, just to lose a friend and valued facility in the neighbourhood, it was also concerning to see comments about how trends in downtown contributed to the decision. Clearly, there is still more to be done to develop the downtown area, including downtown communities like Eau Claire, as places to live, play, and work.
Fortunately, in the last couple of months, we’ve seen encouraging signs of activity and of things perhaps coming back to life at recent meetings of your Eau Claire community Association Board.
One feature was an extensive presentation by Graywood, the development company, on their updated plans for a new condominium building they intend to build on the now-vacant lot between 1st and 2nd Avenues, just east of La Caille Park Place, and across the street from the Concorde building. It was good to see someone expressing confidence again in the neighbourhood, and the potential for more new neighbours. Also, as an association we appreciate developers keeping us informed of their plans in this way.
Watch this newsletter for more information on this project.
In other news, we also learned that Ward 7 Councillor Druh Farrell will not be running for re-election this year, after representing this ward for 20 years. Councillor Farrell was a great champion of this community and knew the importance of supporting a vibrant downtown as much more than a commercial core. We will miss her support and wish her the best.
On a personal note, I want to mention that this will be my last such letter to you as ECCA President. As of early April, I will have moved out of Eau Claire. I will certainly miss living here. As I’ve mentioned in this column in the past, I think our community, with its great combination of immediate access to downtown, along with the attractions of the river park, is the best neighbourhood in the city.
And I’ve enjoyed serving as your community association president. One of the best parts has been the opportunity to work with the other dedicated volunteers on the board, and also the great City employees that this job has allowed me to interact with. For this newsletter column, I especially want to thank Peg Oneil for the great job she does pulling together this newsletter every month. And in addition to that, she has agreed to take over as your new Community Association President. So, I leave knowing things are in great hands.
In closing, stay healthy everyone, and best wishes for 2021.
