When my wife gets me to a mall, I start to sweat after 15 to 16 minutes. I’m not a shopper, (do they have the heat cranked in those places?) but I do have to go into town often in Castlegar for stuff and I’ve noticed a pattern over the years of friendliness from all involved.
In case you haven’t noticed, people are always holding the door open for one another. I know, it sounds moot, but take a look next time you walk in a store. I’ve always believed chivalry never died, and it hasn’t! It’s the little things that stand out to me sometimes, and I’m glad when I see them.
Once in the store I find the heat to be at a reasonable temperature and the staff friendly and down to earth. I think that of all the places I go, the people in the stores of Castlegar are the nicest people.
What a good thing!
City council I recall spent lots of money on a brand. Sorry, I can’t remember what they picked but if you’d like to change it to something about opening doors, go ahead, no fee, my pleasure.
I have to mention an example of this feeling about a merchant of many years whom I think has led the way. That would be Frank at the (former) Downtown Shell. He’s got a couch in the entrance and you can sit and chat, and it’s never too hot. And if you sat on that couch for a bit, you’d eventually get to meet many staff, and they are all polite, good people. Getting your car fixed doesn’t have to be hell.
That’s just one example of so many merchants I deal with.
City council needs to look at how wonderful a place Castlegar is, and feel what people are all about. I think they’re doing a good job.
Look at all the development. Tear down the motel, go buy the Marlane Hotel block buildings and tear them down and sit and wait for someone to build offices on those properties. You’ll get your investment back tenfold.
It’ll happen, and when it does the downtown will be revitalized. Make sure that all those that come here during this revitalization period know about opening doors.
Bob White
Castlegar