Much talk has been made of Guelph’s late night entertainment scene and it’s associated problems. Concern has been raised over excessive litter and debris(mainly fast food containers), noise, vandalism (broken store front windows) and occasional violence.
The stick:
A motion (moved by myself) passed at the Finance and Corporate Services Committee (FACS) directing staff to investigate the possibility of implementing a bar stool tax. This tax would target the problem business’s in Downtown to help recover policing and cleanup costs. A report is expected sometime in the spring of 2008. Potential new revenue for the City could be $500,000.
The carrot:
A task force has been struck to deal with the problems associated with Guelph’s nightlife. It is comprised of representatives from:
University of Guelph Student Services and Communications
Downtown Guelph Business Association
Guelph Police Services
Planning and Economic Development Staff
Downtown bar & business owners
Local residents
City Council
The Guelph Nightlife Task Force (GNTF) is focusing on the short term solutions with an eye to big picture.
Shortly there will be additional garbage receptacles located in the Downtown, mostly along MacDonnell Street to provide better capacity. Currently, the inventory of garbage cans is being overwhelmed by large volumes of garbage. More cans are needed.
The GNTF hopes to see 24/7 public washrooms in all new municipal facilities as they are built (ie Carden St. transit transfer station, Baker St. Library and the New Civic Square). This will provide after hour facilities for patrons wishing to relieve themselves in private.
New taxi stand pick-up locations and the revived Magic Bus are helping to get the late night folks out of Downtown quicker with less lingering.
The bars are considering a harmonized identification device to track problem patrons with an attempt to limit their access to all City bars.
U of G is reviewing expanding it’s student code of conduct to include off site actions.
Improved back alley lighting could help to dissuade problem activity associated with alcohol and drug use.
Staggered closing hours may help to diffuse the impact of a common closing time.
Working with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to create stricter alcohol licensing conditions.
The Albion Hotel’s Downtown Wash Down should be expanded to include more members of the entertainment district participating in clean ups more often.
Long term the city needs to change the dynamic in Downtown so that it makes more sense financially to operate a business or service other than a bar. Within the last 10-15 years Guelph has seen two former banks, a large furniture store and a movie cinema transform themselves into bars. This is partly because no other business model makes sense.
The GNTF would be happy to consider any other ideas that will help to make Downtown Guelph a clean, safe and hospitable place to live, work and play. Ian
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