To the Editor,
Re: ‘Barney Building’ sitting idle, Aug. 2.
I have truly been enjoying our downtown core for the past five years now.
From the waterfront, to Commercial Street to Heritage Mews, our downtown is definitely a fun place to visit. It’s growing with so many interesting little shops and tasty cafés that I find myself heading downtown more often.
Regarding the Barney Building, I would love to see a public market located in that spot.
An atmosphere not unlike Coombs Country Market or Granville Island Market would make a great tourist attraction as well as another fun alternative for locals.
However, accessible parking would need to be considered as well as keeping a balanced blend of good quality vendors.
If retail shops go in, it would be wise to choose popular stores like Lululemon or Urban Outfitters to be a magnet for shoppers.
There are a large number of local teens and young adults who travel to Victoria and Vancouver to shop at those stores.
Popular retail outlets such as these would draw shoppers to downtown from all over the Island.
Sherri Prevost
Nanaimo
