CBRM study aims to improve downtown Sydney

Cape Breton Regional Municipality is launching a study that will look at ways to improve Sydney's downtown core. 

The staff report will look at everything from parking to overhead wires to infrastructure improvements and even residential development.

Mayor Cecil Clarke says with the ongoing planning for a possible container terminal and a second cruise ship berth in the new year, it's important to prepare for the future.

"If we are going to be competing, as we are, for people to come here from around the world, we have to be a world class community," Clarke said. "We have to improve our baseline infrastructure of roads and sidewalks and signage and lighting — and that adds to their quality of life and living."

The study will involve consultation with business owners and residents.

Parking shortage

Ed Gillis, who runs a small used bookstore on Charlotte Street, says his biggest concerns are the shortage of parking spots and current use of metered parking by the municipality.

"For a small business like mine, if people are willing to spend a few dollars and all of a sudden they have to pay a parking ticket, it reflects on my business considerably," Gillis said.

Gillis says he hopes the study will result in a more vibrant and business-friendly downtown — and Clarke agrees.

"We also need to make the downtown a liveable downtown, which means looking for mixed use so it's not just retail and services," Clarke said.

"It's residential, whether that's more condominiums [or] apartment buildings to make it a liveable community."

The mayor says he expects the study will be ready for regional council approval in time for budget talks in the spring.