The owners of one downtown Deep River business say they want to work with the town to find “solutions that benefit the entire community.”
But they warn that removing most of the downtown angle parking in favour of wider sidewalks will result in more businesses closing and more vacant storefronts.
John and Melinda Reith, owners of Toby and Bella’s Pet Supply on Champlain Street, launched a petition on proposed changes to downtown parking when the issue was first raised in the spring of 2023.
The petition received more than 1,700 signatures, “clearly demonstrating that these changes are widely unpopular and perceived as harmful to downtown businesses,” they say in a letter to council on this week’s agenda.
“Many customers have stated bluntly that if parking is reduced and shopping becomes less convenient, they will simply shop elsewhere.”
Now that the town is again collecting public feedback on proposals for downtown revitalization, the Reiths say that “while we understand the goal of improving safety, accessibility, and pedestrian experience, we believe this can be accomplished without eliminating parking.”
The Reiths say Deep River is “unique” and serves a wider community of about 7,000 people, “many of whom are seniors with age related mobility challenges.”
“Our downtown businesses primarily serve local residents, not tourists, and for many customers, shopping trips involve carrying heavier purchases such as pet food, groceries, or household items.
“They don’t care if it’s pretty, they just want accessible and safe”…
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