The Bank of Montreal’s decision to move out of downtown St. Catharines is a stark warning sign of what could become a broader decline in the city’s core if proactive measures aren’t taken.
For years, BMO has been a reliable anchor in downtown St. Catharines, serving not just as a financial institution but as a critical component of the local business ecosystem. Its departure leaves a gaping hole, and the ramifications for local businesses and residents are significant.
Businesses in the downtown core, many of whom have built their operations around the accessibility and convenience of a nearby bank, now face the burden of having to drive out of their way to manage their finances. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it disrupts daily operations, increases costs, and takes valuable time away from running their businesses. The simple act of walking to the bank during work hours—a luxury many downtown business owners have enjoyed for years—is now replaced with the need to carve out time for a drive, often outside of regular business hours. This shift not only affects the efficiency of these businesses but also erodes the sense of community and connectivity that has traditionally been a hallmark of downtown St. Catharines.
The silence from Chris Bittle and Jennie Stevens on this issue is deafening. As elected representatives, they should be the first to step up and address the concerns of their constituents, particularly when it involves such a critical issue as the economic vitality of downtown. Yet, their lack of engagement on social media and absence from the public conversation about this significant loss is deeply concerning. It begs the question: where are they when the people of St. Catharines need them most?
It is not enough for Bittle and Stevens to remain passive observers. They should have actively work with the city council to develop and implement strategies that would have prevented this further erosion of the downtown business community. This includes creating incentives for businesses to stay, exploring ways to attract new enterprises, and ensuring that the city becomes an attractive place for both businesses and residents.
Their inaction not only shows a disconnect from the immediate needs of their constituents but also signals a broader lack of vision for the future of St. Catharines. The departure of BMO should have been a rallying cry for action—a call for everyone to come together and find solutions that will preserve the vibrancy and economic health of downtown. Instead, what we are seeing is a missed opportunity to lead, to engage, and to protect the interests of the community they were elected to serve.
If this trend continues, St. Catharines will losing more than just businesses; it risks losing the very character that makes it unique. Empty storefronts, declining foot traffic, and a even more weakened local economy could become the new norm if our leaders do not step up to the challenge. Bittle and Stevens must realize that their roles require more than just maintaining the status quo; they must be proactive, innovative, and, most importantly, present in the conversations that matter most to the people of St. Catharines.
The time for action is now. The community cannot afford to wait any longer for its representatives to wake up to the realities facing downtown St. Catharines. It’s time for Bittle and Stevens to prove that they are not just placeholders in their positions but true advocates for the future of this city. Their silence is not only unacceptable but a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the people of St. Catharines. It’s time for them to step up, speak out, and take decisive action before it’s too late.
Remember, your vote is a powerful tool that can shape the future of St. Catharines. When the time comes, I urge you to use it in support of me as I have laid out a clear and actionable roadmap detailing my intentions and vision for our city.
You can choose to stick with the status quo, which means more of the same inaction, or you can vote for real change with a plan that prioritizes our community! .
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